Greg's advice helped me a lot

Source: Hindustan Times     Date: December 07, 2004

What a start to the Test series! After a disappointing first day we have done well to gain an upper hand in the match. Although the Test may well end in a draw, from an Indian point of view it has been a very satisfying performance on one of the bounciest wickets in Australia. We did gain a psychological advantage by first taking eight wickets for 60 runs and then scoring 350 runs in a day. We need to carry this forward for the rest of the series as this tour can help take our cricket forward. For me, personally, this has been the second best day in my cricketing career. The best day of my career was my debut at Lord's, which will always remain special and first on my list. 

For any player coming from the sub-continent, scoring runs in Australia will always be different and special. And it is no different for me. It is always a challenge for players from the sub-continent to get used to the bounce as quickly as possible and those who make that adjustment become successful. This is my third trip to Australia. Last time in 1999-2000 I thought I played very well but could not manage to convert my 50's and 60's into hundreds, although I did score two one-day hundreds. 

So when I landed this time here my main focus was that whenever I get the chance I must make the most of it. I came to Australia in August too, to work on my game and I must say it did help me a lot. Greg Chappell helped me sort out my technique a lot and he also helped me in sharpening my mental attitude to build an innings. I must say that Greg, Boycott along with Sunny Bhai (Sunil Gavaskar) have helped me strengthen my game a lot. 

After a certain stage in your career it is not just the ability but how you think that makes a big difference to your game. And I have realised from experience that every time I have thought well I have played better. It was a bit of a difficult situation when I walked out to bat but I tried to stay positive and did not let the scoreboard worry me. I just tried to be positive and score off the lose balls, as just defending never takes the pressure off any team. I was also well supported by Laxman, who was unlucky to miss his hundred. This is an important tour for all of us. I hope we carry on the good work in the remaining three Tests as well and return to India with our heads held high.