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This is an archive article published on January 22, 2004

Ponting admits team needs an overhaul

Australian captain Ricky Ponting today conceded that his bowlers have failed to execute the plans against the in-form Indian batsmen but sai...

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Australian captain Ricky Ponting today conceded that his bowlers have failed to execute the plans against the in-form Indian batsmen but said his world champion team was not 8220;too far away8221; from taking early wickets and putting the opposition under pressure.

8220;We probably have not bowled as well as we could and our execution with some of our plans with some of their players has not been as good,8221; Ponting said on the eve of the triangular series match against India. 8220;I don8217;t think its going to be too far away before you see us take a few early wickets and get them under pressure. So far right through the summer that has not happened,8221; he said.

Ponting exhorted his players to keep their noses in front against India tomorrow. 8220;It8217;s been a good, even contest right through the summer in Test and one-day cricket and we8217;d just like to get our noses back in front before the finals come around,8221; said Ponting after his side had a strenuous training session at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

India raked up a 300-plus total against Australia at the Gabba on Sunday which set up their 19-run win over the world champions.

Ponting admitted that the Indian batting has given them no chance whatsoever in the present summer and it has been hard work for his bowlers. 8220;The stand-out thing, the difference so far is just how well they have batted. They haven8217;t given us a chance, really.8221;

Australia8217;s misery has been mirrored in the form of express fast bowler Brett Lee who has been taken to the cleaners by the Indian batsmen. But ponting declared that lee was not going to be dropped for tomorrow8217;s match.

8220;He Lee was disappointed with the way he bowled in Brisbane. But he8217;ll take the new ball tomorrow. I just think it is his length more than anything else. He was either bowling too full or too short. He wasn8217;t really hitting that in-between length,8221; Ponting said.

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8220;We need someone at the top of the order going on to make a big score in every game and have the other guys bat around them,8221; Ponting said, adding, 8220;We know we have to do it against India. If you get on top against them, you can score heavily but if you let them get on top, they are a hard side to beat.8221;

 

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