SAMSUNG CUP JEET LO DIL India-Pakistan 2004
Green tops don't bother Ganguly
PTI/BBC Online, Multan
India cricket captain Sou-rav Ganguly, forced to wat-ch India re-cord a historic win against Pakistan from the sidelines, praised his bowlers for bowling out the formidable opposition twice on what was a perfect batting track.Ganguly, suffering from a back injury and ruled out of the first two Tests, followed India's progress keenly and was thrilled to see his young team register India's first win on Pakistani soil in nearly 50 years. "The bowlers -- Anil Kumble, Irfan Pathan, Laxmipathy Balaji, Zaheer Khan -- all bowled with confidence. Finishing the match on a flat wicket in just over four days is an achievement. "It was good to see the bowlers bowling the opposition out twice on such a flat track," Ganguly said after India registered a huge innings and 52-run victory. "I am as happy as any other member of the team," he said. "It is a fantastic feeling. Winning the one-day series and the first Test after coming to the country after 15 years is superb." Ganguly said it would not be a problem for India even if Pakistan prepare green tops for the remainder of the three-match Test series to support its famed bowling line-up. "I have always said green wickets are good for us. It is not going to make much of a difference to us. "We are here just because of the hard work we have put in and we are enjoying it." On his lower back injury, Ganguly said he was hoping to be back to the team for the third Test. Ganguly will see a specialist over the coming days to assess the injury. "It's better now. But there is still some stiffness. I am keeping my fingers crossed and hoping to be fit for the third Test. "I really want to be part of this series and be there with the team doing well," he said. Ganguly was carried off the field on a stretcher during last week's final one-day international. He travelled to Lahore for initial scans which showed no serious damage, but returned to Multan to be with the team for their historic win. "It is a fantastic feeling to come to Pakistan after 15 years, win the one-day series and now this first Test," he said. One-day specialist Mohammad Kaif will join the 15-man squad for the second Test, starting in Lahore next Monday. Vice-captain Rahul Dravid, who steered the side to victory in the first Test, will remain in charge for the second.
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