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Tough task for England: Pietersen

Special Correspondent

— Photo: Vivek Bendre

Kevin Pietersen.

MUMBAI: England captain Kevin Pietersen believes that competitive experience against Australia is the best preparation. Looking ahead to the seven-match one-day series, he stressed, “I don’t think we have an edge over India. Playing against Australia is the best preparation any team can have and any side which has done well will be going into the series full of confidence.”

M.S. Dhoni’s approach to the game and influential role as the captain became the topic of conversation. “A lot of positive things can happen because of the way Dhoni plays. He leads from the front, doesn’t get too emotionally wound up and lets his cricket do the talking. He does a good job behind the wicket and at the end of the day, players who look up to him, play with him, just want to do well.” Pietersen is clear about his team’s objective in the forthcoming series. “Dhoni oozes confidence, so does his presence in the dressing room. We are going to try and keep that confidence down. England have a task on hand, from the way his counterpart is marshalling resources against Australia.

“India is playing good cricket and is led by a fantastic leader. It will be hard for us.”

England’s one-day fortunes have been on the up, since Pietersen took charge, especially the 4-0 rout of South Africa. “I like to give our players confidence that they can go out there and throw their talent around. Just be confident to know that we support them.”

Backing players

Pietersen’s approach in getting things done and backing players whom he believes in, sounds similar to his Indian counterpart’s outlook. “I am a great believer in trying things, not scared of trying, not afraid to make mistakes,” said the England captain.

He is positive about excitement in the squad at the prospect of facing India. “The boys are so keen. To play in a country where cricket is religion, the boys are just excited,” said Pietersen, using the CCI media briefing on Friday to wish Sourav Ganguly, playing his last Test at Nagpur, and V.V.S. Laxman, figuring in his 100th. “I want to congratulate Sourav, a great servant of Indian cricket. I wish him well, so too V.V.S. Laxman for his 100th Test.”

A bonus

England coach Peter Moores said: “India always got a strong batting side. I have heard that Sachin (Tendulkar) is sitting out the first three games. It is a bit of a bonus for us.”

The visitor plays two one-day games against Mumbai Cricket Association XI at the Brabourne stadium on November 9 and 11 before heading to Rajkot for the first ODI.

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