'The first wicket was very important' - MacGill
It was a tale of two sets of nerves at the post-match press conference: Stuart MacGill's as he returned to Test cricket after ten months away, and Shane Watson's on debut
Peter English at the SCG
02-Jan-2005
It was a tale of two sets of nerves at the post-match press conference: Stuart MacGill's as he returned to Test cricket after ten months away and Shane Watson's on debut. MacGill calmed his with the wicket of Younis Khan, after starting with 0 for 43 from six overs, and took four more on the way to 5 for 87. Stumbling through his first delivery, Watson bowled in support of the
main men and finished with 0 for 28 from 10 overs:
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Stuart MacGill
On the slow start to his comeback
I definitely didn't start the way I wanted, but I think I can be forgiven for being a little nervous - I haven't played [Test cricket] in a long time. As calm as I try to be, the first Test back each time seems to get me. I knew once I'd taken a wicket it would change, and fortunately it did.
I definitely didn't start the way I wanted, but I think I can be forgiven for being a little nervous - I haven't played [Test cricket] in a long time. As calm as I try to be, the first Test back each time seems to get me. I knew once I'd taken a wicket it would change, and fortunately it did.
On his performance
Because I'd been bowling well I expected it to happen, and [I knew] I'd show everybody what I've got. But I'm happy, I wasn't sure at the end whether the weather was getting cold or I was getting tingles.
Because I'd been bowling well I expected it to happen, and [I knew] I'd show everybody what I've got. But I'm happy, I wasn't sure at the end whether the weather was getting cold or I was getting tingles.
On the difference when he started getting wickets
When I was keen I was rushing through my action, and that was where the short balls outside off stump came from. Fortunately, at my age, I knew that and knew there was nothing to panic about.
When I was keen I was rushing through my action, and that was where the short balls outside off stump came from. Fortunately, at my age, I knew that and knew there was nothing to panic about.
On the satisfaction of five wickets
It's important to maintain the same sense of satisfaction no matter what stage of your career. A five-for in a run of 10 or 12 Tests is every bit - sometimes more - important than your first one back. Because there's the element of nerves you feel like it's more important.
It's important to maintain the same sense of satisfaction no matter what stage of your career. A five-for in a run of 10 or 12 Tests is every bit - sometimes more - important than your first one back. Because there's the element of nerves you feel like it's more important.
On the need for a strong return
There were thoughts running through my mind that if I didn't get wickets in this game you guys would all say "That's it, there's never going to be two legspinners playing again in the same match."
There were thoughts running through my mind that if I didn't get wickets in this game you guys would all say "That's it, there's never going to be two legspinners playing again in the same match."
On his confidence levels
I've been bowling so well this season that it couldn't go wrong in a day, and it would happen at some stage. It was almost like being on the couch - working
through it myself, and it started to come right before tea. To get the first wicket is a very important moment.
On bowling with Warne
I've said it enough now for somebody to believe me. I really don't mind who I bowl with at the other end. In a team that is so talented it's important not to let them down. When Warney came back on I was doing my job and we both looked like getting wickets.
I've said it enough now for somebody to believe me. I really don't mind who I bowl with at the other end. In a team that is so talented it's important not to let them down. When Warney came back on I was doing my job and we both looked like getting wickets.
On when he could play next
Shane's [Watson] emergence is going to help me play more Test cricket. It may predominantly be on turning pitches, but there's also a possibility that teams who are perceived to play wrist-spin poorly may also get the same treatment. There's a perception out there that New Zealand and England have deficiencies in that area.
Shane's [Watson] emergence is going to help me play more Test cricket. It may predominantly be on turning pitches, but there's also a possibility that teams who are perceived to play wrist-spin poorly may also get the same treatment. There's a perception out there that New Zealand and England have deficiencies in that area.
On the pitch
Batting tomorrow will be good, but as the game goes on there will be less and less bounce. It will be a little bit more difficult to score once the ball has lost its shine. I expect to do a lot of bowling in the second innings.
Batting tomorrow will be good, but as the game goes on there will be less and less bounce. It will be a little bit more difficult to score once the ball has lost its shine. I expect to do a lot of bowling in the second innings.
On the Pakistani batting
While there were obviously some shots that weren't great, it's a wicket that's hard to come in and bat on. You feel an obligation to keep the scoreboard going. I'm reluctant to be too critical, because I've seen it in other teams that I've played against this season.
While there were obviously some shots that weren't great, it's a wicket that's hard to come in and bat on. You feel an obligation to keep the scoreboard going. I'm reluctant to be too critical, because I've seen it in other teams that I've played against this season.
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Shane Watson
On his first-day nerves
It's been a very nervous day, but after I got my nerves out of the way and fell over for my first ball I felt all right. I was happy with the way the ball come out, and got a bit of confidence in the field.
It's been a very nervous day, but after I got my nerves out of the way and fell over for my first ball I felt all right. I was happy with the way the ball come out, and got a bit of confidence in the field.
On his bowling
I felt like I fulfilled my role and bowled fairly tight at times. I have to keep the pressure at my end so the other guys can keep plugging away.
I felt like I fulfilled my role and bowled fairly tight at times. I have to keep the pressure at my end so the other guys can keep plugging away.
On bowling in a Test
The great thing is I've had a great start with my one-day career and bowling in front of those big crowds. I felt quite comfortable at the start bowling with the big crowds around me.
The great thing is I've had a great start with my one-day career and bowling in front of those big crowds. I felt quite comfortable at the start bowling with the big crowds around me.
On preparing to bat
I'll probably be a bit more nervous when I bat, mainly because it's two against 11. I look forward to getting a chance. I don't know where I'll bat, probably No. 6 or 7, it doesn't worry me.
I'll probably be a bit more nervous when I bat, mainly because it's two against 11. I look forward to getting a chance. I don't know where I'll bat, probably No. 6 or 7, it doesn't worry me.
On being picked ahead of Michael Kasprowicz
All I can do is play my best. It's disappointing he's missed out because he's been bowling so well. I can't really worry about those pressures because I'd go insane.
All I can do is play my best. It's disappointing he's missed out because he's been bowling so well. I can't really worry about those pressures because I'd go insane.