Batsman Ajinkya Rahane (in pic) credited India’s superb turnaround in the ODIs against England to the addition of new boys in the side who have brought in a lot of fresh energy.
India, who lost the Test series 1-3, lead the five-match ODI series 2-0 after three outings. The first ODI was washed out due to rain.
Rahane, who scored a match-winning century at the Lord’s Test, said the team was upset after the humiliating loss in the Tests and they were determined to put up a great show in the ODIs.
‘We were really hurt after what happened in the Test series but we knew that we have to move on. We helped each other in getting over the hurt and to channel our focus on the ODI series. When we won the second ODI, we prepared for this ODI from the scratch,’ Rahane told BCCI’s official website.
Rahane said his teammates have also worked hard on their fielding, an area where they did miserably in the Tests that also led to the sacking of fielding coach Trevor Penney.
‘The new boys who have joined the team have brought in a lot of fresh energy. Also, talking about the fielding, we are a very good fielding side. Yes, we didn’t do well in the Tests but that doesn’t make us a bad fielding unit. Mohit (Sharma) effected a brilliant run-out on Sunday and (Suresh) Raina took a superb catch in slip. We have made a conscious effort to be energetic on the field and back each other. Even while practising, we are doing it with the same intensity required in a match,’ said Rahane, who struck a valuable 45 while opening the innings and set the tone for India’s six-wicket win on Saturday.