Unfazed by the criticism on spinning tracks in India, skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni said different people have different opinions. The ball swings in New Zealand and England. It bounces in Australia. South Africa has different kind of wickets. But in India, “they don’t want the ball turn,’’ he said with a smile.
The wicket at Wankhede looks good, according to Dhoni. But the skipper would not be tempted to play three spinners. Instead, the team will continue with the two-two combination (pace and spin). “It brings balance to the side and also we don’t find it difficult whether we are bowling first or batting first,’’ he said, adding that Harbhajan Singh would have to wait for the next match.
“We want to play with a two-two combination. Sometimes one has to wait for the right time, especially when (Pragyan) Ojha and Ashwin are really bowling well.’’
The Indian skipper also expected the ball to swing at this venue. “This time of the year, the climate is generally cooler. But it is still quite hot there. They will get a bit of swing out here and as the game progresses, the fast bowlers may come into action with reverse swing. All we know this wicket has bit more bounce compared to other wickets.”
Dhoni virtually ruled out fast bowler Umesh Yadav for this match. “He has a sore back. If we play with two fast bowlers and two spinners it is not worth taking the risk. He is out of this match.”
On England playing left arm spinner Monty Panesar, Dhoni said England will looking to decent all-rounders, who can bat. “They looked quite balanced in the bowling department, taking three seamers, Samit (Patel) was doing the spinners job. Monty’s role will be crucial. It remains to be seen who they will leave out. They might be looking to decent all-rounders who can bat.”
The skipper felt it was nice going 1-0 up but the start of another Test is always a fresh one. “We have to start from scratch. Nowadays it’s not difficult to get out of a loss. The Twenty20 format has really taught us to be in the same state of mind irrespective of the fact of having lost or won the first game. We have to go in with a positive mindset.”
Dhoni reiterated that it is better not to speculate whether Sachin Tendulkar will be playing his last Test here. “When it comes to Sachin, the best thing is to not speculate. Enjoy the way he plays.”
England captain Alistair Cook came in for praise from Dhoni. “Cook is someone who really plays spin really well. He made a very good start. He treats the ball according to the merit of the delivery. His is a valuable wicket.”