One of my most satisfying campaigns: Ponting

Skipper takes heart from young charges rising to the occasion

“It's very satisfying, really one of the most satisfying. I cannot be any more proud of this group. They have got together, put their best game together to win the series after having lost the toss.

“It's really a positive thing for Australian cricket. We cannot have asked for anything better than this,” Ponting gushed.

“We have won a lot of series here in India. This triumph will be up there with some of the specials that I played in, including our Champions Trophy and World Cup wins," Ponting said.

Ponting said it was a great sight to see the team winning the series despite injuries to key players, and he appreciated the efforts of replacement players. “It's really satisfying when the so-called younger guys, the less experienced guys, come into the side and really pop their chest and be part of the successful team. Full credit to them," said Ponting.

The Tasmanian said the experience of touring India will stand the youngsters in good stead when they return here for the 2011 World Cup. “We are coming back to India to play the World Cup games, whatever exposure the youngsters get will be a positive for them.”

Man of the match Doug Bollinger, who took five for 35 to wreck India, said the wicket of Sachin Tendulkar was a dream come true for him. “Getting Sachin out was simply great for me today. “Bowling in these conditions is all about keeping your chin up and trying to help your team win always,” Bollinger added.
The New South Wales paceman added that the experience of playing in the Champions League too helped him. “The earlier Champions League games for me in contrasting conditions at Delhi and Hyderabad were stepping stones and I am happy to have performed here against a strong Indian side,” he said.

Ponting also praised Bollinger. “He bowled brilliantly, starting from his first game back in Delhi. “To get five wickets on a pitch which did not offer much to the fast bowlers is a terrific reward,” Ponting went on.