Indian skipper Sourav Ganguly defended much of his side's bowling in the National Bank tour match against Central Districts today in Napier, but conceded his team should have been able to finish off the home side's tail.

Central Districts were in great trouble at 153/7, but ended with 295/9 declared, with Bevan Griggs gaining great praise from Ganguly for his 100 not out. The Indian skipper also labeled No 11 Lance Hamilton's assistance in the unbeaten last-wicket partnership of 58 as "a great effort."

Ganguly surprised by taking pace bowler Ajit Agarkar off after an over in which he took the wickets of Martyn Sigley and Andrew Schwass when Central were 153/7.

"If it was a proper game I probably would have continued with him," Ganguly said, "but I had to stop him and give someone else a go because everyone needs to have a fair bit of bowling.

"But in no way can you take any credit away from Griggs. He played very, very well."

Ganguly admitted the wicket retained help for the bowlers. Agarkar (four wickets) bowled very well, Ashish (Nehra) bowled well in patches, Tinu (Yohannan) also bowled very well in patches.

"We bowled well in stages. Obviously we will have to bowl better in the Tests but we're just settling in. We will have to bat well tomorrow."

Ganguly denied that the failure to remove the opposing tail had become a bad habit for the Indian side.

© CricInfo