Victory best way to show Bradman respect, says Waugh

Australian captain Steve Waugh said on Thursday their victory over India was the best way for his team to show its respect to Sir Donald Bradman, who died last Sunday.

"We thought the best way to show respect to Sir Don was play top quality Test cricket," Waugh told reporters after completing a 10-wicket victory in the first Test with two days remaining.

"The way (Adam) Gilchrist batted yesterday I am sure there were a few glimpses of how Sir Don used to play," he said referring to his deputy's aggressive 122 that put Australia in command on the second day.

He complimented his team for playing outstanding cricket to wriggle out of testing moments in the match.

"It is as good a Test win as I have ever been involved in," he said.

"There were some tough times. Even today the Test was hanging in the balance with Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid batting," Waugh added.

Australia extended their world record of consecutive Test wins to 16 and successfully completed the first part of their task to win the three-match series in India to end a 31-year drought.

Waugh said receiving the news of Bradman's death the day before the match started was also significant for Australia's performance.

"We got lots of messages from Australia and everyone told us to carry on and play good cricket."

Waugh said Gilchrist's knock symbolised how his team played the game.

"Anybody who has faith in the Australian team would not have been worried at that point. I was confident we would do okay in the end because we never worry about the scoreboard, stick to our gameplan and rely on our natural talent."

The current Australian team are considered by many experts as the best in cricket history, though Waugh himself has said his team will be judged by their performance in the ongoing series.

He said his team's strength lay in their never-say-die attitude.

"Though we did not get any wickets in the first session today when (Sachin) Tendulkar and (Rahul) Dravid were batting, I was sure if we carried on bowling and kept the pressure up, wickets would come," he said.

"I am very proud we pulled it off the way we did because if we had lapsed in concentration even for 10 minutes today, they may have taken the game away from us."

Tendulkar and Dravid batted out the first session on Thursday in a 97-run third wicket partnership that raised Indian hopes of regaining the edge.

But Tendulkar was out when Ricky Ponting held a brilliant catch after a pull shot bounced off short-leg fielder Justin Langer.

"I think his wicket was a big turning point," Waugh said.

"He was a bit unlucky but all credit goes to Ponting for taking advantage of the chance to come up with a great catch."

Australia are looking for their first Test series win in India in 31 years and Waugh said he was happy the campaign had begun in the right manner.

"We have learnt a lot more about playing cricket in India since last time," he said.

"We don't allow ourselves to get unsettled now when the crowds start rooting for their team after they hit a good shot. We just take a deep breath and concentrate on the next ball," Waugh said.

"I think we are enjoying ourselves a great deal in India this time. I think that's being reflected in our game."

Mail Cricket Editor