05 August 2004	Thursday	18 Jamadi-us-Saani 1425

KOLKATA, Aug 4: Indian skipper Saurav Ganguly admitted that batting had let his team down in the Asia Cup final against Sri Lanka, but asked all to keep faith in the side which had put up a spectacular display in last few years.

He told reporters on return from Colombo that despite best efforts of bowlers, lack lustre showing by batsmen led to 25-run loss against Sri Lanka in Sunday final.

Asked if he would impress on Indian cricket board to have one squad which could play both triangular series in Holland and Champions Trophy in England, he said, "I have to talk to BCCI.

I have just returned. I don't know what BCCI's policy is or whether it is possible to do so. I also have to see what timeframe ICC has set for team selection for Champions Trophy."

To a question if not using two spinners in Asia Cup final affected India's prospects, he said, "I used three spinners as besides Harbhajan (Singh), (Virender) Sehwag and Sachin (Tendulkar) also played like specialist spinners."

He said there was no point in losing faith in his side as boys had won matches all around the world putting up a spectacular performance in recent years. -Agencies