Watson backs bowlers
13 October, 2008

Shane Watson is confident a strong showing from Australia's bowlers will enable the visitors to win the first Test against India.

All-rounder Watson played a leading role on Sunday as Australia finished day four in a strong position.

Having established a 70-run first innings lead by bowling out India for 360 in the morning session, the tourists closed on 5-193 - a lead of 263 with Watson unbeaten on 32.

Some quick runs on Monday morning could lead to a declaration from Ricky Ponting, who will be hoping his bowlers - including Watson - can skittle the Indians in the remaining overs.

Watson, who had figures of 3-45 in India's first innings, certainly believes victory is within sight.

He said: "We are in a good position and we could bat on for an hour."

"But I haven't had a chance to talk to Ricky yet, so I have got no idea what Ricky's plans are."

Watson said 70 overs would be enough time to force a result in Australia's favour.

"If we bowl well, yeah (we can get them out)," he added.

"The ball is reversing pretty quickly and that's very handy for our quicks."

"The wicket is deteriorating a little bit, but nowhere near as much as I personally thought it would."

"But we definitely need to bowl extremely well to bowl the Indians out."

Australia was in danger of losing a grip on proceedings after a middle-order slump but Watson and Brad Haddin put it on the front foot once again with an unbeaten sixth-wicket partnership of 65.

"For me it was (a question of) survival more than anything else," said Watson.


"Zaheer Khan was bowling very well - he was actually bowling very big reverse and the ball was coming into me from around the wicket."

"So, it was hard to survive more than anything. There was no specific plan."

"Harbhajan (Singh) and Zaheer showed yesterday (Saturday) afternoon that if you played aggressively a little bit of luck went your way as well."

"That was our intent anyway and it certainly paid off."

The Queenslander, who last played a Test match in 2005 - against West Indies in Brisbane - admitted he was enjoying his comeback.

"This Test match has been the most fun I have ever had playing cricket," he said.

"It's been an amazing experience for me already, batting there against the Indians with Harbhajan bowling extremely well on a turning wicket and a fair bit of reverse as well."

India's fielding coach Robin Singh conceded Australia was firmly in control.

"We are pretty sure Australia will declare sometime tomorrow (Monday). It's just a question of when," he said.

"We have to just make sure that we bat well. We have a top-class batting side so I'm not too worried."

"I think Australia have to make all the calls here."

Singh confirmed home skipper Anil Kumble had not taken to the field after lunch as a precaution.

"Anil had a sore shoulder. He just stayed off the field for a while as a precautionary measure."

"He's very much available for the rest of the series."