Stumped for an answer, over to hope

Australia ran up a huge total of 558 to take a 192-run first innings lead over India and then reduced the visitors to 27 for two to take firm control of the match.

But Kumble was optimistic of his team, 1-0 up in the four-match series, staging a fightback.

“Four of our middle-order batsmen are still in tact. Three of them have hit centuries while one is yet to fire as not too worried about the condition of the track saying “the wicket is still good, there are no great footmarks.

“We are positive. It could have been nice to keep intact all the 10 wickets but if we can have a good start tomorrow, we would be able to put up a decent score.”

“If we could get the runs the game could still be open. It has started to keep a bit low. It might do a bit more on the last day.”

Kumble was “satisifed” with his effort in the field today and was relieved that the aussies did not run away to a much bigger total.

“It has been satisfying to have another good day in the field personally and restrict that lead to 192 which could have been bigger had we not plugged away today.

“We had a hard day yesterday and needed to come back to pick early wickets. If we had not got Steve Waugh at that stage it would have been longer.”

Kumble got Waugh for 19 when he had him trapped leg before and Australia, from 502 for five at one stage were restricted to 558 all out.