The Hindu : Sport / Cricket : Middle-order cost us the series: Kumble

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Middle-order cost us the series: Kumble

Colombo: Anil Kumble, the Indian captain, said the failure of the middle-order to click collectively and consistently had cost the side a rare opportunity to win a Test series in Sri Lanka.

“The batsmen did not do well,” said Kumble. “And that cost us the series. The middle order not getting the runs proved critical. Our batting was never consistent. Even in Galle, where we were 170 for no loss and should have made 400. And we can’t lose five wickets in 40 overs, and that has happened a few times.”

Was he surprised that Sachin Tendulkar and Sourav Ganguly failed to total 100 runs in six innings? “It is not Sachin and Sourav alone, it is important for everyone to contribute. The middle and lower order let us down. To start against two spinners is not easy and it was important for batsmen who got starts to carry on.”

Kumble said that Ajantha Mendis had made a difference; but he was no mystery bowler. “It was not easy to pick runs when Mendis and Murali are bowling together. The pressure they created made it tough. Mendis is no mystery, but it was great effort to pick 26 wickets.”

Too early

Asked about the umpire referral system, Kumble said, “It is too early to say anything. There are teething problems with technology. It is not a 100 per cent and that’s for sure.”

Did he think the leg-before decision must be exempt from referral? “We will then start picking what to go to for the TV umpire,” replied the leg-spinner. “We will have to see whether ball tracking is 100 per cent and if it picks height and distance, and whether it can be judged on television. I am sure people will sit down and discuss the problems.”

Kumble, who took full responsibility for his performance, said all three departments needed work before the home series against Australia later this year. “We need to see how we can get runs. It was not a great series for our batsmen. We have a month and a half for the next series against Australia and that gives us lot of time to think.”

What would he take consolation from? “The bowlers poured their hearts out and it was tough on them,” said Kumble.

“Ishant was brilliant, and his injury didn’t help, Zaheer showed a lot of character. And Bhajji’s (Harbhajan) performance after what had happened to him in the last two months, and for him to comeback well, was exceptional.” — Special Correspondent

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