India needs to show character, says Dhoni

Hosts in good spirits for series finale despite setbacks.

India captain MS Dhoni believes that his team needs to show character in order to avoid a series-defat at the hands of England who lead 2-1 going into the fourth and final Test starting in Nagpur today.

India have not lost a Test series at home since 2004, a record Dhoni will be keen to keep intact.

“Not only as a captain, but as an individual too you rarely get these situations,” said Dhoni. “Against South Africa in 2008, we were in a similar situation, when we were down in the series, going into Kanpur. I won’t say this is a very good situation to be in, but you get to know the character of a team or a person only in tough times.”

Despite the setback over the last few weeks, Dhoni says the team have been in good spirits.

“The spirit is really good. The good thing is we are enjoying our cricket, which at times you don’t tend to do when you go through a rough patch. When it comes to the dressing-room atmosphere, it’s looking great. We have struggled in the last two Test matches. If you ask big questions depending on two Test matches, it may come in the future too when we lose two Test matches that youngsters should go out and somebody else should come in. You have to be consistent. You have to keep faith in the players.”

Finn in doubt for Nagpur Test

Meanwhile, England fast-bowler Steven Finn has been put in doubt for the fourth Test after suffering a back injury.

He previously faced a setback in the first two Tests due to a thigh strain and on the final day of the Kolkata, he reported some soreness. Even though Finn has not been ruled out of the Test as yet, his inclusion would prove to be a risky decision.

Stuart Broad, who was ruled out of the Test after the scan on his left heel showed bruising, is still part of the squad but a decision over his availability for the Twenty20 games will be taken in the next few days.

Tim Bresnan is the likely candidate who could replace Finn. He was dropped after displaying a disappointing performance in Ahmedabad, but with his experience and batting abilities, he will probably be preferred over Graham Onions who has struggled on the tour.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 13^th, 2012.