The Hindu : Sport : ‘It feels good to win the series’

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Monday, Oct 15, 2007
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Sport

‘It feels good to win the series’

Special Correspondent

Symonds is a changed player: Ponting
We struggled with partnerships: Dhoni

Nagpur: Man of the Match Andrew Symonds said, “It feels good to win the series and I am proud to be a part of the group.”

He conceded this innings of his was special. “The wickets fell at wrong times and it really helped me to knuckle down a bit and build a big total.”

Symonds said the tour had been competitive and hard. On the question of alleged racist taunts by a section of the crowd in Vadorara, Symonds said he was disappointed when people on the ground said the incident had not happened.

Aussie captain Ricky Ponting said his side was able to build partnerships and take wickets at crucial junctures.

“Games change quickly in this part of the world. But Symonds’ innings was a defining one for him.

From what he was five to six years ago, he is a changed player.”

Ponting said, “We pulled back the runs in the middle overs. The spinners bowled well and it made a difference.”

The skipper went on, “Hogg made a significant contribution but I can’t single out anyone. Mitchell (Johnson) and Lee also played well.”

A surprise

On Irfan Pathan being promoted, he said, “It was a bit surprising because we always want to send our best batsmen at the start.”

India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni said, “Sachin (Tendulkar) and Sourav (Ganguly) got out at the wrong time and we struggled with partnerships. The asking rate was always high and it is difficult for the batsmen to come in and strike straightaway.”

Asked about Rahul Dravid’s poor run in this series, Dhoni replied, “He is going through a tough time. But it happens with all batsmen. This is not an issue and he will be back in form.”

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