By IANS,
New Delhi : After picking three crucial wickets to put Australia on the back-foot by the end of the third day’s play at the Kotla, Virender Sehwag said it will be tough for the visitors to save the third Test.
“We would love to have a lead of 200 runs because it will be very difficult for them to survive the last two sessions in the fourth innings,” Sehwag said.
Sehwag was brought into the attack after skipper Anil Kumble left the field with an injury to his left little finger. Sehwag, who failed with bat, took everyone by surprise with his gentle off-spin and accounted for Matthew Hayden (83), Ricky Ponting (87) and Mike Hussey (53) to end the day with three for 66 in 22 overs.
“After Anil left the field someone had to step in , so I took the responsibility. My role was to restrict the batsmen but I got some turn. It was after a long time I bowled more than 20 overs.”
Despite picking three important wickets, Sehwag said he is not content with his performance as he failed to contribute with the bat. “As a batsman my job was to score runs. And no batsman is satisfied if he fails to do so,” he said.
Asked, which wicket he cherished the most , Sehwag said: “Hayden’s wicket was very important because he is known for playing big innings. I am also happy that I dismissed Ponting because had these two went on to score big centuries, it would have been difficult for us.”
The 30-year-old Delhi captain also said that Harbhajan Singh’s presence would have added to the Australians’ misery.
“Had he been fit, Australia would have been all out by now,” he said.
On Gautam Gambhir’s one-Test ban, Sehwag said: “Test ban is harsh. Match fine would have been better.”