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There was no game plan,
says Sehwag

Faisal Shariff in Colombo

Virender Sehwag, the hero of India's thumping eight-wicket victory over England in the crucial Champions Trophy match on Sunday revealed the secret of his success at the post-match conference.

The only thing on his mind, he said, was "to take charge on a good wicket". Otherwise, there was "no game plan".

Speaking in Hindi, Sehwag said barring Andy Caddick and Matthew Hoggard, the English attack was pedestrian.

He said skipper Sourav Ganguly encouraged him right through his innings and did not try to curb him from playing his strokes.

Vanquished skipper Nasser Hussain complimented the Indian opening seam attack, saying Ashish Nehra and Zaheer Khan bowled a brilliant opening spell.

"They were brilliant. One must give credit sometimes when it is due," he said, with a touch of arrogance.

He also lauded the batting of Sehwag and Ganguly, admitting that they outplayed the English bowling attack.

"When a team comes out like that against you, you have to show more character. We were thinking on our feet and tried bowling bumper balls and magical slower balls but failed to stop them.

"Everything we tried went for a four," he conceded.

Ganguly, for his part, said though his team batted like champions, he was concerned about the manner in which his side let the English batsmen off the hook after having them on the mat at 20 for 2.

Praising Sehwag's knock, he said, "He took all the pressure away from me. He is a champion."

Ganguly admitted that it was his fault that led to Laxman's run-out. "I feel sad for him because he does not get a chance to play in one-dayers. It was my fault."

After the vibrant and power-packed innings, sure Laxman won't hold any grudge against his skipper.