Cricket: Win over England not revenge says Dhoni

Captain pleased after India clinch ODI series.

MOHALI:

India’s One-Day International (ODI) series win over England should not be regarded as revenge for the side’s humiliating defeats to the same opposition a few months ago, said MS Dhoni.

The Indian captain added he was disappointed at England’s behaviour on the field, saying the strategy to intimidate the opposition was clearly not paying dividends.

“Revenge is a very strong word and should not be used in sport,” said Dhoni after his side clinched a five-wicket win to take a 3-0 lead in the five-match series.

“On one hand we talk about the spirit of the game and on the other we talk about revenge. It shouldn’t be like that.”

Young batsman Ajinkya Rahane top-scored with 91 as India surpassed England’s challenging 298 for four, courtesy Jonathan Trott’s 98, with four balls to spare after Dhoni smashed two boundaries in the final over.

The series win came after a disastrous tour of England in July-September when India were blanked 4-0 in the Tests to concede the number one spot and also lost the ODIs 3-0.

Dhoni, however, warned England to tone down their aggressive behaviour on the field, which earned the wrath of the umpires during the second game. “There were lots of gestures flowing around when it came to the England side,” Dhoni said. “But I don’t think that strategy is working.”

Meanwhile, injured fast-bowler Umesh Yadav has been ruled out for India’s last two ODIs and will be replaced by Abhimanyu Mithun, said the Indian cricket board.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 22^nd, 2011.