'Disappointed not to have carried on'
First Published : 10 Jul 2011, 15:07
Last Modified : 30 Nov 2011, 09:37
Dominica, July 9: Abhinav Mukund posted his maiden half-century in Test cricket with a knock of 62 in India’s first innings in the Dominica Test against the West Indies. Speaking to Ian Bishop on the official broadcast channel at the end of play on Day 3, Mukund expressed his disappointment at not being able to convert his hard-fought fifty to a significantly higher score.
Excerpts from the conversation:
On his knock for India in the first innings
I played well. I did all the hard work but I’m disappointed not to have carried on. I thought I could have played a better shot to that ball but I guess it happens. I thought I played well but I am disappointed.
On having improved through the course of the series
Definitely. That’s the whole idea - of me spending a lot of time in the middle, looking to see the new ball through and making it easier for my mates out there. I’m getting a lot of good starts – I’ve got a 20, a 40, a 60 – you may call that going from strength to strength but I am disappointed.
On handling Fidel Edwards in the opening spell on Day 3
I think he bowls really fast. I’ve not played this kind of fast bowling ever before. It was a good challenge that morning. And once I got through that phase, with Ravi Rampaul not there in the attack, it was much easier to play out the spinners.
On the pitch conditions in Dominica
Definitely different from Barbados. Looks more like an Indian wicket. There’s turn but also a little bit of bounce for the spinners, not as threatening as Barbados. I guess it’s slow and difficult to milk runs on this wicket.
On having made an adjustment to his technique for Dominica
Actually, yes. When I went out to bat yesterday I was still used to the bounce in Barbados. [Today] there was a conscious effort to plant the foot more in front because the ball was not bouncing as much and more balls were pitched up. There was a conscious effort to move forward.
On being selected for the tour to England
Definitely exciting because a lot of senior players are coming back – Sachin [Tendulkar], [Virender] Sehwag, Zaheer [Khan]. So I’m really excited to be sharing the dressing room with them. It’s touted as one of the greatest tours, so I’m really excited to be part of it.
On the lead Team India would like to get on the West Indies in their first innings
We’re looking at however many runs come our way. Weather permitting and no more rain from now on, it should be a good Test match considering that there are two full days left to play in this game.
