Certain players overstepped mark: Kirsten

Perth, January 14: As the batters left the nets, India’s coach designate Gary Kirsten, in a Team India training shirt, spoke to each of them, one by one. No special stuff, just a mature taking in of the situation and keen observation, understanding Indian Cricket and its practices. He talked to the media later. Excerpts:

• On his Team India job:

It’s been an interesting initiation, but am very excited. There are some tremendous players in this team. There is a lot of experience, and to be involved with the cricket team from a country like India where there is so much passion is something I look forward to as a challenge.

• On the past week and the Sydney controversy:

It’s been tough. Two cricket mad countries, lots of emotions and intensity. I am quite sad to see how things have gone.

• On players’ reaction at the international level:

In the last 10 years, cricket has taken on a new level of attention. Certainly in SA, you will not have this sort of attention. There is a lot more at stake, I think the players feel that, and when you know it’s all about the performance and winning, you have to be careful not to overstep the mark. Every now and again individuals do overstep the mark, make mistakes and sometimes do stand up in public and say ‘I have made a mistake’.

It’s up to players to see the game gets respect. There is a huge responsibility on the guys. From whatever happened last week, certain individuals have overstepped the mark, and every player will agree.

• On the bouncy Perth pitch:

I have not played a Test, but a lot of ODIs here, and a couple of first class matches. It’s a very tough cricketing environment, because the Aussies are highly competitive as a team and you never have an easy game out here.

There is definitely a difference in playing on hard and bouncy wickets like in Perth and on others. It takes great courage to get into the right positions to play on such wickets. It is up to the individuals.

• On the batting challenge:

You can take it as a half full or half empty glass. As a batsman, you have a lot of opportunity, so it’s a question of how each individual is going to take it. But unfortunately as a coach, I am on the other side now, and all I can do is to pass on that advice. In any environment as a player, you can have a tough time but you can also enjoy it and have a good time.

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