Karthik rues playing bad shot

Chittagong, May 18 (UNI) Despite playing a crucial role in giving India a solid start after Wasim Jaffer's shocking first ball dismissal, Dinesh Karthik regrets playing the shot that curtailed a promising innings.

Talking to the reporters here today, Dinesh said, ''The team management had shown a lot of faith in me. I have confidence in my ability. I have put some runs on the board, but I could have been there a little longer. I just thought that shot will come off.

Perhaps, it was not a best shot to be played at that moment.'' ''It was a challenging effort as I was a bit nervous in the beginning. As the innings progressed I settled down. There is not much in the wicket, flat one, only that the odd ball kept low,'' he said, when asked how big a challenge it was to open the innings out in the middle at the Chittagong Divisional Stadium.

Asked what was India's chance in the game, he said, ''When we bowl we will have to bent the back and put the ball in the right areas and if we do that I am sure we can restrict Bangladesh and do well in the first match.'' How he prepared for the tie, he said, ''Generally, I spoke to senior members in the team and other senior cricketers about what is going on. I try to tighten my technique and give a good performance for the team.'' On his take on the wicket on the first ball, ''Things like wicket on the first ball does not happen always. But after that the team settled down and played well for the day.'' UNI BA DH RL BD1928