Sport - Cricket

I enjoy playing here, says Rohit Sharma

HYDERABAD: “I really enjoy playing in Hyderabad, perhaps because of the IPL experience (for Deccan Chargers). I feel confident every time I play here,” said Rohit Sharma, who masterminded Board President’s XI’s recovery along with Virat Kohli on the opening day of the four-day encounter against Australia here on Thursday.

Rohit revealed that he had made some changes to his technique after discussions with India coach Gary Kirsten on the recent tour of Sri Lanka. “I can’t be specific, but I can say that Kirsten told me that to be a successful Test cricketer I had to change a bit. I am happy that I followed his advice and came up with a big score here,” Rohit said.

“It is always a great feeling to score a century against the world champions. No doubt, I was confident after performing well the last time I played against them in the CB series in Australia.”

About his partnership with Kohli, Rohit said that they both decided to play on and wait for the spinners to come on. “We are really happy that the plan worked well,” he said. “I don’t want to stop with just one big score and want to be consistent over a long period of time.”

Rohit complimented Kohli for a wonderful knock under pressure. “He has been in great form of late and I hope he will continue the good work,” he said.

Australia coach Tim Nielsen admitted that it was a tough day for his side on a good batting track. “We got a feel of how unforgiving the Indian conditions can be. Rohit and Kohli played really well. But, it is not all over for us,” Nielsen said. “We were pleased with the way Mitchell Johnson and Peter Siddle bowled here,” added the coach. Asked whether he was surprised that Rohit and Kohli were not in the Indian squad, Nielsen said: “yes and no. I am sure these youngsters will get opportunities in the future.”

The Australian coach hoped that off-spinner Krejza would work on reducing the number of boundaries being scored off him.

© Copyright 2000 - 2009 The Hindu