Ganguly plays down SA spin problems

Indian captain Saurav Ganguly was quick to play down the inability of South Africa to cope with the visitors' spin attack in their triangular series one- day international on Wednesday.

India claimed a 41-run victory that was spearheaded by the spin attack of Harbhajan Singh and Anil Kumble.

The duo were instrumental in bowling out South Africa for 192 in 46.2 overs as they chased a victory total of 234.

Harbhajan finished with figures of three for 27 in his 10 overs, while Kumble claimed two for 42 in 10 overs, raising serious questions about South Africa's ability to play spin.

But while praising the efforts of Harbhajan and Kumble, Ganguly made a point of putting the performance in perspective.

"Remember, South Africa are the only side in the last 13 years that has beaten India at home," Ganguly said when asked to rate the South African batsmen's ability to play spin.

South Africa captain Shaun Pollock also dismissed any suggestions of a crisis in the home camp.

"I don't think there should be any panic. We play spin well and I think the guys are confident that they can continue to do so," he said.

But it still does not take away from what was a sublime bowling performance by the visitors.

"We bowled pretty well. We bowled a decent line and length. But Anil and Harbhajan were exceptional. I thought Harbhajan bowled fantastically. If they start bowling well it's good for the team," Ganguly said.

"I've always said that they have done well for India with the ball and they did it again, so all praise to them."

But while Ganguly was impressed with his team's fielding, Pollock was less enthusiastic about his own side's performance in that department after they dropped three catches.

"We are putting down too many catches at the moment. It's a disappointing aspect of our game because we always pride ourselves at being good in the field," Pollock said.

"But to be fair, we've had some difficult chances. But with the standards we set for ourselves, we believe we should be taking those catches. It builds pressure if you can take brilliant catches and convert half chances into wickets. It's something we need to work on."

India's tour of South Africa : Complete coverage

Mail Cricket Editor