Target: Ganguly!
Rifat Jawaid in Calcutta
Australian cricket captain Steve Waugh said on Saturday that the suspension
of batsman Michael Slater by match referee Cammie Smith was an official
decision and he had no comments to make on it.
The Australian opening bartsman has been given a one-match suspension and a
fine of 50 per cent of his match fees for violating the players’ Code of
Conduct. Slater had shown his frustration in a somewhat violent manner when
the third umpire tunred down his controversial catch of Rahul Dravid during
the Bombay Test.
Speaking to the media on the eve of the second Test, Waugh expressed his optimism that his side would perform well at the Eden Gardens and increase the lead to 2-0. He said that despite being 1-0 up in the series, there was no room for complacency.
“I am sure the boys will play well at the Eden Gardens tomorrow. The
pitch looks good and we will try to use it to our maximum advantage. My
feeling is that Colin (Miller) would be quite handy on this track, but his
inclusion in the team will be decided after we have another look at the track," Waugh said.
Talking of the second Test, Waugh said, “While the lead gives us an edge, don’t forget the Indians will enjoy home support. Saurav hails from Calcutta, so the crowd should be rallying in their thousands behind him and his team. But the great team is
one which emerges victorious against all odds, and we hope to be remembered as a great team,” Waugh observed.
In response to a question abut Ganguly's batting in the first Test, Waugh said it was up to him to find his form in his home ground. He added that he would target the Indian captain, to put pressure on his opponents.
On the absence of Srinath, Waugh said that it was the Indians’
‘headache’ to worry about how would they fill the void created by the
former.
“ I don’t think they have many options. They have to make do with
whatever choices are available to them,” he said.
The charismatic Aussie skipper said that the psychological battle
would be as important as the cricketing one, at the Gardens.
On team composition, Waugh said the team would be having a meeting later today to decide the final eleven. He felt that the number eleven spot would be decided between Kasprowicz, Miller and Fleming.
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