Napier: Central Districts' coach Mark Greatbatch was scathing in his criticism of India's refusal to bat in the second innings in poor light on the second day of the three-day game at McLean Park on Saturday.

"I'm really disappointed at they not choosing to bat in the second innings," said Greatbatch, a former New Zealand Test cricketer, as he rued the lost opportunity of his bowlers to have a crack at the visiting batsmen. "They have three of the best batters in the world but they don't want to bat. Perhaps they want to bat tomorrow when the conditions are sunny," Greatbatch said. Greatbatch was surprised at the approach of the visitors, who had expressed their desire to use the three-day game to get themselves in some form ahead of the first Test starting at Wellington on Thursday. After the splendid showing by his pace bowlers to get the Indians out for 209 in the first innings, Greatbatch was keen to force a result in his favour, something which the Central Districts had done so commendably four years ago against the Indians with a seven-wicket victory. "I'd have definitely liked to have a go at the Indian batsmen. It would be just great if we could force a win against them." The Indian captain Saurav Ganguly refused to get drawn into the issue and said he felt the light was bad and they could not have continued. Indian team manager N R Choudhary confirmed the umpires had asked Ganguly whether he wanted his team to bat in the prevailing light conditions. "The light was not enough. There is no point in risking injury to your main players ahead of the first Test," Choudhary said. "I would agree with the criticism that other bowlers should have been good enough to get past the tail," Ganguly said. Refusing to blame the wicket, Ganguly said, "There was still something in it for the bowlers. Hopefully, we would come out and bat well tomorrow." Extras:
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Thatscricket Special: World Cup 2003