Melbourne, Feb 5: India were beaten convincingly by Australia in the rain-shortened tri-series opener at the MCG. The visitors were outplayed in all departments during the 32-overs-a-side match, putting up a weak performance once they came back from the three-hour-long rain interruption. In the post-match media interaction, skipper MS Dhoni lauded the Australian batsmen for their effort while hoping for an Indian comeback in the forthcoming matches.

Excerpts from Dhoni’s brief chat with the media:

On having started well but losing the plot after the rain interruption

They were 38 for the loss of two wickets and once they came back after the rain [interruption], they knew they had 21 more overs and they went after our bowling. Matthew Wade batted really well initially and after that both the Hussey brothers [Michael and David] went after our bowlers. Our loose deliveries [were easy to] score runs off so that was the difference. And we didn’t get off to a good very good start while chasing a total like this.

On the Australians being a hard side to shake off when in form and on the back-to-back wickets of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma being key moments

Yes, they are [difficult to beat]. They keep hitting the good areas and that’s what is needed. That was a very crucial time after the Powerplay overs. From the 10th till the 20th over [if] we could have built that partnership [between Kohli and Sharma and] kept it going at even five to six runs an over, then it’s an ideal set-up to go for the big strokes with three overs of Powerplay left. Those two quick wickets did hamper our game plan a bit, because all of a sudden you have lost four wickets. It becomes a bit difficult after that for the batsmen coming in.

On whether the team had the self-belief to do well in the next match and make it to the final

I think so. That’s one thing that comes with the youngsters; they are very agile and they don’t really get caught up with the moment. That’s one thing that’s really good. It’s a long tournament, four games each, so I think the first and foremost thing is to do well and get into the finals and then plan about the finals.