Date:26/11/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/11/26/stories/2008112660351900.htm

Sport - Cricket

No let up in intensity, says Dhoni

Principal Correspondent

— Photo: S. Subramanium

RELAXED SESSION: England chose to take the day off and with India having only an optional nets session, skipper M.S. Dhoni was seen rolling his arm over.

Cuttack: Skipper M.S. Dhoni said there would be no let-up in terms of commitment and intensity from his team in the remaining three matches of the series.

“The commitment and intensity will be the same. We will be giving players on the bench an opportunity in these matches and they will be extra keen to perform and prove themselves, so I don’t see any reduction in effort,” Dhoni said here on Tuesday evening.

The Indian captain, however, did not specify the changes within the playing eleven. “Yes, we will rest a few players but we haven’t decided as to who will sit out and who will replace them. The changes will be few, like one or two in batting and may be one in bowling,” Dhoni said.

Asked about what his advice would be for players like Irfan Pathan and Virat Kohli, who are on the bench, Dhoni said: “It is important that they stay calm and not get desperate because that will affect their performance. They have the talent and everyone knows that.”

Dhoni did not read much into England’s decision to skip the pre-match nets.

“We are bothered about how we can do well. Sometimes rest helps more than a training session. Even for us it was optional and some players stayed back in the hotel and are at the gym,” he said.

He said the ODI series result may not have a bearing on the Tests next month. “Tests are a fresh start though people might say that we will carry forward the momentum,” he said.

When queried on the Duckworth/Lewis method, Dhoni said: “To be honest, I don’t understand the D/L method and I just ask the umpires.”

Meanwhile, England batsman Owais Shah said that the D/L method ought to be evaluated afresh.

“I think it is worth giving a look at D/L. It is up to the ICC but right now it is there and we have to deal with it,” Shah said.

Shah said the team had enjoyed a welcome break from Tuesday’s practice.

“Just because we don’t train for a day doesn’t mean that we will forget batting and bowling. It’s been a good break after these games and we are eager to play well,” Shah said.

While expressing satisfaction over his batting so far, Shah said top-order failures had proved costly for England. “Our top order hasn’t clicked like India’s line-up has, and especially with Yuvraj Singh in such terrific form, our plans have just remained plans,” Shah said.