Ravindra Jadeja’s rise within the Indian Test squad was lauded by his skipper here on Saturday. “The way he played in the last Test match (at Lord’s) will give (him) a lot of confidence. His presence also gives the liberty of playing another bowler, because he keeps it tight. He’s a vital instrument in our line-up as of now,” Dhoni said about the all-rounder.
The Indian captain also praised the way Murali Vijay has shaped up in this series. “He has left the ball well in this series. It is very crucial as an opener. At the same time, he has been positive. He needs to stay in the present and move forward gradually,” Dhoni said.
As always, the skipper kept his cards close to his chest as far as the team composition is concerned.
“I know there is a famous saying ‘why to fix something when it is not broken.’ But you have to realise that others are trying to catch up with you when you are doing well. The important thing is that we will see the wicket and decide what the best combination is. We will have to see the moisture level in the pitch before the game because it has been quite hot this summer in England,” Dhoni said and cautiously stressed: “I feel that in a five-match series 1-0 lead is not big.”
Cook allays doubtsEarlier, Alastair Cook continued to allay the doubts that have cropped up around his captaincy and form. “I am desperate to carry on. It has been a tough summer, we haven’t won anything, the frustrating thing iswe get into situations where we do well and then we lose. It is incredibly frustrating not to score as a batter, that is my bread and butter. The other day I came early and had a two-hour hit, I am putting in the hard yards,” the England captain said.
Cook hoped that the few days of rest after the Lord’s defeat, would help the team. “A couple of days away have been nice. The good news is that it is a five Test match series and you have a chance to bounce back.” He added that Stuart Broad was fit.
The England skipper also said that the issues with Jadeja would not distract James Anderson.
