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Warning: include() [function.include]: URL file-access is disabled in the server configuration in /home/damienm/public_html/articles/main.php on line 59 Warning: include(http://www.damienmartyn.net/navbar.php) [function.include]: failed to open stream: no suitable wrapper could be found in /home/damienm/public_html/articles/main.php on line 59 Warning: include() [function.include]: Failed opening 'http://www.damienmartyn.net/navbar.php' for inclusion (include_path='.:/usr/lib/php:/usr/local/lib/php') in /home/damienm/public_html/articles/main.php on line 59 Martyn concerned by pitch behaviourSource: The Border Mail - October 17, 2006Australia has gained plenty of confidence after a solid week of training and practice matches in Mumbai but a shadow of doubt hangs over the team ahead of tomorrow's Champions Trophy opener against West Indies. Batsman Damien Martyn said yesterday he was amazed how the Cricket Club of India Ground pitch behaved last weekend when the Windies were bowled out for 80, their second-lowest total in ODIs. "I was shocked probably, because the practice wickets have been pretty good," Martyn said of the batting collapse by Brian Lara's side in 30.4 overs. The defeat meant West Indies came through the qualifying rounds as Qualifier No.2 and earnt a spot in Group A next to Australia, India and England. "It (the CCI Ground pitch) wasn't carrying too much," Martyn said. "We know it's going to turn, but the quicks were surprised by the lack of bounce and variation. "Now we know that we are going to have to adjust to it, but it looks difficult." Martyn scored 54 from 70 balls, sharing a stand of 106 with skipper Ricky Ponting (55) in Australia's 9/292 at the M.I.G. Ground in Sunday's practice match after Mumbai made 8/218. Australia set itself a target of 300 and almost got there, and the world champion also showed good form with the bat in Thursday's practice game at Wankhede Stadium against the Maharashtra association, scoring 7/297 and then restricting the locals to 7/194. The 14-man squad was to have a rest from training yesterday. But Adam Gilchrist, made no apologies, scoring 61 in the practice game. "It was a really good hit-out. We bumped the total up to 300 to try to make sure it was a tough chase," said the Australian vice-captain. Gilchrist admitted he had not watched Saturday's debacle by the West Indies against Sri Lanka. "We will be certainly going over it between now and Wednesday and hopefully have an understanding of how the wicket played. "We'll try to make sure ... we are ready to front up in those conditions," he said. | ||||||
