Johannesburg: Dec 3: The cold war between the Board of Control for Cricket in India and Cricket South Africa has led to much consternation among the South African public but MS Dhoni maintained that the relationship between players from either side has been cordial.
The Indian skipper, along with coach Duncan Fletcher, addressed the media on team’s arrival here for a shortened two-Test and three-ODI series.
Excerpts:
On expecting the anger to be vented at players: We can arrange a match for the administrators and let them have a go (at each other). We were busy playing cricket. We had nothing to do with it. The relationship between the players of the two teams has been really good. The IPL, especially, has helped us a lot. Though we expect some chirping, which makes the game interesting, so far there hasn’t been a single case where the guys have crossed the line and things have become too personal.
On what if someone threw something onto the field: We’ll pick it up and give it back. That’s what we can do. We have the big guy, our security guy, to handle those situations. Whenever we’ve come here we’ve got a fantastic reception and I don’t think that will really change.
On having more than two Tests: I don’t pay that much attention to how many games we are playing because we have quite a busy schedule. We need to respect the schedule we have. What is in our hand is two Test matches and from here we go to New Zealand and then there’s the Asia Cup… We’ll look to make the most of the matches we have.
On the ODI series: When we played in England, the conditions were different. To some extent they were more in favour of the bowlers there. Over here, what you may see is some good exciting cricket. Generally what we have seen in ODIs here is that the pitches provide something for the fast bowlers but at the same time, if you are a batsman who likes the ball coming onto bat, this is the place to play. Jo’burg can be a high-scoring venue. There will be challenges in both departments, batting and bowling, for both teams.
On playing one-day internationals first: What it does is take that bit of hesitancy, if there is any, out of the game. The situation demands some things. When you play the ODI series first, you might lose
wickets early, but by the 34th or 35th over you may have to start playing according to the demand of the situation. What that does is let you open up, play your big shots, get used to the bounce of the wickets. You look to get positive and you carry that momentum into the Tests.
Comments
Add new comment