NEW DELHI, Nov 1: Dropped catches and unimpressive bowling helped Australia come back into the third Test on the fourth day, rued India coach Gary Kirsten.

“It was not a great time on the field for us today. Fielding errors helped the Aussies come back into the match,” Kirsten said after India ended the fourth day at 43 for two, an overall lead of 79 runs. “We started today thinking of really doing something. But we did not take our opportunities. It did not go that way,” he said.

The former South African opener admitted the errors could have a bearing on the match. “The first catch that Ishant (Sharma) dropped could have a bearing on the match. It’s not the same with other two (dropped) catches because Australia had crossed the 500 mark by then. “

“I don’t think we bowled well enough to create those opportunities for ourselves after the lunch. But Aussies took their chances and capitalised on them as well. It can have a huge bearing on the match,” he said.

Kirsten, however, did not feel that India missed Harbhajan Singh, who is recuperating from a toe injury. “Harbhajan would have added value to the team, he is a tremendous bowler. But I think we have enough variety and options in the spin department for the Test. You just have to create the opportunities,” he said.

The home team coach also felt that it was still a good batting wicket and anything could happen on Sunday. “Our batsmen have excelled in their job. This is a good wicket so far. We will try to bat through the second session,” he said.

On Kumble, who got 11 stitches on the little finger of his left hand on Friday, Kirsten said, “There was a risk involved from the fielding point of view. But he is a champion cricketer and an asset to the team. You cannot discount his contribution to the team.”—Agencies

Opinion

Editorial

Kurram ceasefire
26 Nov, 2024

Kurram ceasefire

DESPITE efforts by the KP government to bring about a ceasefire in Kurram tribal district, the bloodletting has...
Hollow victory
26 Nov, 2024

Hollow victory

THE conclusion of COP29 in Baku has left developing nations — struggling with the mounting costs of climate...
Infrastructure schemes
26 Nov, 2024

Infrastructure schemes

THE government’s decision to finance priority PSDP schemes on a three-year rolling basis is a significant step...
Anti-women state
Updated 25 Nov, 2024

Anti-women state

GLOBALLY, women are tormented by the worst tools of exploitation: rape, sexual abuse, GBV, IPV, and more are among...
IT sector concerns
25 Nov, 2024

IT sector concerns

PRIME Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s ambitious plan to increase Pakistan’s IT exports from $3.2bn to $25bn in the ...
Israel’s war crimes
25 Nov, 2024

Israel’s war crimes

WHILE some powerful states are shielding Israel from censure, the court of global opinion is quite clear: there is...