'We have been humble, they have got carried away'

Symonds sparked by Indian celebrations

Cricinfo staff

September 28, 2007

Andrew Symonds believes India went over the top in their reaction at winning the World Twenty20 title © Getty Images

Andrew Symonds says India were carried away with their ICC World Twenty20 celebrations and that has spurred Australia on for the seven-match ODI series that starts in Bangalore on Saturday. Symonds said his team-mates were keen to reassert their power in the 50-over format.

When the Indian players arrived home earlier this week they were taken on a near five-hour ride on an open-top double-decker bus from the airport to Mumbai's Wankhede Stadium, with fans lining the roadsides along the 20-kilometre route. At the official ceremony at Wankhede Stadium each player was awarded a cheque for US$200,000.

"Something has been sparked inside of me, watching them carry on over the last few days," Symonds told AAP. "We have had a very successful side and I think watching how we celebrate and how they celebrate, I think we have been pretty humble in the way we have gone about it.

"And personally, I think they have got far too carried away with their celebrations. It has definitely sparked passion inside of us. It has certainly spiced it up as well."

Australia had a lacklustre time at the World Twenty20, losing their opening match to Zimbabwe and suffering a 15-run defeat at the hands of India in a semi-final. The loss ended Australia's hopes of owning the World Cup, Champions Trophy and World Twenty20 titles simultaneously and they sat back and watched as India went on to beat Pakistan in the final.

"Something gets triggered inside of you, something is burning inside of you - it is your will for success or your animal instinct that wants to bring another team down," Symonds said. "We have been at the top for so long, it is like someone has taken the favourite thing you own from you and you want it back."

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