Dhoni rues lack of options due to injury-crisis

Sep 07, 2011 |

Southampton

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Mahendra Singh Dhoni

Handed another demoralising defeat by England on a miserable tour, Indian cricket captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni bemoaned the injury-crisis that has hit his side, saying that all his plans fall apart due to the lack of options at his disposal.

India went down by seven wickets in the rain-curtailed second ODI and Dhoni said the bowling left a lot to be desired given that the batsmen had done a decent job by posting 187 in the 23-overs-a-side game.

"The bowling department needs to step up a bit. The strength of our bowlers is not speed but it didn't swing today. Also the variations in pace were not possible because the outfield was wet and the ball came on to the bat nicely," said Dhoni after England comfortably overhauled the 188-run target.

"Presently it is becoming difficult to maneuver them around with just two bowlers. When the frontline bowlers go for runs, it becomes difficult. I tried Ashwin hoping he could upset their scoring but even he went for runs. The first five overs didn't work out for us," he added.

"Our fast bowlers are not deceptively quick. They are between the 128-132mph speed. If it is not swinging, it's difficult and a bit tough on them."

Indians stuck to their policy of playing with seven batters even when it meant that Manoj Tiwary was almost straightaway drafted into the playing eleven literally after stepping out of aircraft.

"Our lower order batters can't score big against this bowling attack. Without six batters it becomes quite difficult to score runs. So if it is a low score, even five bowlers can't defend it.

"I thought 187 was a good score. But once they got 60 in first five overs and 100 in the first 10, they never really had to take any risk."

Dhoni once again rued the injuries that have had a disastrous effect on his team's performances.

"Injuries have been a big concern. We have lost nine players and almost of them feature in the first eleven."

The injury nightmare, however, wouldn't extend to young Ajinkya Rahane who batted with a runner during his knock of 54 yesterday.

"He felt a twist in his leg while turning. It's a bit of inflammation but as of now, he wouldn't miss the next game.

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