Ahead of their crucial Test match against England at the Eden Gardens, Indian cricket Captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni said that he was hoping for a big contribution from his openers Virender Sehwag and Gautam Gambhir.
Dhoni was addressing media one day before the test match.
Dhoni said, "We all know about the ability of our openers. If both of them can score in the same innings it will be a big plus for us. We don't want to put extra pressure on them but back them for the game they are used to play".
However Dhoni who had asked for a turning track said that the wicket would not assist the spinners in the first two days and the pacers are likely to get some help from the pitch initially.
"The wicket looks good. We will have to see how the pitch behaves. It depends a lot on the clay content. It won't help the spinner much initially. Fast bowlers this time of the year get some help initially. The role of fast bowlers will be very crucial in this game".
India pacers Zaheer Khan, Ashok Dinda and Ishant Sharma were seen slogging hard at the nets bowling to different batsmen.
"The first innings in any Test match is very crucial as it sets up the game. We have seen the game change a lot in the last two days in India. So it is very important to be at par in the first two-three days and assess the pitch and the wear and tear it suffers," he added.
With the team enjoying a week's break after a 10-wicket loss in the 2nd Test at Mumbai, Dhoni said it has helped the players recharge themselves.
"It has allowed the bowlers to get back to their best, while the batsmen had the time to reflect on what went wrong in the last game".
Dhoni expects a big crowd at Eden Garden. He said, "The pitch here is good for stroke making, the outfield is quick and the cricket lovers will enjoy the game. People of Kolkata are cricket lovers and I am looking forward to a big crowd here".
"We want to play on turning tracks irrespective of the result. Home advantage is a big part of the game. If you don't take home advantage, then what is the use of playing around the world, in different conditions?" argued Dhoni.
"It is not that England or Australia have not lost games under seaming and swinging conditions. But they still go with pitches that suit them which are fast and seaming wickets. It is not about whether you lose or win a game, it is about playing in conditions according to your strength. That is what home advantage is all about".
Third Test match between Indian and England will be played at the Eden Gardens from Wednesday. The four-match Test series is currently tied 1-1.
(with inputs from IANS)
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