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The series-decider at Mohali on Thursday could also be summed as a case of two missed centuries. If India’s Ajinkya Rahane would not mind his 91 not meeting the coveted mark as his side took the five match series, England’s Jonathan Trott’s 98 could not be rewarded in any way.
Both Trott (26, 34 in first two ODIs) and Rahane (15, 14 in that order) were drawing enough criticism for not being able to fulfil their desired roles.
“I was a little upset with my performance. I didn’t want to repeat the same mistakes. So, I spoke to Mahi bhai (MS Dhoni) and the coach (Duncan Fletcher) and both suggested me not to try too hard and stick to my natural game which had got me runs in the recent past,” Rahane said on the eve of the fourth ODI here, adding it would be a huge occasion to play at Wankhede where the side won the World Cup on April 2.
“It was a proud moment. The WC final (against Sri Lanka) was held here and we had won here. It’s good to represent a world champion team. It’s my home ground and it’s a big moment for me,” the 23-year-old said, who notched up a man-of-the-match winning knock of 91 from 106 balls to set India on course for a successful chase in the third ODI of the ongoing series.
“Mahi bhai had told me to back myself. I wanted to give myself some time to settle down in the third match. I knew I could play my shots later,” the Mumbai lad added. “I was obviously disappointed at not getting a century but after making 91 if your team wins, it gives you more satisfaction.”
For, Trott, however, there was no such respite as he was once again in the dock for his batting style on in the ODIs despite a 98. Even though coach Andy Flower came in his support on Friday, terming him as vital component in the ODI team, Trott also chose to ignore the criticism directed at him. “I don’t think there is anything wrong with my style,” Trott said.
Both Trott (26, 34 in first two ODIs) and Rahane (15, 14 in that order) were drawing enough criticism for not being able to fulfil their desired roles.
“I was a little upset with my performance. I didn’t want to repeat the same mistakes. So, I spoke to Mahi bhai (MS Dhoni) and the coach (Duncan Fletcher) and both suggested me not to try too hard and stick to my natural game which had got me runs in the recent past,” Rahane said on the eve of the fourth ODI here, adding it would be a huge occasion to play at Wankhede where the side won the World Cup on April 2.
“It was a proud moment. The WC final (against Sri Lanka) was held here and we had won here. It’s good to represent a world champion team. It’s my home ground and it’s a big moment for me,” the 23-year-old said, who notched up a man-of-the-match winning knock of 91 from 106 balls to set India on course for a successful chase in the third ODI of the ongoing series.
“Mahi bhai had told me to back myself. I wanted to give myself some time to settle down in the third match. I knew I could play my shots later,” the Mumbai lad added. “I was obviously disappointed at not getting a century but after making 91 if your team wins, it gives you more satisfaction.”
For, Trott, however, there was no such respite as he was once again in the dock for his batting style on in the ODIs despite a 98. Even though coach Andy Flower came in his support on Friday, terming him as vital component in the ODI team, Trott also chose to ignore the criticism directed at him. “I don’t think there is anything wrong with my style,” Trott said.
