Nothing clicked for us in three Tests, admits Dhoni

Birmingham, Aug 13 (PTI) Indian captain Mahendra Singh
Dhoni Saturday admitted that "nothing has clicked for the
team" so far in the Test series against England and they have
only played to 60 per cent of their potential.
"Nothing has clicked for us in this Test series. We have
only managed to perform upto 60 to 65 per cent of our
potential. The key to doing well at the highest level is the
ability to keep the good balls away and punish the loose
deliveries consistently. We didn't do that," Dhoni said after
they were thrashed by an innings and 242 runs to lose the
series and the world number spot at Edgbaston here.
Questioned about the worrying factor that the margin of
loss is getting bigger and bigger, Dhoni answered, "A loss is
a loss. We need to work a lot on both batting and bowling
front. Congratulations to England for being the No. 1
side."
As usual Dhoni tried to play down the issue of rankings
which he has always done during his interaction with the
media.
"I have always stressed about playing consistent cricket.
Being number 1 or not is not of much importance. But as a unit
you need to play consistent cricket. Once you are at the top,
it's like a Cat & Mouse game where other teams are trying to
catch up with you. This is the first series that we have lost
in last two and half years," Dhoni stated.
Dhoni also sidestepped the raging issue about lack of
preparation which may have led to this disaster.
"I never really thought about it. We have tried to
utilise whatever opportunities we got."
The skipper felt that although fans expect them
to win each and every series, it is not possible practically.
Dhoni couldn't explain the reason why his much-vaunted
batting line-up has failed to cross 300-run mark in six
innings. But he ruled out that age was a factor with his
premier batsmen.

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"It is difficult to explain but I believe we have to be
more consistent while punishing loose deliveries. As far as
the age is concerned, they (Dravid, Tendulkar, Laxman) are the
best in the world and have the ability to bounce back," he
defended.
Asked about his team's shoddy fielding, Dhoni gave
another cliched answer. "We are obviously not the best looking
fielding side in the world but our boys give 100 per cent.
It's of no use to point fingers at individuals after a
defeat."
The only positive that the Indian skipper felt about
having emerged from this series defeat is the long spells from
bowlers.
"The bowlers have sent down around 600 overs and have
bowled well since West Indies. It's the batting where we need
to put in more effort and play for pride," Dhoni concluded.