Star Sports

Ambati Rayudu does not want to leave it to Malinga to finish the game again

Ambati Rayudu enhanced his burgeoning reputation with a mature performance against Trinidad&Tobago. It helped Mumbai win their second game on the trot but it did not come easily. They scored two runs off the last ball to sneak home and Rayudu was not at the crease when it was done. Rayudu admitted that he was disappointed and not finishing it off. "Obviously, I was disappointed getting out at that point, but I was confident we would get through,"?he remarked. "We are really happy with two wins in two games," Rayudu added, "I'm sure there are a lot of areas where we can improve ourselves. It is a positive sign that we all want to get better."


Sachin Tendulkar's injury forced absence was a huge blow to the Mumbai Indians but he has been present in the dressing room even though he was not available to play. Rayudu acknowledged Sachin's contribution from the sidelines as well. Rayudu said, "Obviously, we miss Sachin sir in the middle, but we have him in the dressing room, helping all of us get our focus and giving us all the needed help and guidance. It is a great asset to have him around us."


Rayudu also expressed faith in his team's abilities and admitted that the batting has to improve. "We are disappointed that it has not clicked in both the games. It is a positive sign that we have won both games without the top-order clicking. I am sure that if we click as a batting unit, we will be winning games more easily."


Rayudu also gave an insight into the team's spirit and revealed that Lasith Malinga has been very vocal about his batting exploits in the last two games. "He is actually pulling the legs of all batsmen. The way he has played in both the games is really great. We hope he does not have to bat again!"

Australia legend Steve Waugh admits old enemies England are setting standards that the rest of the world has to aspire to match in Test cricket.

Waugh captained Australia during his country's dominant run in the Test arena and presided over several triumphs in Ashes showdowns against England.

But he has been forced to admit that England's rise to the top of the ICC Test rankings under skipper Andrew Strauss has been an impressive achievement.

Strauss has led England to a pair of series victories over Australia and they took pole position in the rankings with a 4-0 whitewash of previous leaders India.

Waugh believes the key to England's success has been their ability to show a ruthless streak that had been lacking from their talented but fragile predecessors.

"You could see it coming for about the last 18 months, they are a quality professional side, who want to dismantle the opposition, win as quickly as they can," Waugh told Sky Sports News.

"England have got that winning streak now and have good depth in their side. They know how to win and they know how to get out of tough situations.

"Definitely they are the best Test playing side in the world. South Africa are not too far behind and I think Australia will come back pretty quickly as well."

The hectic international schedule has been blamed in some quarters for India's poor showing in England but Waugh is adamant MS Dhoni's team failed to prepare properly for the tour.

"I think it's a pretty lame excuse from India," he said. "I just think they prepared poorly, they only had one game before the Test matches against Somerset.

"You can't expect to come to England, in different conditions against a quality side, not prepare well and still expect to do well. Their downfall was totally down to poor preparation."