Tuesday, March 4, 2008

India outplayed us : Pointing

Ricky Ponting admits Australia were "outplayed" in their CB series final against India.

The world champions ran out 2-0 losers in the best-of-three final following defeats in Brisbane despite dominating through the rest of the triangular tournament.

Praveen Kumar took four wickets as the Indians successfully defended their total of 258 for nine to beat Ponting's side by nine runs on Tuesday.

And having tasted defeat in similar circumstances to England last year Ponting admits Australia may have to reassess the way they approach the tournament.

"All credit has to go to MS Dhoni and the Indian team for the way they've played over the last week," Ponting told Sky Sports 1.

"They've certainly outplayed us in the two finals and they thoroughly deserve to go home with the CB trophy.

"There's no excuses. I think our level of cricket over the last week has dropped off, we haven't played as well in the final as we have in the lead up games and we did the same last year.

"Praveen has done a terrific job for them in the last two games, has got them wickets up front and got our middle order in there relatively early and that's where we've lost the momentum in both the finals.

"I was disappointed with the way we played in Sydney the other night, but I'm actually quite proud of the way we fought the game out tonight. It ended up being a terrific game of cricket."

Nathan Bracken was named Player of the Series following his 21 wickets and the paceman also accepts his side were second best in the final.

"I think it was a good series right through, a lot of close games," Bracken added. "Unfortunately things didn't pan out the way we wanted them to, but India played well and they thoroughly deserve it.

"They outplayed us in the two games."

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