The Hindu : Sport : Scalping Watson twice was special: Pragyan Ojha

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Scalping Watson twice was special: Pragyan Ojha

V.V. Subrahmanyam

Rare privilege to watch Laxman bhai bat so well
One of the most demanding series

HYDERABAD: Looking back at the series against the Aussies, left-arm spinner Pragyan Ojha says scalping opener Shane Watson twice in the Bangalore Test were the most satisfying moments for me.

“For he was really playing well and his dismissal put the brakes on the Aussies and allowed us to come back into the game,” he added.

The 24-year-old left-arm spinner says in a chat with The Hindu that it has been an amazing experience and a great exposure to play against the Ricky Ponting-led team.

“It gives you great satisfaction when you look back to see that you too chipped in your own little way in India's emphatic win in the series.”

“Definitely, it has been one of the most demanding series for me personally. Well, there was nothing specific in terms of advice from my captain (M.S. Dhoni). I worked really hard in trying to get better by constantly talking to seniors like Anil Bhai (Anil Kumble) and Harbhajan Singh,” recalls Ojha.

“I should say that I was very confident after I struck rhythm on the recent Sri Lanka tour and that really made me believe that I am capable of much better spells,” says Ojha to a query.

Recalling the winning moments at Mohali when he and V.V.S Laxman saw India through in a thrilling finish, Ojha said that he was very tense when sitting in the pavilion. “It was a rare privilege to watch Laxman bhai bat so well. He is so special. And when I went to the crease for the final moments, he just told me to hang around and be with him till the task is accomplished,” he said. “Definitely, I was confident that I can bat well,” he said to a query.

On the animated mood of Laxman when he was urging Ojha to take a sharp single, the left-arm spinner says that he was not in the mood to take any risk having seen captain (Dhoni) got out earlier.

“I was confused since there was a by-runner for Laxman. And also I did not want to make stupid mistake by getting run-out at that critical juncture,” he pointed out. “But, that we stayed together to see India through is clearly the most memorable moment for me.”

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