RP Singh grabs chance to lead Indian attack

SYDNEY: RP Singh revelled in the chance of leading the Indian attack following the withdrawal of pace spearhead Zaheer Khan on the opening morning of the second cricket Test against Australia here on Wednesday.   

The 22-year-old left-arm paceman from Uttar Pradesh finished as India's best bowler with 4-108 off 21 overs as Australia recovered to 376 for seven at the end of day one.

Singh used the pitch conditions to his advantage, grabbing the wickets of Phil Jaques (0), Matthew Hayden (13), Mike Hussey (41) and Adam Gilchrist (7) to have the home side reeling at 4-49 at one stage.

He was forced to lead the attack when the experienced Zaheer succumbed to a bruised heel and was passed unfit to play, giving Ishant Sharma his chance to play his third Test.

"I was a bit disappointed when I got the news Zaheer was not playing because of his injury," Singh said.  

"I was a bit nervous because Zaheer's a great player but then I talked to my coaches."   

Singh, who has now taken 33 wickets in nine Tests, spent time at the Australian Cricket Academy in Brisbane a couple of years ago and used his experience of domestic conditions to his advantage on Wednesday.  

"I went to the cricket academy when (now Australian coach) Tim Nielsen was the head coach and he told me about Australian conditions," he said.   

"I learned a lot. I spent almost 45 days there."   

Singh said despite Australia's recovery, led by Andrew Symonds with an unbeaten 137, he remained confident.   

"There's still three more wickets to go, but I think the wicket's still pretty slow and we have a great batting lineup," he said.   

"I think it's going to be a better batting wicket tomorrow because the wicket is now slow."