Spin legend Shane Warne has added a new twist on whether Indian skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni was right in asking for spin wickets at home.
“I don’t want captains to specifically ask for certain wickets. It might be part of the Duncan (Fletcher) and Dhoni’s plans to put doubts in the England minds. It is part of the mind game, I believe,” said Warne during a function.
Warne said that they took lot of time to learn before winning the series in 2004. “Spin is different in India. It took three series even though we had great batsmen of spin like Ricky Ponting, Matthew Hayden, Waugh brothers (Mark and Steve) but it took us a while before beating India in India. We learn by experience,” he said. Warne said that English batsmen need to adapt themselves. “In India you expect the ball to turn and the English batsmen failed to adapt to the situation. They should show lot of character,” he said, adding, India will win the series but did not predict the margin.
The legendary leg spinner said England made a big mistake by omitting left arm spinner Monty Panesar in the first Test. “They should play Monty in second Test. India have two good spinners in Ashwin and (Pragyan) Ojha. It is a good combination like I had Tim May (off-spinner),” he said.
Warne said Graeme Swann is the best off spinner in the world. “He has a traditional style. I’m impressed with his bowling,” he said. Talking about Dhoni’s captaincy, Warne said the Indian skipper is at his aggressive best when he plays with spinners in India. “But he becomes defensive outside India,” he pointed out. Commenting of the Australian Honour on Sachin Tendulkar, Warne said “I disagree with Hayden’s comment. He should be honoured in every country. I’m proud of the Australian honour on Sachin.”
Warne will be commentator only for the second Test. Thereafter he will go home to play in the Big Bash Twenty20 tournament.