Date:19/10/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/10/19/stories/2008101953942100.htm

Sport - Cricket

‘Happy to have served team’s cause’

Special Correspondent

— PHOTO: AFP

AN OPPONENT’S RESPECT: Sourav Ganguly praised debutant Peter Siddle, saying he bowled intelligently.

Mohali: Walking in at 163 for four, Sourav Ganguly’s 16th Test hundred was made in a pressure situation. It was this aspect of his century that gave the former Indian captain most satisfaction. “It was a difficult situation and the team needed a big score from me. I am very happy that my innings helped the team’s cause,” he said speaking to presspersons on Saturday.

Ganguly reiterated his decision to retire from international cricket after the series. “I stand by it. It’s my personal decision. It’s the right decision taken at the right time. There are two more Test matches left. Hopefully, I should do well in them.” Then, queried whether he would rethink his decision in the interests of the team, Ganguly replied, “As of now it is my last series. When the bridge comes, we will cross it.”

He said, “You should judge a player through his performance, not age.”

The left-hander said any century against Australia was special. “It is certainly one of my memorable innings. Mohali has been a good ground for me.”

Despite the poor spectator response here, he said the five-day format was the ideal stage to test the merits of a cricketer. “From Gavaskar to Lara, from Tendulkar to Steve Waugh, it is here that you judge them.”

Coming to the Australian bowling in the Test, he said debutant paceman Peter Siddle bowled well. “I thought he bowled intelligently, varied his pace and line. I had earlier seen him in a tour game in Australia.”.