Tim Nielsen
Australia head coach Tim Nielsen analyses day one of the 2008-09 India-Australia Test series
Thursday, October 09, 2008
'Honours even after day one'
Tim Nielsen, 39, is regarded a hard task master when it comes to performance and discipline. The former South Australia wicketkeeper spent three years as assistant to his predecessor John Buchanan, and knows what it takes to mould a champion team.
This is his first-ever tour of India as head coach of Australia. Nielsen has already experienced the intensity of the India-Australia rivalry in the previous series held down under.
In an exclusive interview with Neo Cricket, Nielsen analysed the day’s play and spoke highly about skipper Ricky Ponting.
On Ponting
It is great for the team that he has scored runs but it is even greater for him (personally) to get amongst the runs in India. Sometimes there are upsets. People start taking potshots and try to knock him (Ponting) down. But we all know how great a player he is. He was in prime form in 2001 and 2004 but was unfortunate to miss out. We all can throw ideas around but
On Katich
Katos was familiar with the pitch as he plays in Sydney where the wickets are a little bit slow. He is enjoyed a considerable amount of success in the West Indies recently where the pitches are very similar in nature. We were confident that he was going to perform well. We lost Haydos (Matthew Hayden) early but it was great to see Ponting and Katich put on a record partnership for us here in Bangalore.
On the pitch
The pitch looked hard and true hence I expected that the wicket will have some bounce and carry after I examined it this morning. I think it will get slower as the game progresses and getting a good total in the first innings will be great. It was a nice toss to win and start the series.
On match situation
We are in a position from which we can manage to get a good score. A couple of guys need to go in and score quickly. If we score around 450 and if Haddin and the tailenders come good it will be great. Overall day one was a pretty even day.
