New Delhi, Oct 29: Australian vice captain Michael Clarke feels bowling with new ball on the flat Kotla wicket would be crucial for the visitors tomorrow morning.
"New ball will be crucial for us in the morning tomorrow. As a batsman, I am looking forward to go and bat on this track," said Clarke after India finished the opening day on a strong note on 296 for three.
"We had to bowl extra hard on the wicket as Sachin (Tendulkar) played very well and Laxman batted fantastic as well," he said.
Australia took new ball in the 85th over today and bowled just four overs with it today.
Clarke praised centurion opener Gautam Gambhir for his patient effort of 149 not out.
"Gambhir batted very well. His batting has been well throughout the series," he said and added "India combated well as a batting unit".
Clarke did not give much importance to Gambhir`s on-field skirmishes with Shane Watson and Simon Katich, saying his team was not demanding any official action on these.
"It`s up to the match referee if he wants to look into the matter. I have nothing to say in this argument," he said.
Bureau Report
