Leg spinner Anil Kumble said his first five-wicket haul on Australian soil was a result of his new-found patience but admitted that his effort came a day late.
| |||||||||||
"I was a lot more defensive in the approach in setting the field even though as a bowler I was attacking," Kumble said.
"But I think it came a day late. I am satisfied with my performance but would have been happier had it been three wickets on the first day and five in the innings," he said.
The 32-year-old's five wicket haul may silence his critics after his dismal last tour when he picked up a total of five wickets at an average of 90.00.
"I would still be criticised so I am not worried about what anyone says about me. It's important to contribute for the team and I'm happy I could take five wickets though it has been very expensive.
"I came on this tour just to enjoy myself and whenever given a chance I would like to contribute. I'm happy I've started well on the tour," he said.
The Karnataka bowler credited Terry Jenner, coach of Shane Warne, whom he met on the eve of the Test, in shaping his approach going into this game.
"Thanks to Shane Warne, I had the opportunity to meet up with him (Jenner). I discussed leg-spin bowling and he was very helpful to share his experience and thoughts on how I should be bowling," Kumble said.
The veteran bowler, who missed out the lone spinner's berth to Harbhajan Singh in the first Test, said he is a more experienced campaigner now.
"The difference between the last tour and the present one is I'm far more experienced. I've realised the field placements and the approach has to be a lot more patient especially on a wicket like this on the first day of the Test match."
Kumble said he was attacking far more on the first day than he should have as Australia raced to a total of 400 for five.
"We didn't expect them to get 400 runs yesterday. I had couple of men inside the ring and sensed a chance when Ponting hit me for a couple of fours. So I kept attacking. But I was far more defensive today," he said.
The spinner was optimistic that the Indian batsmen would rise to the challenge tomorrow though the wicket is likely to assist bowlers on the last two days of the Test.
"It's still a very good wicket and probably the first session tomorrow is going to be crucial. The first target obviously is to avoid the follow-on. We should be able to put up a good total... It all depends on Rahul and Laxman to start with and then we (tailenders) have to contribute as well.
"There will be a lot more for the bowlers on the fourth and fifth day, probably it would keep a bit low and there might be a lot more spin," Kumble said.
