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England match important like all World Cup games: Dhoni

By Pti

R Eswar

Bangalore, Feb 26 (PTI) It is being touted as the bigGroup B clash of the World Cup but Indian captain MahendraSingh Dhoni today said tomorrow''s match against England is nomore or no less crucial than any other game his side wouldplay during the event.

"What is important is for each and every game, we preparelikewise whether its Bangladesh or England or Australiabecause that is what I feel is important rather than givingthat one game extra importance. It is very important to havesame preparation level throughout the tournament," Dhoni said.

"I think it is a crucial game but at the same time thepreparation level remains the same," he added.

Asked whether India would start favourites againstEngland, Dhoni said no such tags matter in the final analysis.

"In every game you have to start from scratch, a freshstart which means you have to do all the good things that youhave done in the past. A lot has been talked about carryingthe momentum but every game is different and you have to startwell," he said.

England captain Andrew Strauss feels hard-hitting batsmanKevin Pietersen would be a key player tomorrow but Dhoni saidIndia''s strategy would be team-centric instead of beingindividual-centric.

"It is not about one individual. When you are preparingfor a match, you have to have strategies for the whole squad.

At least you have to have plan for the eleven members. Ofcourse there are players in each squad, who can change courseof the game.

"But I still feel its important to have strategy for thewhole team because it will be very tough if you are targetingone individual. As in any international team most of theplayers are very talented," he said.

Dhoni revealed pacer Ashish Nehra is a doubtful starterfor tomorrow''s match. "As per the physio''s report, he is 80per cent fit at the moment."

The Indian captain said holding nerves would also becrucial in the crunch match.

"We are not celebrating yet, that''s for sure. Of course,we had a good start in the opening game, where we battedreally well and after that spinners did a good job in themiddle overs. Again, I think it''s about the team that willstart well and hold the nerves for a consistent period oftime," he said. More PTI RE PM MRM

Story first published: Sunday, February 27, 2011, 0:00 [IST]
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