Perth, Feb 8: India skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni wasn't happy with the shot selection of his top-order batsmen even though his team coasted to a four-wicket win over Sri Lanka in a triangular series match at WACA, today.
“There were a few shots we shouldn't have played. It's good we have ended on the winning side. We could have lost also,” said Dhoni, after his side suffered a mid-innings collapse.
“Once I got out, and when Virat was run out, the match could have gone either way. It looked as it would go Sri Lanka's way. They had Lasith Malinga, the last recognized pair we had was Jadeja and Ashwin. With the kind of slinging action he has, you misread one ball and you can get out,” Dhoni explained the situation.
Dhoni praised Jadeja-Ashwin duo for their fighting partnership that saw the team through.
“It was important they get some kind of partnership. It was not only about the runs but also about the number of balls they faced. They did well to that. They didn't play big shots and their running between the wickets was good too.”
Dhoni also praised the burly offie's bowling during the Powerplay overs considering that Praveen Kumar had an off-day.
“Since Praveen had an off-day with bowling, it was important for somebody to take up that extra responsibility and Ashwin did so during the first Powerplay. Next time, he bowled in the second Powerplay and finally in the slog. It was very impressive bowling and he took it as a challenge.”
Jadeja who also performed his all-rounder's duty pretty well got a special mention from his captain.
“Being a left-arm spinner, he needs to manoeuvre around with his pace a bit more. He can bowl slightly quicker than is needed. It's important to guide him, he is still young.”
