Stand-in captain Rahul Dravid saluted his India side after they clinched a first Test victory in Pakistan. Dravid took the catch off Yousuf Youhana which sealed the crushing win in Multan by an innings and 52 runs.
"It feels fantastic to lead a side that has won a first Test match in Pakistan," said Dravid, who took over from injured captain Sourav Ganguly.
"I want to thank the guys because they really gave their best on all four days of this Test."
Dravid paid tribute to man-of-the-match Virender Sehwag, who scored 309 and shared in a 336-run third-wicket partnership with Sachin Tendulkar which set the foundation for India's victory.
 |  Our fans are the best in the world and I hope this makes them happy |
"Virender and Sachin have done a great job for us, not only here but in Australia as well," Dravid said. "They were the base of our big score and that partnership really set up the game for us."
Dravid also saluted the contribution of the bowlers, with Irfan Pathan and Lakshmipathy Balaji offering superb support to Anil Kumble, who took eight wickets in the match.
"Our bowlers are young and a bit inexperienced but they have heart and great character," Dravid added.
"It was not an easy wicket to bowl on but Anil Kumble and the others all did brilliantly."
Dravid warned there will be no let-up as India chase a series victory, with the second Test starting in Lahore on Monday.
"We will take time off to celebrate as we should but our feet are firmly on the ground," he added.
 Kumble now has 390 Test wickets |
"Pakistan are a good side and will come back hard at us, so we will prepare for that." India coach John Wright praised the performance of Kumble, whose 6-72 in the second innings sent Pakistan spinning to defeat.
"Anil had a great tour of Australia and Pakistan haven't played him for a long time," Wright said.
"The boys are delighted and I am pleased for them. They have worked hard to create this bit of history.
"I am also pleased for the fans back home. They are the best in the world and I hope this makes them happy."
Wright singled out "two moments of magic" as crucial to India's victory: Yuvraj Singh's direct hit to run out Pakistan captain Inzamam-ul-Haq, and Akash Chopra's reflex catch at short leg to dismiss Abdul Razzaq.
"We have specialised our fielding positions and these guys are natural catchers," Wright added.
"Yuvraj puts a lot of work into throwing at the stumps and we did a bit of planning on our fielding."
MMIX
E-mail this to a friend 
Printable version 
