Length of ODI series will provide opportunity to bounce back: Dhoni

VADODARA - In contrast to Australian captain Ricky Ponting’s view on the length of the seven-game ODI series between India and Australia, Indian skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni on Saturday said that the “long series” would provide an opportunity for teams to bounce back.

Ponting had earlier questioned the logic behind playing a long series citing that the team that had already wrapped up the rubber will find it difficult to maintain focus.

However, Dhoni said: “This series is a long series, what will really happen in this series is, it will give you an opportunity to come back into the series. It’s a seven-match series, so, you have ample time.”

“So, it is important to play good cricket throughout because it’s not like a five-day game series or four game series,” Dhoni added.

Dhoni further admitted that the Australia team hold an edge due to world-class all-rounders that they boast of. When it comes to all-rounders, I think they are very crucial. Because when you have all rounders then what you can really do is you can play with five bowlers, five specialist bowlers, so definitely they have the luxury, they have players who can bat well and bowl well at the same time,” he said.

Commenting over the recent injuries that have plagued the Indian team, Dhoni said: “Well most of the guys are fit to be precise and I think you know sports related injuries. If somebody gets it while batting or while fielding, you can’t really do much. The practice sessions are so intense right now, you try to give your best and at times you get injured. Its part and parcel of the game, but if it happens too many times in the same span, you can say you are a bit unlucky.”

Team India is already under threat after injury scares to Dhoni, Gautam Ghambir and Suresh Raina at practice.

Dhoni would also be missing the service of bowling spearhead Zaheer Khan, who is yet to recover from a left-shoulder injury. (ANI)