Thaindian News

Birmingham, Aug 9 (IANS) Indian captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni did not rule out playing a four-pronged pace attack in the third Test against England beginning at Edgbaston here Wednesday.

“We have seen that the wickets have not assisted the spinners so far. There is not much for the slow bowlers. There is a possibility of playing four pacers although over rate is something we have to look into. But when you go into a match, you don’t think about over rate and select the best 11.

“The wicket looks good and there is a cover of grass. It will help the seamers more. But we will have a look at the pitch before the match and then decide on the combination.”

Ishant Sharma, Munaf Patel and S. Sreesanth are expected to be the frontline bowlers.

Left-arm seamer R.P.Singh, who replaced injured Zaheer Khan, will get a chance if the team management decides to go with four pacers or add variety to the attack.

Dhoni said the full squad was available for selection.

“It is good to have everyone fit and available for selection. When you are on a tour for a long time, form and injuries are a concern. It is among the toughest tours. But that is what you expect in international cricket.”

Asked about Virender Sehwag, who missed the West Indies series and the two Tests here, Dhoni said: “He is an impact player. He plays the ball on its merit and gives it the treatment it deserves. He is an attacking player and can have an impact on the opposition.”

Dhoni said they would look to put pressure on the England team.

“In the first two Tests we were into situations from where we could have dominated the game. We would look to get into similar situations and then take advantage and put pressure on their batting.

“They bat deep till No 9 or 10. It is important that we bowl well with the old ball, say after 45 overs, till we get the second new ball.”

India, who are 0-2 down in the four-match series, have to at least draw the Test to save their No.1 ranking, but Dhoni said they are just focussed on the match.

“We have not worried about ratings. The rankings are a reflection how a team has performed over a period of time. We have played consistent cricket to be at the top. We believe in breaking the Test into smaller sessions and not think about the result.

“There is always pressure. When we play at home, the pressure is to win and when we play overseas, the pressure is to prove yourself. So it is never easy.”