By IANS,
Bangalore : A buoyant Simon Katich made Australia’s intentions clear, saying they would continue in the same vein Friday to put the pressure on India.
Australia made 254 at stumps on day one of the first Test here Thursday.
It has been a satisfying first day’s play for the Australian batsmen, who led by skipper Ricky Ponting’s maiden hundred in India, mastered the Indian attack.
“We would look to score around 400 on Friday and see how we can put pressure on
India,” said Katich.
Katich, who tipped Phil Jacques for the opening slot, along with Ponting consolidated the Australian innings with a 166-run second-wicket partnership after Matthew Hayden’s third ball dismissal.
“It was a good wicket to bat on. But it will keep low and take spin later on. The wicket is dry with some cracks which will open up as the game progresses,” he said.
Katich said their training in Jaipur and Hyderabad came handy to ground their heels on the first day.
“We had some good hits in Hyderabad. The camp in Jaipur helped us immensely in adapting to the conditions.”
Indian pacer Ishant Sharma said they would be hoping to take early wickets with the new ball.
“The wicket is slow and you need to bowl with patience on such wickets. We will look to clean them up as early as possible tomorrow morning,” said the lanky bowler.
“We will have to strike in the first one and half hour of play. If we can make early inroads, we will be able to contain them.”
Ishant, who troubled Ponting early in his innings, said he was happy with his day’s work.