Indian bowlers hold Indian nerves alive …

Captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni lauded recalled left-arm spinner Murali Kartik's role in India's thrilling eight-run win over Australia to keep their chances alive in the seven-match ODI series here on Monday.

Dhoni said he pressed for a left-arm spinner in the side and Kartik's inclusion was worth the risk as the spinner bowled quite beautifully in his 10 overs, conceding 48 runs with the wicket of opener Matthew Hayden.

"I think he was brilliant. I was one of the people who wanted a left-arm spinner in the side. If he didn't do so well I would have been at the receiving end right now. He proved his part and contributed to the team's win," Dhoni said in praise of Kartik.

The Indian batsmen justified Dhoni's decision to bat first on winning the toss by putting up 291 for the loss of four wickets despite getting off to a slow start.

"I think the credit goes to Sachin and Sourav, the way they batted. We were pretty slow but the Australians bowled well in suitable conditions. I think we scored 291 only because of that start.

"If we had lost early wickets then people would have said it was a bad decision batting on a wicket that was helping the bowlers," Dhoni said.

However, Dhoni was unsure of Sachin Tendulkar's condition, as the master blaster did not take the field after the Indian innings. "I don't know what the situation is. When we get the confirmation about it we can let you guys know."

Although the match was well within reach of the Australian batsmen, Dhoni said it were the wickets of Matthew Hayden (92) and Andrew Symonds (75), and the spells of Harbhajan Singh and Kartik that turned the tide in India's favour.

He also put to rest speculations over Australian skipper Ricky Ponting's dismissal of his stumping, saying that he wasn't quite sure of it.

"I wasn't 100 per cent sure. It was a quick one and you don't exactly know when the gloves hit the wicket and where the foot exactly was. Later on I realised the mark on the line was on the outer part of the broad line; the umpires take the inner part of the popping crease. Then I realised I had a good chance but wasn't sure."

The Indian opening bowlers conceded far too many runs during their first spell which saw Australia aggregate 75 runs in the first 10 overs. But Dhoni said the pitch by afternoon had changed considerably.

"It was difficult because they were not getting help like the Australian team did initially. It's about the team's win in the end and if you can contribute to it," he added, putting faith in his faster bowlers.