 | « Back to article | Print this article |
India has played better cricket in this series: Trott
India's win in the third one-dayer at Mohali helped them take an unassailable 3-0 lead in the five-match series against England.
It also made the remaining two games redundant.
- Lack of partnerships did us in: Flower
For the visitors it is already a lost cause. Or as they would put in cricketing parlance, England would be playing for pride.
A win in either of the two remaining matches – in Mumbai and Kolkata – will help the visitors redeem some glory out of a tour which has so far been disappointing.
If Jonathan Trott is to be believed though, it is more than just that. It is also about going back home with a fresh mind.
"There are two games to go and if we win those, we will be much happier while getting in to the flight back to England," Trott said. "It will be spring in our step," he added.
Last two opportunities
Trott was categorical that the results in the upcoming matches could in no way undo the damage already done.
"It is definitely not the case of damage limitation," explained the 30-year-old.
"It is about realizing that in the first three games we have not played up to our own expectations and India have played the better cricket," he continued, adding, "These (the final matches) are the last two opportunities to get that right and put in some good performances as a team and as individuals."
The England No.3 was at a loss of words when asked to explain his team's disappointing show in the ongoing series, especially considering they had dominated the same opposition not long back.
"I think we have not played as well as we did in England. That's probably the simplest explanation," said Trott.
"I think India have played well, probably better than they have played all summer.
"I can't pinpoint the reasons for the failure in the first three games. I think we have lost key periods in these games. Or may be India has played well in those periods.
"Our basics haven't probably been up to scratch," he added.
'We play a fair amount of ODIs'
Trott refused to buy the argument that England's poor show was because of the fact that they played comparatively fewer one-dayers.
"We play a fair amount of ODIs. I think we got the combination right between Tests and ODIs," he said, before proceeding to explain his point.
"We set ourselves the goal of being the No.1 team in Tests a few years back and we have achieved that. And we have similar goals for ODIs," said Trott.
"Yes, we have lost three straight games but in cricket that happens. Remember, we were excellent this summer in one-dayers, winning back-to-back series' against Sri Lanka and India," he added.
'Wankhede has been a high scoring ground'
The explanation bit done with some degree of confidence, Trott proceeded to express the mandatory confidence, as regards his team's chances in the fourth match at the Wankhede.
"I think the average score at this ground is 270-280. Historically it has been a high scoring ground," said Trott.
"Hopefully, tomorrow we can have a great game and come away victorious," he added.
Unfortunately for him and England, India would have a similar agenda.