India have the edge, admits Haddin
December 27th, 2011 - 7:03 pm ICT by IANS
Melbourne, Dec 27 (IANS) Australian wicket-keeper batsman Brad Haddin conceded that India are slightly ahead in the first Test, though Sachin Tendulkar’s prized scalp in the day’s last over has lifted their confidence going into Day Three.
India ended Day Two of the Boxing Day Test at 214 for three with Tendulkar missing out on the elusive hundred yet again. Peter Siddle castled his stumps off third ball of the final over, giving Australia something to cheer about on a day that belonged to the visitors. The master blaster made 73 while Rahul Dravid, who was lucky to be bowled by Siddle off a no-ball, remained unbeaten on 68.
Haddin (27) was the first wicket to fall after Australia resumed the day at 277 for six, going to make 333 in the first innings.
Haddin, talking about Australia’s strategy for Wednesday, said the team will look to build pressure on the Indian batsmen by bowling tight and will attack once they get the new ball which is due in 15.3 overs.
“There is still some time left for the new ball but we can create the pressure by allowing them not to score tomorrow morning. We need to get into their middle order very quickly. India might have the edge as of now but the match will be evenly poised if we play well in the first session,” Haddin told reporters at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).
On Tendulkar’s wicket, Haddin said: “It was a big, big breakthrough late in the day. He was batting really well and Siddle bowled a brilliant ball to send him back. He (Siddle) showed great character to come back in that manner after the no-ball to Dravid.”
The lack of Decision Review System (DRS) in the series has become a big talking point following dismissals of Ed Cowan and Michael Hussey on the opening day. Haddin did not pay much heed to the raging issue.
“Michael Hussey was out, we saw him walking off yesterday. Its the rule of the series. It is as simple as that. Life goes on.”
The 34-year-old added that they did well in the end to post 333, and complimented Dravid and Tendulkar for their 117-run stand.
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Tags: boxing day, boxing day test, breakthrough, cowan, dismissals, dravid, drs, first test, indian batsmen, master blaster, match, mcg, melbourne cricket ground, michael hussey, opening day, sachin tendulkar, siddle, stumps, tomorrow morning, wicket keeper