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This is an archive article published on November 9, 2009

Inconsistent batting did us in: Dhoni

Having lost the ODI series against Australia,India captain MS Dhoni denied that the hosts had become complacent after Australia lost their frontline players....

Having lost the ODI series against Australia,India captain MS Dhoni denied that the hosts had become complacent after Australia lost their frontline players. You cant be complacent against any Australian team. We lost a couple of close matches and today we lost too many wickets in the first 10 overs, he said on Sunday.

According to the skipper,the batting lacked consistency. This is the reason we lost the series. If we want to become No 1,we have to win games more consistently, he said.

Dhoni defended Virender Sehwags approach towards batting but admitted that experienced players are expected to play according to the situation and conditions. Sehwag got starts in almost every game in the series but couldnt capitalise on them.

Theres nothing to complain about. He Sehwag is known to be an aggressor… he plays like that, Dhoni said,but added: Experienced players are expected to play according to the conditions. The ball did a bit early and the first half hour was crucial. If we had negotiated that,we could have set the target we had in mind.

Asked if the team missed Amit Mishras leg-spin,he said: In hindsight,maybe yes. But Ravindra Jadeja is scoring runs and bowling his overs. So,it was difficult to find a slot for Mishra.

A great achievement

Australia captain Ricky Ponting,meanwhile,was delighted. This is a great achievement,especially after losing so many players. It will be right up there along with the World Cup,Champions Trophy and the 6-1 win against England. The youngsters rose to the occasion and its a great sign for Australian cricket with the World Cup just a year away, said Ponting.

Asked if he was confident of winning the series after losing so many players and being 2-1 down,Ponting said: We knew it would be difficult,but we were ready to take the challenge. We know what we are capable of if we play as a team.

 

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