Too early to predict the winner, says Ganguly

The Indian captain Sourav Ganguly on Sunday said he was scared that the team would succumb even though they had scored a huge total of 315 after winning the first one-day tie by 60 runs against Australia in Bangalore on Sunday. "The wicket was flat and full of runs but we picked up wickets at regular intervals and that's what won the game for us," a beaming Ganguly said amid cheers from a packed stadium.

Talking to reporters at the end of the game, the Kolkata southpaw conceded that the youngsters deserved full credit for India's comprehensive victory and said, "I had told them to keep up the tempo even if we lost wickets." Ganguly added that "There was a lot of dew and the ball was slippery but we fielded better...but of course there is still a lot to improve upon." Lauding the all-round performance of man-of-the-match Virendra Shewag, Ganguly said, "he is a positive player and I hope he plays a long innings for India."

Ganguly also described the home side's victory in the first one day international as a 'good win' but said it's too early to predict the winner of the five match series. "It's a good win but it's too early to say about the series. Still a long way to go", Ganguly said after India's 60-run win in the day-night encounter.

He felt the departure of Matthew Hayden and Michael Bevan were the turning points of the fixture and gave full credit to bowlers. Complimenting the performance of Javagal Srinath, who claimed three wickets, Ganguly said the Karnataka speedster can do better. "He (Srinath) bowled well and got wickets."

The skipper justified opening the innings with Sachin Tendulkar despite his poor form, saying he had 16 one-day hundreds to his credit and there is no reason why he should not come in that slot. On his bad patch, Ganguly, who averaged just 17.66 during the just concluded three Test series, said it's a matter of time before he struck form again. "As long as the team is winning, I am happy", he said.

Asked if he had noticed the new 'Ladies gallery' at the Chinnaswamy stadium, Ganguly quipped "I have stopped looking at ladies", a comment which evoked peels of laughter among the newspersons.

Later, talking after receiving the man of the match award, Virendra Shewag who scored 58 and also claimed three wickets including the crucial one of Steve Waugh, on his part, thanked Rahul Dravid and Ganguly for constantly supporting him. "Dravid was encouraging me after every ball. Ganguly told me to stick to bowling wicket to wicket and bowl a tight length." Considering the precarious condition of the team when he came to bat, Shewag said, his intention was not to lose wicket while playing his natural game.

Coach John Wright, complimenting the side, agreed that it was a good show saying "The boys played well under pressure."

Australian skipper Steve Waugh said the dismissal of Matthew Hayden and Michael Bevan within a space of 21 runs was the turning point of the game. "We were in a position to win but we were under pressure throughout...We wanted to restrict India to 260-270 but they made good use of the excellent wicket," the skipper said.