Sunday, December 21, 2008

INDIA VS ENGLAND 2nd TEST DEC 2008:-GARY KIRSTEN'S STRATEGY


Removing in-form Kevin Pietersen and Andrew Flintoff in the last two overs has raised India's hopes of win as India coach Gary Kirsten said his team would look to take a significant lead to wrap up the final match of the two-Test series against England.


"We are 170-odd ahead and in a strong position. We would like to have a significant second innings lead. We need those four wickets tomorrow and if we can get them easily, it would give us more time," Kirsten said after the third days play.


England were going strong at 280 for four before they lost Pietersen and Flintoff in the last two overs of the day to slump to 282 for six.


"Being one up in the series, we can play into a situation where we make sure that we are in a strong position. We would like to play a winning cricket.


"Two late wickets were significant for us. Both of them were playing unbelievably well and it was one of Pietersens greatest Test match centuries. Those two wickets helped us turn around and now we are in a strong position," Kirsten said as Pietersen and Flintoff had added 149 runs for the fifth wicket.


Kirsten was told about the Perth Test in which South Africa beat Australia by six wickets. Asked if Australia now can still claim to be the number one side, Kirsten said, "I would not say that they are no more the number one side."


"They are still the number one team and a good Test side. But at the same time, its great to see other teams beating them. This is good for the game. Being a South African, I'm also delighted that my country chased down such a huge target."

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