Mahendra Singh Dhoni said on Monday left-arm spinner Monty Panesar was central to England’s 10-wicket win.
Praising Panesar he said: “Monty was different from the other spinners. The others were getting some turn and bounce, but Monty was was bowling at real pace, close to 90-95 kmph. Still he was able to get some (quick) turn. I think he was the one who had a big impact on the game.
Credit also goes to Pujara.
“Pietersen and Cook… batted really well. Our bowlers could have been a bit fuller and asked them to drive a bit more. We also tried to bowl fast, but did not get the same sort of purchase from the wicket as Monty did.”
Excerpts:
(Dhoni) Wankhede wicket: As far as turning tracks go, this was a very good wicket. Tests should be played on such wickets. We would like a typical sub-continental wicket (in Kolkata) which should turn. What’s the point playing on flat tracks and trying to win the toss and just batting for three or four days. You want to face challenges in Test cricket and these are the sort of wickets that push you towards that.
Losing the match: A bit disappointed, but the good thing about these wickets are no side is guaranteed a win. That’s why I call for a track that starts to turn early. Their bowling was really good. Except for Pietersen and Cook’s figures the scorecards were similar; one or two big innings and the rest all phone numbers….9, 8, 3, 5. It (batting) will be tough if you play on wickets like this, but that’s what Test cricket is all about.
(Cook) Winning feeling : It’s been an incredible effort from the lads; great after last week’s heavy defeat. We came here, worked hard in the nets and did what needed to be done to win. One of the great games I’ve been involved in playing for England.
Pietersen’s innings: That’s why you want him in the team. There are not many in the world who can bat like he does. He was the difference between the teams and also scored quickly and took the game away from India.
Toss: Yes, I would have liked to win it. But again, it’s how well you play. That first day was very important. We got six wickets. Ashwin and Pujara fought hard and got a very good partnership. It was a tough loss in Ahmedabad. Everyone talked about us not being able to play spin, and to turn it around so quickly, it was incredible.
Momentum shift: I don’t know about that. We’ve got two games to go now. But we won’t get carried away. Tests in India take a lot out of us. We will enjoy this win, but when we get to Kolkata we will train with the same purpose and intensity. I don’t think it’s anything about cracking spin. We will continue to look to improve. Even the Indian spinners will confirm that it’s been really hard work.
