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If we’re patient, there’ll be nine chances: Strauss
Though it was a “big moment” for him, Andrew Strauss preferred to dwell equally, if not more, on Virender Sehwag’s knock, which by the England opener’s admittance, had allowed India to take a shot at victory, reports Anand Vasu.
Though it was a “big moment” for him, Andrew Strauss preferred to dwell equally, if not more, on Virender Sehwag’s knock, which by the England opener’s admittance, had allowed India to take a shot at victory.Excerpts from the press conference:
On his innings
Yes, it is a big moment for me today. To do it alongside (Paul) Collingwood in a pretty difficult situation for the team made it more special. Every player goes through ups and downs. Certainly 2007 was a tough year for me. I never for one moment thought that I wasn't good enough to play for England again. Doing the right things, being patient and making sure you make it count when you're in good form, I'm certainly playing a lot better this year.
On Sehwag’s knock
Sehwag is exceptional. He always takes the game to the opposition and plays a game that most people are unfamiliar with. He rode his luck a little bit. But that's the kind of player he is. He’s got a style of play that is exceptionally pleasing to watch if you’re not in the opposite team. You say he has given India a sniff of victory but from our point of view we’re still pretty confident of picking up nine wickets. There’s a lot happening in the pitch. If we remain patient and keep doing the right things, there are going to be nine opportunities. It's just about making sure we take those.
On setting a field to Sehwag
He almost manipulates field. He sees where you've put a fielder and says, 'right I'm going to hit it somewhere else now.' It is very tricky for a captain. We had fields set but he went over the heads of the fielders.
On the wickets England were looking forward to on Monday
(Gautam) Gambhir would be nice. There are many experienced campaigners in this line-up and (Rahul) Dravid and (Sachin) Tendulkar would be important for us. But as I said there is lot happening in the wicket and if we remain patient there will be opportunities.