I am disappointed to miss Mumbai tie -- Tendulkar
EXPRESS NEWS SERVICE

MUMBAI, February 21: Master blaster Sachin Tendular said on Wednesday that he was disappointed for not playing the three-day match for Mumbai against Australia at the Cricket Club of India but circumstances were such that one could not avoid. Sachin was speaking at a function organised by the Press Club, Mumbai. Along with Sachin, with Mumbai teammates -- captain Sameer Dighe, Ajit Agarkar and Sairaj Bahutule -- were also present to interact with the club members and the media.

When asked about missing out on the initiative of taking the bull by the horn like the last time when he hammered the Aussies in the tour opener, he said, ``I didn't want to miss the game, but there are few things you cannot avoid and take them in the stride. This is something I didn't want to take lightly but circumstances are such. I wanted to be confident but not over-confident.''

About the nature of his and Ajit's injury, he said, the Indian coach John Wright and physio Andrew Leipus have already informed the Mumbai Cricket Association and it would not be right for me to comment on that.

Asked on his advice to the Mumbai team in his absence, he said, ``All I want to say right now to the team is forget the past. Just carry the confidence and concentrate on what is happening in the middle. The players have praticed hard, worked out strategies. It is a good opportunity and big responsibility and they should be looking forward to it.''

On his reluctance to lead even the Mumbai team, Sachin clarified that he was there for only the semifinals and finals and he didn't want to break the rhythm. ``Anyway who is leading is not important. Saurav is doing a good job. It is getting together and delivering your best that matters.''

Ajit Agarkar conceded that bowling to the Australians was a tough task while Dighe allayed any doubts that he was also looking forward for a recall into the National squad.

On his reply to a selector's comments that Sairaj was a good bowler but did not possess a googly, he said, ``It's not that I do not bowl it (googly) but with my kind of loop it was difficult. I am working in it.''

On behalf of the Mumbai side, Sachin said that the team had a lot of expectations and were looking forward to the fans for their support.

Copyright © 2001 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.