Frustrated with the performance of his bowlers, India skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni said given the attack at his disposal right now even 300-plus scores are not enough against Australia in the ongoing ODI series in Australia.
Australia comfortably chased down a 300-plus target for a second successive time, at the Gabba, to take a 2-0 lead in the series as India's bowlers struggled to get their act right. "It seems like we have to score more runs to put pressure on the batsman. Back to back 300 is always good, but looking at our bowlers, we need to score 330 or more," Dhoni said after Australia's seven-wicket victory.
Rohit Sharma stood out for a second consecutive game with a 127-ball 124, which was the cornerstone of India's 308/8. Chasing 309 for a win, Australian openers Aaron Finch (71) and Shaun Marsh (71) laid the foundation before George Bailey (76 not out) and Steve Smith (46) snatched the game from India with an over to spare. India were guilty of bowling 12 wides.
"Most of the wides weren't because of swing. Even after the ball has got old we were bowling wides. When we were supposed to build pressure, we bowled wides. The spinners bowled reasonably well," said Dhoni.
Asked how he would motivate the team after two successive losses, Dhoni said, "The morale is up, we'll just have to play a few more shots. We can be on the receiving end if we lose too many wickets. We have to go out there and enjoy it and not thing about the pressure. But looking at everything we have to score 330-plus to make a game out of it."
Australia captain Steven Smith lauded his bowlers for making a comeback towards the end of Indian innings. "Yeah, it was good tonight, I think we did well to restrict them to 308. They were looking good for 350.
"The way we started was brilliant. Marsh and Finch didn't panic and allowed us to play freely at the end. The bowlers did well in the last game, they pulled India back at the back end today too," Smith said. "I'm sure (Matthew) Wade and (James) Faulkner will get a hit and do well when the get the chance. Bailey was excellent again."
Man of the Match Sharma was disappointed with the outcome of the match. "It's always disappointing. At the end of the day, no matter how much you score it's the result that matters," Sharma said.
Asked about playing in Australian conditions, he said, "I love playing here. The wickets are good, you always get value for your shots and that's what I want to do. Once I'm in, I feel good enough to score big. Overall I am pleased with my form, but disappointing not to win. Looking forward to Melbourne now."
