Upset after his team's five-wicket loss against Kolkata Knight Riders, skipper VVS Laxman said the strip at the Eden Gardens was 'shocking' and also blamed the power failure for the defeat, saying it had affected the concentration of his players.
"It was not a good pitch for any form of the game. It was a shocking wicket. In the Twenty20 format you expect high scores. Though the match became exciting in the end, it was tough for the batsmen to go for shots," Laxman said after the match. On whether the Eden wicket's nature was changing, the stylish Hyderabad batsman said, "Definitely. I played here in the Ranji Trophy and also a Test sometime back. The wicket was slow on both occasions. I think you are not getting the wicket we expect at Eden".
Laxman was also unhappy over the power snag, which he claims affected his players. "The interruption definitely affected us. The momentum was towards us. And the bowlers were in great rhythm. But having said that, I must say that the bowlers were in great rhythm when play resumed."
Man of the match David Hussey, who authored a well-timed 38 to win the game for the Kolkata Knight Riders, said that he would have preferred a fast bouncy wicket.
"I like fast, bouncy wickets better thought there will be more bouncy, more pace in the wicket," he said. Asked how bad the track was, the Australian right hander replied "I thought it wasn't too bad". Referring to the back to back wins in the first two matches, Hussey said, "It is now two out of two. I think it will be three out of three".
Hussey admitted the power-cut had provided his side a good break at a crucial moment of the tie. "It was a good break for us. We got to collect our thoughts, have a drink and re-adjust our game plans and that probably worked in our favour". Laxman lavished praise on left-arm spinner Pragyan Ojha, finished with figures of 2 for 18. "The way he bowled was great. He is a great prospect. I think he is a quality spinner." Laxman said his side paid dearly for not playing the full quota of 20 overs. Asked about the attitude of the crowd towards Symonds, Laxman said, "He is a match winner. So the people love to watch him".
Laxman was also disappointed with himself for getting out even before opening his account. Hussey opined that the conditions were suitable for the side batting first. However, he said it was a treat to play before a packed crowd at the Eden . "I, and the team as a whole, is looking forward to playing here again."
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