"It's on top of everything," the ace leg-spinner said after picking up five for 84 to restrict Australia to 337 for nine at stumps on day one of the first Test. "It was Boxing Day, at the MCG, in front of a big crowd, against Australia and on the opening day of the series. It is very special."
The skipper was understandably delighted with his team's fightback after Australia's openers had put on 135. "It was important to come back well. I knew it was a case of one wicket, and after the first wicket fell, Zak (Zaheer) bowled a beauty to dismiss Ponting. Then things started happening. I thought both Zaheer and RP (Singh) were very unlucky early on, they found or beat the edges. But at the end of it, it was a good day for us."
Kumble said even after Australia's impressive start, the Indians didn't lose heart. "Everyone in the team understands Test cricket. They know that from 130 for no loss, you could quickly lose wickets, or that from 120 for five, you can still reach 400. The intensity was good throughout, we kept coming hard at the Australians. I am happy with the way we bowled. I have always believed that the first Test of a series is very important, we have done exceptionally well after being on the back foot at lunch on day one."
Explaining the rationale behind playing off-spinner Harbhajan Singh ahead of paceman Ishant Sharma, Kumble noted, "It was important to play the four best bowlers, and especially because we would have batted first had I won the toss. Harbhajan and I have done well as a pair against Australia, and I am glad we are still in the game.
"I thought Harbhajan bowled well. He kept it tight, we bowled well together today. I got the wickets, and he was a bit unlucky. I am sure he will be more effective in the second innings."
Asked to react on Matthew Hayden's repeated assertions that it was a tricky surface to bat on, Kumble responded, "It is definitely on the slower side, but if you apply tourself, there are runs to be scored. Hayden himself showed how to do it during his century. I am sure our boys will apply themselves and come up with the goods."