da bet vitoria： Adam Gilchrist blazed to his 13th century and reduced Ricky Ponting to the role of virtual bystander
Peter English04-Jan-2005
Ricky Ponting’s and Adam Gilchrist’s innings put Australia in position to sweep the series© Getty Images
Ricky PontingOn rating his double-century
The one in Melbourne last year was the most satisfyingbecause of the way that series was headed. The way itwas built up, and being Stephen [Waugh’s] last series,I wanted to make sure I was doing as much as I couldto make sure he went out on a winning note.On his innings
I’m really happy with the way I played and felt reallyat ease throughout the whole innings.On joining Greg Chappell and Don Bradman with fourdoubles
I didn’t know that. A lot of those milestones tend tobe popping up around this team at the moment. It’snice to be mentioned in the same breath as those guysand it’s a great way to start the year after adisappointing one last year.On how he’ll celebrate
I don’t think a lot about the game away from the game.I’ll go home tonight to a wife who doesn’t talk toomuch about cricket, so that’s always nice. Australia’sNext Top Model is on so I’ve been told I’m watchingthat.On the position of the game
If we bowl really well in the morning I’ve got afeeling that we’ll win the game tomorrow. There’senough in the wicket for the spinners that if we bowlwell we’ll create another nine chances. There’s everychance the spinners will start tomorrow becausethere’s nothing in it for the fast bowlers.On Gilchrist’s batting
You’ve just got to let him go and sit back and enjoyit. Once he gets on a roll like he did today, theworst thing you can do is say something and make himstop it. The way he hit the ball and changed thecourse of the game was outstanding. He’s a once in alifetime player, [so] 13 centuries is unbelievable for awicketkeeper in the amount of Tests he’s played.Adam GilchristOn the clarity of his ball striking
I hit some nice ones towards the end, but felt a bitscratchy early. With Shoaib [Akhtar] I got lucky witha few edges either side of the slips cordon. From thehook shot that I attempted off Shoaib, where I skiedit and got lucky again, I switched on.On making starts this season
It’s nice to get to the hundred after several inningsof getting 40 or 50. As far as hundreds are concerned,they are not always the barometer that you judgeyourself against. It’s what the team is requiring atthat time.On attempting another six to bring up his century
I wasn’t being drawn in by the crowd. There was a ballthere to cover-drive for four but all morning I wastrying to muscle them a bit too much. It was never inmy mind to try and do three in a row.On the batting plan with Ponting
We just wanted to get as many as we could aheadbecause the wicket is doing plenty for the spinbowlers. We didn’t have any clear intention to go outthere and be ultra aggressive. Someone told me thatRicky only faced 13 balls in the first hour. Neitherof us were aware of that.On the pitch
It’s turning at reasonable pace so it’s enough tocatch edges and beat the bat. They only lost onewicket and scored at four runs an over tonight sowe’ve got to be watchful of that, and that we don’tget too over-attacking.On Danish Kaneria’s bowling
He’s been outstanding throughout the series. He’s gota lot of wickets and fortunately someone has riddenhim for long enough to produce the runs. He’s veryeffective with an extremely good wrong-un that someguys struggle to pick. And he’s got a lot of courage.Danish KaneriaOn his bowling against Australia
I’ve played against some of the best batsmen in theworld in the best team in the world and my confidencehas gone up. It will help when I play for Pakistan.On his confidence level
It is natural because when I was young I tried thesame type of bowling. My coach told me that if you arefrightened of your bowling getting hit you will be nomore. Legspin is attacking, you can get runs and youcan get wickets. I just want to bowl my line andlength.On getting advice from Shane Warne
No, I haven’t asked anything from Shaney. I have neverasked him because his bowling and my bowling aredifferent. He’s more side-on and I have a round-armaction.On wanting more wickets than Warne
When I finish my cricket I want to make my name as theworld’s greatest legspinner, God willing. I want [morewickets] than any spinner. My last wicket was my 101stand, Inshallah, I will do my very best to get my target.On being fined for the Clarke outbust
I am very sorry for that because of the crowd andeverybody hearing it on the tv. Me and Clarke weresaying some things to each other. Then he hit me forsix and I got him out. I was excited. You never knowwhat you are saying or not saying. I didn’t mean tosay it because he’s a very good guy and a friend. Ithas cost me a lot, I’m playing a free game.On the lead Pakistan need to win
If they are chasing around 200 or 250 it would be agood fight for us. It would not be easy for them toget runs very quickly.