Of course, we can turn it around, says Dhoni
Nottingham: India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni blamed a hectic schedule for the 319 runs loss in the second Test but firmly believes that a turn around is possible in the series.
Dhoni said for that they need to play as a team.
"Well, of course, we can turn it around. When you have to play at the top level, you have to fight out the opposition in tough conditions. You have to have belief in yourself and the team to wade through the tough times. It is true we have won many important series. But, in international cricket, nothing comes easy. The coming two weeks are going to be tough. We have to play as a team to come back in the series," he said.
Asked if it would have been nice to get a few more players from India as reinforcements, Dhoni said: "As of now, I do not think that is a bad idea. So far in 2011, we have played six Tests and bowled 900 odd overs... It has been difficult for the bowlers to maintain themselves both physically and mentally. But hopefully, we will see through the tough times."
The India captain admitted that India lost the plot on the very first day after allowing England to recover from 124 for eight
"I think those 100 runs really mattered when we were bowling… When we were batting, we couldn’t capitalise when it really mattered... We needed to see the second new ball through but could not do that," he said.
Asked what would have made the difference, Dhoni said: "There were quite a few things… I felt the bowlers were tired but their batsmen played some brave shots... And it paid off well… The mishits landed between two fielders. The bowlers tried everything but it is just bad luck that nothing went our way."
Dhoni also said the famed batting line-up's failure to get 300 in any of the innings in the series so far was cause of concern for the team.
"Yes, it is a bit of a concern that we haven’t scored 300... It’s been a continuation of the West Indies series as there was virtually no gap in between… We were struggling in the Caribbean also and could not get enough runs… The bowlers, in fact, have performed well for a side that is known for its batting," he said.
On the fitness issues he said: "Right now Zaheer (Khan) is out there practising but I don’t really know his fitness status... Injuries happen in the game but when you go down to three bowlers, it becomes tough for the bowlers."
Dhoni also said that arrival of Sehwag will boost his team's chances.
"We all know what kind of a player he is. It is, definitely a big re-enforcement. We have a practice match before the next Test. We will see what shape he is in," he said.
He also admitted that his form was a concern for the team.
"My form is a concern because if you are the leader, you want to perform. But you have to look at your preparations and if that is right and the processes are right the form will follow," he said.
Nottingham: India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni blamed a hectic schedule for the 319 runs loss in the second Test but firmly believes that a turn around is possible in the series.
Dhoni said for that they need to play as a team.
"Well, of course, we can turn it around. When you have to play at...
Nottingham: India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni blamed a hectic schedule for the 319 runs loss in the second Test but firmly believes that a turn around is possible in the series.
Dhoni said for that they need to play as a team.
"Well, of course, we can turn it around. When you have to play at the top level, you have to fight out the opposition in tough conditions. You have to have belief in yourself and the team to wade through the tough times. It is true we have won many important series. But, in international cricket, nothing comes easy. The coming two weeks are going to be tough. We have to play as a team to come back in the series," he said.
Asked if it would have been nice to get a few more players from India as reinforcements, Dhoni said: "As of now, I do not think that is a bad idea. So far in 2011, we have played six Tests and bowled 900 odd overs... It has been difficult for the bowlers to maintain themselves both physically and mentally. But hopefully, we will see through the tough times."
The India captain admitted that India lost the plot on the very first day after allowing England to recover from 124 for eight
"I think those 100 runs really mattered when we were bowling… When we were batting, we couldn’t capitalise when it really mattered... We needed to see the second new ball through but could not do that," he said.
Asked what would have made the difference, Dhoni said: "There were quite a few things… I felt the bowlers were tired but their batsmen played some brave shots... And it paid off well… The mishits landed between two fielders. The bowlers tried everything but it is just bad luck that nothing went our way."
Dhoni also said the famed batting line-up's failure to get 300 in any of the innings in the series so far was cause of concern for the team.
"Yes, it is a bit of a concern that we haven’t scored 300... It’s been a continuation of the West Indies series as there was virtually no gap in between… We were struggling in the Caribbean also and could not get enough runs… The bowlers, in fact, have performed well for a side that is known for its batting," he said.
On the fitness issues he said: "Right now Zaheer (Khan) is out there practising but I don’t really know his fitness status... Injuries happen in the game but when you go down to three bowlers, it becomes tough for the bowlers."
Dhoni also said that arrival of Sehwag will boost his team's chances.
"We all know what kind of a player he is. It is, definitely a big re-enforcement. We have a practice match before the next Test. We will see what shape he is in," he said.
He also admitted that his form was a concern for the team.
"My form is a concern because if you are the leader, you want to perform. But you have to look at your preparations and if that is right and the processes are right the form will follow," he said.
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