Sehwag - 'Our aim was to play out time'
Virender Sehwag destroyed Pakistan's morale on the third morning, lashing the bowlers to all parts
Cricinfo staff
10-Mar-2005
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Virender Sehwag destroyed Pakistan's morale on the third morning, lashing the bowlers to all parts. When he did fall, on 173, he had already done his bit. He spoke to the press at the end of the third day.
On his innings
Our aim was to play out time, and I'm glad we did that. It was in the team's interest to just stay at the crease, and so we did.
Our aim was to play out time, and I'm glad we did that. It was in the team's interest to just stay at the crease, and so we did.
On his dismissal
It was disappointing, but it's part of the game. If you go out and play your natural game, you're bound to get a ball at some point that gets you out. All it takes is a ball.
It was disappointing, but it's part of the game. If you go out and play your natural game, you're bound to get a ball at some point that gets you out. All it takes is a ball.
On why India batted slowly
Well, firstly, we were careful at the end because we did not want to lose all our top-order batsmen, we wanted someone to be there who could accelerate tomorrow. Secondly, they took the new ball late, after 120 overs. The old ball is softer, the shine goes, and it become difficult to score with it.
Well, firstly, we were careful at the end because we did not want to lose all our top-order batsmen, we wanted someone to be there who could accelerate tomorrow. Secondly, they took the new ball late, after 120 overs. The old ball is softer, the shine goes, and it become difficult to score with it.
India's strategy now
I think we are in a good position. We will now aim to raise the run-rate in the morning session tomorrow. A lead of 250 or 300 will be enough to put Pakistan under pressure.
I think we are in a good position. We will now aim to raise the run-rate in the morning session tomorrow. A lead of 250 or 300 will be enough to put Pakistan under pressure.
On the pitch
It's still a good pitch, the ball is coming on well to the bat. Our bowlers won't get as much help from it in the second innings as they had in the first. They will need to bowl a good line and length, and be patient. It will be difficult for Pakistan to play two days.
It's still a good pitch, the ball is coming on well to the bat. Our bowlers won't get as much help from it in the second innings as they had in the first. They will need to bowl a good line and length, and be patient. It will be difficult for Pakistan to play two days.
On Sachin Tendulkar missing his century
We were all waiting for him to get his century. We were unhappy when he got out, and so was he.
We were all waiting for him to get his century. We were unhappy when he got out, and so was he.