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