London, Sept 9: A 112-run partnership between MS Dhoni and Ravindra Jadeja revived the Indian innings after a disastrous start that left them tottering at five wickets for just 58 runs. Put in to bat, the side fought back to score a respectable 234 runs for the loss of seven wickets. But the visitors could not prevent England from eking out a three-wicket win; the hosts have now taken an unassailable 2-0 series lead.

In the post-match presentation, Indian skipper Dhoni spoke about the team’s performance in the match.

Excerpts from the media-interview:

On India’s effort

We lost quite a few early wickets and that really made a big impact on the game […] [Ravindra] Jadeja, coming in the very first game, like a comeback game and the way we batted [was commendable]. We had to put, to some extent, enough runs on the board; but [it was] not a very safe score. We had to bowl well.

On the difficulties facing the new ball

The first four batters, when they got out, that was a real period when [the pitch] was doing a bit. [The ball] was seaming around apart from the swing. But when I went in to bat, it was not doing that much. [It was all about] adjusting to the situation. I think me and Jadeja, we batted well, and that was the key and running between the wickets was very important [as] their bowlers don’t give easy balls to score boundaries [off].

On getting back amongst the runs himself

It is always important to score runs, but before this, the last two games that we played were T20 games. And if you are batting at No. 6, you don’t get many chances, [you] just look to up the momentum if needed. It’s good to play a full fifty-over game.

On whether 234 runs weren’t enough

With the rain we had a bit of advantage in the sense [that although] we lost seven overs, not many runs were deducted but also the disadvantage was the fact that [the ball] started coming on nicely to the bat with a bit of rain on the outfield which meant [that] the ball gets slightly wet. And especially for the fast bowlers it was coming out nicely and our bowlers are not very quick. That was the only disadvantage.

On whether it was a surprise that the ball started to turn under lights

I had a chat with Duncan [Fletcher] and he said the wicket looks a bit green and I said it’s looking a bit soft so as the game progresses it will get a bit of turn. Especially with Jadeja coming in it meant we had two very close to specialist spinners if needed and [Suresh] Raina. Whenever it turns, Raina is a good bowler to have.

On whether he was happier now with the bowling options

Well, I think so. There are quite a few options which you can manoeuvre with. [If] you are supposed to bowl the fifth bowler as only part-timers, it gets a bit difficult especially on wickets where it doesn’t offer much turn. Having a left-arm spinner always helps. Yuvi [Yuvraj Singh] was not there but it is good to have Ravindra Jadeja in the side.