Bowlers failed to execute plans: Ponting Sydney, Jan 21: Australian captain Ricky Ponting today conceded that his bowlers have failed to execute the plans against the in-form Indian batsmen but said his world champion team was not "too far away" from taking early wickets and putting the opposition under pressure. "We probably have not bowled as well as we could and our execution with some of our plans with some of their players has not been as good," Ponting said on the eve of the triangular series match against India. "I don't think it is going to be too far away before you see us take a few early wickets and get them under pressure. So far right through the summer that has not happened," he said. Ponting exhorted his players to keep their noses in front against India tomorrow. "It's been a good, even contest right through the summer in Test and one-day cricket and we'd just like to get our noses back in front before the finals come around," said Ponting after his side had a strenuous training session at the Sydney Cricket Ground. India raked up a 300-plus total against Australia at the Gabba on Sunday which set up their 19-run win over the world champions. At the midway stage, India have 17 points from four games, having won their last three successive games. Australia have 18 points from as many games with a similar win-loss record. (Agencies) Published: Wednesday, January 21, 2004 Back to Index