I Thank Dhoni For Giving Me The New Ball, Says Ojha

KOLKATA: Left-arm spinner Pragyan Ojha who claimed four wickets on Wednesday thanked skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni for showing confidence in throwing the new ball to him during West Indies' first innings.

Scorecard

In reply to India's huge 631 for seven declared, West Indies were bundled out for 153 with Ojha claiming four for 64 opening the bowling with the new ball this morning.

"I thank Dhonibhai as he has shown a lot of confidence in me and R Ashwin. There was quite a bit of turn on offer today and hopefully we will get a bit more turn tomorrow as well," Ojha who took his 50th Test scalp in the form of Kirk Edwards, said on Wednesday.

Asked about how he felt about opening the bowling, Ojha said, "I think the main reason is that there was lot of turn on offer. Yesterday the light was too bad so we thought of going with the spin rather than pace."

Ojha hoped that they would get the remaining seven West Indies wickets early despite a resolute approach by the visitors as they finished the day on 195 for three.

"Right now, we are in drivers' seat and things are going pretty well at the moment. In the morning, there was some moisture in the wicket and it was doing a bit for us. We hope the same thing happens tomorrow.

"Our guys are bowling superb, hitting in the right areas. We are confident of getting them out early tomorrow."

The duo have so far returned wicketless in the Windies second innings, but Ojha said they were bowling well.

"We got quick wickets and then the pitch got better. At some point of time, it happens when you think that if I had got one more wicket this would have happened"

Ojha also gave credit to West Indian batsman for putting up a good foght in the second innings.

"They also batted well in the second innings. We should give credit to them. Tomorrow, we hope to get them out as soon as possible."

About failing to get a wicket in the second innings so far, Ojha reasoned, "It's quite normal the way we have been bowling. It's just that we could not get wicket in the last session. But we were quite happy of our bowling and the way we were hitting the right areas."

Ojha didn't want to commit on whether they would be able to wrap up the proceedings on the fourth day itself.

"It's difficult to say but we hope it will be the last day and we will look forward to Mumbai."

Asked about his county stint with Surrey, Ojha said that it taught him to handle pressure better.

"Basically, it's about handling pressure. Once you play county, you are considered as a professional and you are expected to perform and win games for them. You have a lot of responsibility. It teaches you how to overcome pressure and do well," he said.

In absence of an out-of-form Harbhajan Singh, the spin attack is hinged around Ojha and off-spinner Ashwin and he said they duo were enjoying each other's company.

"It's great to have Ashwin. We complement each other. I hope we carry on this partnership while bowling and get lot of wickets for India."

The Hyderabad lad also didn't want to look too far ahead on the Australian tour and stressed that his focus is on the current series.

"As I have said previously, I am not focussing on Australia tour at the moment. My aim is to win the Test and look forward to Mumbai (third and final Test). God willing, if I do well there, I can look forward to the other things."