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Ishant didn't want to bowl short, I told him he has to: Dhoni
India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni termed the 95-run victory over England in the second Test, their first Test win at the historic Lord's in nearly three decades, a "memorable" one, saying they learnt from their disastrous 2011 tour.
India rode on Ishant Sharma's inspired spell of fast bowling to demolish England and take a 1-0 lead in the five-match Test series.
- Photos from Day 5, Lord's Test
"It was a memorable win for us because not many players have played Test cricket in England. But their approach was brilliant, it was a fantastic performance," Dhoni said at the post-match presentation ceremony.
"I think we learnt from the 2011 series that it is important to stay in the game till the third day, because then our spinners come into the game. That was something that was needed, but we couldn't do it in 2011," he said.
- India's tour of England coverage
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'It was a crucial toss because there was something for the bowlers'
India last won a Test at the 'Home of Cricket' 28 years back, when Kapil Dev's team achieved the feat in June 1986, winning by five wickets.
Dhoni heaped praise on his batting department for the gritty display, especially on the first day of the Test on a lively Lord's pitch.
"It was a crucial toss because there was something for the fast bowlers. I think the openers and No. 3 batsmen made the England bowlers bowl to them; you want the opposition to bowl more than 90 overs.
"Overall, the batting department is really doing well; the tail-enders are also contributing," he said.
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'Ishant didn't want to bowl short'
India's skipper had special praise for all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja and lanky speedster Ishant, who grabbed a career-best seven for 74, as England were shot out for 223 in pursuit of a competitive victory target of 319.
"Jadeja has to play that kind of game. I think the more Test cricket he plays, the more he will become a proper Test batsman. I think his technique is very good, but he is someone who doubts himself more than most.
"I think we have been cribbing about the lack of a quick bowling all-rounder, but we have to use the resources we have," Dhoni said about Jadeja.
"That last over before lunch, Ishant didn't want to bowl short, I just told him he has to and turned away. It was a fantastic performance," he added.