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Toss was crucial, says Harbhajan

Special Correspondent

We are a team that likes to be challenged: Harbhajan
Unbelievable to see the ball flying around: Morkel

CENTURION: Asked what went wrong on the first day of the first Test, Harbhajan Singh said, simply, “the toss”. “We were quite prepared to play on a good track, but it was a damp wicket, and the toss was crucial,” he said.

“We'd have done the same thing (bowled) and you don't know what might have happened.”

Harbhajan said India could still make a match of it.

“We've shown before that we are a team that likes to be challenged. We are in a situation where we have to get them out quickly, and not let them get too far away. We will make sure we give our best.”

Pleasing

Morne Morkel, who was the wrecker-in-chief with his four wickets, said the execution of South Africa's bowling attack was what pleased him most.

“We were under a little pressure after winning the toss because we knew we had to strike early,” he said.

“It was very nice to get Sehwag, who's the danger man. Luckily he gave it away a bit.”

Added Morkel, “When it nips around its important not to get carried away, and I thought we executed our plans very well today.

“It's most important for a fast-bowler to have that aggression. It was unbelievable to see the ball flying around.”

Asked what was most difficult about batting on a wicket such as the one at SuperSport Park, Morkel said, “It's important to leave the ball well because on this wicket it's always difficult to know whether to play off the back or the front-foot.

“I've seen the Indian batsmen play well on quick wickets, but today we bowled really well. And how the wicket behaves plays on the back of the mind of the batsmen. That helps bowlers,” he added.

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