Ponting praises depleted Oz, says win a 'good sign'

Australian skipper Ricky Ponting lavished praise on his injury-ravaged team for the way they held their nerves to pull off a three-run win against India in the fifth one-dayer here.

''It's remarkable considering the number of players we have had injured on this tour and we had a couple of our better players who didn't make the tour,'' Ponting said.

''When you take all those things into consideration, the way we are continuing to improve our cricket is fantastic.

''It is a great win for the boys and I am really happy to see some of the young guys doing well.

''It's really good sign for the team,'' the 34-year-old asserted.

Five of the Australian players, including strike bolwer Brett Lee, wicket-keeper Tim Paine, fast bowler Peter Siddle, were forced to fly back home due to injuries but Ponting was pleased with the way the replacements have responded.

Australia, who chose to bat first yesterday, went off to a flying start after Shaun Marsh (112) struck his maiden century and a knock of 93 from Shane Watson helped the tourists pile up 350 for four.

In reply, master blaster Sachin Tendulkar played a magnificent knock of 175, his 45th ODI century, while Suresh Raina made an impressive 59 but India's chase fell short by three runs.

Australia now lead the seven-match ODI series against India 3-2.

Ponting was also full of admiration for Tendulkar, which also included surpassing 17,000 runs, as he pushed India to chase Australia's big total.

''Sachin played beautifully. It was one of the best knocks I've ever seen,'' he said.

''We just had to keep hanging in there and I kept telling the bowlers to stick to their plans and to execute them well.

''It just takes one false shot and you are back in the game, but Sachin didn't play too many false ones tonight.

''I thought we batted well too and Shaun Marsh and Watson were terrific for us today at the top of the order,'' the right-hander added.

-- (UNI) -- 06SPD16.xml

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