Dhoni refuses to undermine Australian team

Bangalore, Sep 30 (UNI) India's ODI skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni today declined to underestimate the visiting Australian team saying that only experience does not count, but consistency in performance is the key that comes into account at the end of the day.

Talking to mediapersons here, Dhoni said, ''The most important thing is to play good cricket over a period of time and it is not about whether you have the experience in the side or not but it is about the guys who go in the middle and take up the responsibility to do well.'' ''That is what you need and the team that will be victorious, will be the one that plays consistent cricket for five days and win more Tests.

''It does not depend entirely on how many experienced players you have in the side. Of course, experience does count but at the same time you also have a bunch of talented players who do not have the experience but still they perform well,'' Dhoni added.

Dhoni, who is also the vice-captain of the Test team, said he was more keen to play and perform for the country rather than his own personal achievements.

''We are expecting some good cricket in the four Test matches and that is what we are aiming to do,'' he added.

The wicketkeeper batsman pointed out that the last time when Australia visited India it performed very well and similarly the Indian team also made its mark when it last toured Down Under earlier this year. He said such competitive cricket is the reason that India-Australia series generate such huge interests.

''People expect some quality matches and that is why all the hype is created. Of course they (Australia) are top in the rankings and even we have a good side that is capable of beating any top side in the world. We have done really well in the home and overseas.

''People are expecting good competitive cricket and some on-field aggression as well. This is why there was so much hype whenever the two sides play each other irrespective of whether it is a Test series or an ODI series,'' Dhoni noted.

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