The Hindu : Sport : It will be an exciting tournament: Dhoni

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Tuesday, Aug 10, 2010
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It will be an exciting tournament: Dhoni

Special Correspondent

Dambulla: Ahead of the triangular ODI series, India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni dwelt on the side often being pitted against Sri Lanka over the last two years. The two teams are the favourites to meet in the summit clash.

“If you see, we have been playing each other quite consistently which means we know each other quite well when it comes to one's strengths and weaknesses. It's always good to play against Sri Lanka because most of the time it is controversy-free. We, however, play competitive cricket on the field.”

He added, “A few months ago we played in the Asia Cup, so you can say the same two teams have met each other often in ODIs. Sri Lanka is a very good one-day side. New Zealand has also come on. I think it will be an exciting tournament.”

On the Indian team being without a few leading players, he said, “You can call it a blessing in disguise. We have lost quite a few players in the last few series because of injuries which has given us a chance to look at several newcomers and test our bench strength. We are just hoping that we will play with our best 15 members when it comes to the World Cup but till then, we are getting some time to have a look at our bench strength.”

Sri Lanka captain Kumar Sangakkara said, “The important thing is to stay in the present and concentrate on playing each tournament, each match and winning them. The World Cup is six months away, you are always building towards that as the final goal but at the same time each tournament, each match counts for us as we have identified the core group.”

He continued, “We have a few spots left for the players to come in. They can get a good run in this tournament hopefully. Everyone else will get a chance to consolidate and get good match experience.”

Valuable experience

New Zealand captain Ross Taylor said, “This will definitely be ideal preparation for the World Cup. Obviously, coming from New Zealand, the pitches are going to play differently but the conditions that we have here and in India and in Bangladesh will be similar to what we are going to experience in the World Cup. So this experience is going to be valuable for the team and for the youngsters leading to the selection for the World Cup.”

Throwing light on the young cricketers in the side, he said, “All are exciting players. Andy McKay is the fastest bowler in the squad. We have lost Shane Bond through retirement but McKay is going to become a big part of our side. B.J. Watling and Kane Williamson are two young and exciting players.

“They have been playing and developing their skills. Kane has been a player who has been earmarked to play for New Zealand for a long time. He's only just turned 20, he's an exciting raw talent and he is a pretty level-headed guy. He will be making his debut tomorrow. Hopefully, he will make the most if it.”

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