Karthik praises Karnataka bowlers

Bangalore: Dinesh Karthik, who hit a fighting 91 for Rest of India, said their batsmen did not play poor shots but Karnataka pacers were too good on the opening day of the Irani Cup, here.

"There were no bad shots as such. It was basically some really good bowling. They (Karnataka pacers) bowled in tight areas and that`s why they are Ranji champions because they have been a good bowling unit," he told reporters after day`s play at Chinnaswamy stadium. Karthik said it was a tough hard wicket to bat early on. The Tamil Nadu lad said he was not dismayed over missing a century but was satisfied with his positive approach against a quality bowling attack. "I know I am running of short of hundred, but the way I played. The way I dominated the second half of my innings shows that I am in good space and I am very confident, looking forward to the future," he said. Talking about a confident caught behind appeal against him, Karthik said he was not sure if he had nicked that one. "There was a sound. I wasn`t sure whether it hit the bat or pad hit the bat. It was not a clear edge for me. I was very doubtful. I am sure umpire also going to find it doubtful too. Obviously when in doubt, the decision goes in favour of the batsman. That`s how I got in," he said.