Sydney, Jan 3: James Pattinson, who already has two Man-of-the-Match awards from his first three Tests, was once again the strike bowler for Australia. The young speedster claimed the top four Indian wickets, including that of Sachin Tendulkar, to help wrap up the Indian innings for a paltry 191 runs.
Excerpts from his interview to the TV broadcasters at stumps on Day 1:
On playing Test cricket
It is just a humbling experience to be involved in Test cricket. It gets no better than to play against the Indian team which has the best batting line-up in the world. To succeed against them gives me great confidence.
On Day 1 at the SCG
I think we have set ourselves up pretty well in the Test match here. I think you can get a good partnership between Michael [Clarke] and Ricky [Ponting] tomorrow to go past that [Indian] total.
On whether there was a plan to bowl to Sachin Tendulkar
My plan for most batsmen is to try and get full. I think the wicket in the first Test match and here, they have all been sort of [suited] to full-pitched bowling. We want to bounce them well and have them caught on the crease with the fuller ball. That’s going to be our aim. [...]
On whether the wicket surprised him
Not too much, there was more swing than seam. It was a little bit slower early on but it did pick up once the sun got up. Now it’s dry out there and quite good to bat on.
On whether he was looking for another Man-of-the-Match award
Not looking at that but I am going to try my best [in the] second innings to get as many wickets as I can.
