Third test is beyond our reach says Gaekwad
Posted: Tuesday January 05, 1999 02:38 PM
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Javagal Srinath's first innings of 76 was more useful than his bowling figures of 1 for 62 AP |
HAMILTON, New Zealand (AP) -- India's coach Aunshuman Gaekwad admitted the team's hopes of winning the third test against New Zealand were all but gone after his bowlers failed to dislodge a stubborn New Zealand batting lineup Tuesday.
New Zealand batted the game out of India's reach on the fourth day as it posted a 273-run lead with four second innings wickets still intact.
New Zealand was 323 for six at stumps on the penultimate day after recovering from 85 for four in the morning.
Indian bowlers let the game slip away after New Zealand was effectively 35 for four before lunch after the visitors had gained a 50-run lead in the first innings.
"It will be difficult from here," Gaekwad conceded. "It is disappointing. This is not the first time it has happened in the series. We let the second test slip away too."
Gaekwad blamed his bowlers for giving a lot of width on both sides of the wicket and felt the game slipped away from his side after it conceded 127 runs in the post-lunch session without taking a wicket.
A record 140-run stand between Craig McMillan and Adam Parore saved face for New Zealand while an unfinished 98-run partnership between Chris Cairns and Dion Nash sealed India's hopes.
"If we had bowled on one side of the wicket things would have been different for us," Gaekwad said.
Gaekwad said there was a remote possibility that India might chase any target on the last day but depended on how quickly his bowlers could run through the New Zealand lower-order.
"We got nothing to lose. We are already 0-1 down and it won't make a big difference if we lose 2-0 after trying," the former Indian opener said.
"I don't think you deserve to win after bowling badly.
"Our body language changed when things weren't going our way. We can only talk about it but the fighting qualities have to come within."
Copyright 2003 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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