By Qaiser Mohammad Ali, IANS
Jaipur : India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni said here Sunday that his ankle would be all right when the Test series against Pakistan begins in Delhi next week.
Dhoni twisted his left ankle while attempting to turn for a second run during his 24-run knock in India’s 31-run defeat to Pakistan in the fifth and final match at the Sawai Man Singh Stadium.
“It is nothing serious. I will be okay by the time the Test series begins,” Dhoni told reporters after India clinched the series 3-2.
Dhoni would be the vice-captain to the newly appointed skipper Anil Kumble in the three-Test series beginning at the Ferozeshah Kotla Thursday.
He said that India missed big partnerships as they chased 306 for six. The home side was all out for 275 in 49.5 overs.
“If you are chasing a 300-run total, you need partnerships. We [also] needed a good start because otherwise the run rate increases as the innings progresses,” he said.
Dhoni also conceded that Pakistani bowlers bowled better towards the end of the innings.
“Pakistan’s ‘death bowling’ was better. Their fielding was also slightly better than us,” he said.
Pakistan captain Shoaib Malik, who won the Man of the Match for his 89 and three wickets, said this win would be significant for his team considering the Test series.
He said that since Kumble would be new as captain it would be a slight disadvantage to India.
“He is a great player but since he will be new as captain it will be a disadvantage to India. Because of this, both teams are now equally matched in the Test series,” Malik said.
The Pakistan skipper lauded the performances of debutant wicket-keeper Sarfraz Ahmed and left-arm spinner Fawad Alam.
“Sarfraz backed the bowlers and fielders well, which was good to see him doing. Fawad was also excellent,” he said. Playing only his second ODI, Fawad went wicketless.
On Mohammed Yousuf, who scored 74 but did not field due to an elbow problem, Malik said that it was not a major issue.
“It is not a big thing. He was advised rest just for today and he will be all right soon,” he said.