October 08 Tuesday 2002
Rain helped us beat Pakistan: Steve Waugh 

COLOMBO: Australia's cricket captain Steve Waugh celebrated the 41-run win in the first Test against Pakistan on Monday by admitting bad weather may have saved his team from defeat. 

Waugh said the rain, which wiped out the post-tea session on the fourth day with Pakistan comfortably placed at 179-3 chasing 316 to win, helped his side regroup. 

"The rain probably helped us and allowed us to regroup for the final day," Waugh said. "With our bowlers fresh, it was never going to be easy for Pakistan to score the remaining 137 runs. 

"We felt the Pakistanis were a bit pensive this morning and we knew we had to tighen the screws with a few quick wickets. 

"Warnie (Shane Warne) did that at the start. It was a gamble going for the new ball but I realised Warne was a bit tired." 

The second new ball turned the match Australia's way as fast bowlers Glenn McGrath and Jason Gillespie claimed the last five wickets for 32 to fashion their team's tense win. 

Pakistani captain Waqar Younis said he was proud the way young team had fought the world champions till the end. 

"The younger players stood up in a crisis and that is a good sign for Pakistan," Waqar said. 

"I think we have a very good chance to stage a comeback at Sharjah where the remaining two Tests will be played." 

The second Test starts on Friday after the series was shifted to neutral venues in Sri Lanka and United Arab Emirates due to Australia's refusal to tour Pakistan for security reasons. 

Waugh praised the sporting wicket at the Tamil Union ground, but said the concept of playing at neutral venues did not impress cricketers. 

"We do not play for television audiences," he said. "I would any day prefer to play at the Eden Gardens (in India) in front of 100,000 people." 

Both captains heaped lavish praise on fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar, who threw open the Test on the third day with a sensational five-wicket burst in 15 balls that saw Australia collapse for 127 in one extended session. 

"It was one of the great spells of fast bowling," said Waugh, who like twin brother Mark, was dismissed by Akhtar for zero. 

"When a bowler comes at you at 150km an hour and reverse swings the ball, there is bound to be trouble. 

"I think Pakistan should be pleased with the way they played and fought back. I expect a hard series in Sharjah where conditions suit Pakistan." Waugh defended brother Mark, who dropped four catches in the match, including two on the crucial fifth morning. 

"It was one of his off-days, it can happen to any player," the Australian captain said. "This was not the best ground to sight a ball." Waugh said the selectors will decide whether to call up a replacement for Gillespie, who suffered a calf injury.