I have proved my critics wrong, says Kumble

Kumble achieved the milestone in his 124th match when he had Andrew Symonds caught by Rahul Dravid at first slip just after the tea break on the second day of the third cricket Test against Australia at WACA.

Symonds edged the ball which hit Dhoni’s gloves and went up in the air before Dravid pouched it safely. The Australian middle order batsman stood his ground while umpire Asad Rauf took some time to raise his finger even as the appeal grew louder.

When the decision finally came in India’s favour, Kumble heaved a sigh of relief and held the ball aloft to the acknowledging crowd.

Sri Lanka’s Muttiah Muralitharan (723) and Shane Warne (708) of Australia are the world’s top two wicket-taker ahead of the Indian.

Kumble said it was major achievement and he had never dreamt about the feat in his early days.

“You don’t think of such a landmark when you start but it is a big number. I never dreamt of reaching here,” Kumble said after the second day’s play at WACA.

But the 37-year-old Indian captain pointed out that many felt he would not be able to make it this big in his career but he had proved his critics wrong.

“Not many people thought I would (be able to do this) but I knew I was capable of the achievement,” said Kumble.

Interestingly, in his career Kumble has captured most number of wickets against Australia. He has taken 104 Australian scalps in 17 matches at an average of 27.5.

Kumble expressed surprise that the bouncy WACA track had started to turn from the second day itself.

“I was a bit surprised to get spin here on the second day itself. But now I’m confident we will be able to do well here now,” he said.

The legspinner said he was producing a lot of variety in his deliveries and there was a conscious effort on his part to slow down.

“Of course, it was a conscious decision to slow things up and probably I’m more relaxed now and enjoy my bowling,” he added.

Kumble lauded the performance of his pace bowlers on the unfamiliar WACA pitch and helping the team on the difficult tour.

“We wanted to do well in Australia. We had our opportunities in Melbourne and in Sydney as well. But I am happy we are getting successful here.

“We have a young seam attack. They have never played a Test here and I’m glad they took important wickets,” he said.

Kumble also said it was important for the team to play good cricket after a fortnight riddled with off-field controversies.

“It was important to play good cricket after the last fortnight,” he said.