Indian bowling was suicidal 8212; Tendulkar

GALLE, AUG 23: Despite the disappointment of losing the first match of this triangular series comprehensively, Indian captain Sachin Tendulkar urged fans and critics to show patience. He cited a few reasons for India8217;s poor performance today, none more damning than the one against his bowlers who he felt were more responsible for the defeat than the batsmen.

8220;We did not bat well but in the end, I felt we had reached a reasonable total. But our bowlers bowled too short and on a wicket like this, it was suicidal,8221; Tendulkar said after the match.

Coach Anshuman Gaekwad had nothing to add except: 8220;In the last few days, we have not been able to practice because of rain and the wickets have been too soft for the bowlers to practice.8221;

8220;We are working on these defects and, hopefully, as the tournament progresses, we too will improve,8221; he added.

Are the Indians rusty? Gaekwad nodded: 8220;Look at the Australians. They too appeared jaded in their opening match against Sri Lanka. But today, they were different and played well.8221;