Team India to target out-of-form Hayden for rest of the series

Team India has decided to target Matthew Hayden, who was seen struggling in his first Test at Banaglaore. He scored a duck in the first innings and only 13 in the second.

Sydney, Oct 15 : Team India has decided to target Matthew Hayden, who was seen struggling in his first Test at Banaglaore. He scored a duck in the first innings and only 13 in the second.

India's fast bowler, Zaheer Khan, who was adjudged Man of the Match at Bangalore, said that since Hayden showed up in poor form in the first Test, his team would put pressure on him in rest of the matches.

"He is a good player. Australia have actually relied quite a lot on Hayden. So to get him out early is our main aim. He is the one who plays spin well," the Daily Telegraph quoted Zaheer as saying.

Hayden was caught-behind for a duck in the first innings, and made only 13 in the second before being trapped LBW playing across the line. He is yet to find his rhythm since returning from a long lay-off with an achilles heel injury, and could expect to again be a focus of attention in second Test in Mohali beginning Friday.

Elated by his performance with both bat and ball, Zaheer also said that the first Test proved that the tourists were not able to get Team India out twice in five days. "We know that they can't take 20 wickets and they are on the back foot. They couldn't get me and Bhaji out. We are in with a big chance. They are under pressure. We know that," the paper quoted Zaheer as saying.

But, Aussie captain Ricky Ponting pooh-poohed Zaheer's assertion, saying: "He can have a bit of a chuckle to himself, I don't think it means too much to us."

ANI