Indian Cricket Team Updates

Dhoni wary of ‘confident’ England: Final CT13

Posted: 23 Jun 2013 12:44 AM PDT

India may be entering the Champions Trophy final on the back of the only unbeaten run in the tournament but captain MS Dhoni insisted he was taking nothing for granted ahead of the champions' clash with hosts England at Edgbaston on Sunday. (Also Read: Cook confident England can upset India)

"I think they (England) are a very good side, like each and every side when it comes to the Champions Trophy, which means all of them are strong enough to beat anyone on that particular day and win the trophy," Dhoni said. (Also Read: Preview: India vs England - Champions Trophy 2013 Final)

"England are a very good side. We have played quite often in the last couple of years so we know the same amount about them and they know the same about us," added Dhoni, whose side have eight of their last 10 one-dayers against England, albeit all those matches were in India.

Speaking about the challenge presented by the England attack especially James Anderson, he said, "They are a quality side, especially the bowlers, and what we are positive about is the fact that our top-order, they have done well, and also the fact they have played some of the best bowlers in world cricket so far in the tournament. So I think they are quite well prepared for the English bowlers, it's just that, like in every game, you have to apply, also, so we'll wait and watch."

While talking about his bowlers who have used the conditions to their advantage and won games for India, Dhoni said, "Well, we have exploited the condition well and we have bowled in the right areas, which I feel is very important. Also, what we have done is bowled in one area quite consistently. Most of our bowlers at times, they tend to look for wickets, and in these conditions what's important is to keep bowling in the same channel, use less of variation, more of consistency, and that really helps you get wickets and put pressure. So that's one area where we have done really well."

While talking about his spinners – Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja - Dhoni elaborated on how they complement each other. "It is important to realise they are a bowling unit, and it's the impact that every individual has (that makes a difference). It can reflect on how many wickets the other guy takes. If one of them is bowling brilliantly, it can actually put pressure on the other guy who's bowling from the other end may get wickets. So it's very important that they hunt in pairs. And I think that's what they have been doing really well so far. When Jadeja puts the pressure, Ashwin gets the wicket; when Ashwin puts the pressure, Jadeja gets the wicket. Both of them are very crucial for each other's success and for the success of the team."

Asked if the first 10 overs are crucial, Dhoni said that they are and added, "I think so far in this tournament that's what we have seen. If you get off to a very good start, batting or bowling, you are able to put pressure on the middle order and then you can restrict the opposition from scoring freely, or, if you are batting first if you have wickets, you can get those extra 20 or 25 runs and it can prove very crucial because with the five fielders inside, you want that cushioning of those extra 20 to 25 runs."

With the 30^th anniversary of India's first ever ICC World Cup victory in 1983 just a couple of days away, the Indian captain said: "1983, it was a very special year for us, winning the World Cup for the first time. I would like to wish each and every person who was part of that team and the support staff and whoever was involved, thanks for giving us the '83 World Cup."

sourcee:bcci.tv

Cook confident England can upset India: Final CT13

Posted: 23 Jun 2013 12:44 AM PDT

England captain Alastair Cook is confident his excited squad can pull off an upset and beat India in the final of the ICC Champions Trophy on Sunday. England have a poor record in ODI tournaments and Cook said he was aware of this piece of history. (Also Read: Preview: India vs England - Champions Trophy 2013 Final)

England have not won a major ODI title, losing three World Cup finals and the 2004 Champions Trophy final against the West Indies at home. (Also Read: Dhoni wary of 'confident' England)

"India are a very strong side. They are unbeaten and playing very good cricket. They are batting well at the top of the order and getting early wickets. They will go in as favourites," skipper Cook told the media persons ahead of Sunday's high-profile final against India.

"They're unbeaten aren't they, and played some very good cricket. We're happy with that. But our record against India last time we played them in England is a good record. So we can certainly take a lot from that", he said.

Excited to play in the final, he said, "But it's just a great place to play India here. It's going to be a great crowd. I think both sides will get some great support, and hopefully we can put a good show."

While speaking about the fitness concerns with his players he said that Graeme Swann is recovering well and did take part in training today and bowled a few balls he is pushing close. And they will to have a look tomorrow. But, he won't be risked if there's a slight doubt. He also mentioned that Tim Bresnan is available for selection.

Speaking about the final and leading the team in major tournament, he said, "We have been playing a lot this summer, and we've been playing some good one-day cricket the last few games. It's a one off day. Whichever side plays the best on the day, and I am fully confident in our guys that we can upset India here tomorrow."

Asked if he believes the current team has it in them to actually change the course of history, he replied, "Without a doubt. That's why we're here. That's why we are got to the final. We've been playing some good cricket, and it's an opportunity we are desperate not to let go. If it does, it does, and that can happen. It's a one off game, and that's always exciting, isn't it, about an one‑day game in the final. As I said a bit earlier, the lads are raring to go. They're ready. I've never seen them as relaxed as we have been actually leading up to a big game. But I'm looking around in the guys' eyes and I know they're ready; they're ready to play.

"It (winning the trophy) would be right up there. It would be a great achievement if we can do that, if we can win, and one, which we will cherish."

Asked about plans to counter Shikhar Dhawan who has been in tremendous form, Cook answered, "Yeah, obviously their top order have played very well. I think both top-orders have played well in this tournament and probably that's one of the reasons that we're in the final.

"Of course, we've got plans, you know? And we've also got very skillful new ball bowlers, as well. It's going to be a good contest out there, a contest in which if we want to win the game, we're going to have to try and get the best of them because we know how dangerous those guys at the top of the order can be."

sourceee:bcci.tv

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