England were once again not capable to do themselves justice as they succumbed to a series defeat against India - yet they stood accused of graver sins than that. Home captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni questioned England's fractious behavior among themselves and towards their hosts during three successive losses over the past week.
England will be playing only for pride and maybe International Cricket Council rankings points in the final two matches in Mumbai and Kolkata, after their five-wicket defeat in Mohali. But according to MSD, they will do well to unearth some shared respect too.
England had no answer to MSD himself in a continuous stand of 65 with Ravendra Jadeja, as India chased 298 for four with four balls to spare on the back of a second-wicket century stand between Ajinkya Rahane (91) and Gautam Gambhir (58).
The best efforts of Jonathan Trott (98no), Kevin Pietersen (64) and Samit Patel (70no) therefore came to nought. But MSD was more concerned with England's manner than their cricketing skills.It's very significant to be nice to your fellow team-mates,he said.
There was lots of gesture flowing around in the field when it comes to the England side.When you are under pressure in the field, most of the individuals will definitely commit mistakes.These are the things that really shape the character of the side.
When it comes to just the talent, most of the international sides are really good - even England are a very good side.As far as talent is worried, they are very good. But they need to stick together - because that's one thing that's very important, especially when the team doesn't get the desired result.
Several England players earned rebukes from the umpires in Monday's eight-wicket defeat in Delhi, yet have vow to continue with a policy they believe may knock India out of their comfort zone. That does not appear to have happened, and MSD is advising them to think again.
I think their plan is not working. That's what's happening right now,he said.It's not only about 'giving it' to the opposition. You have to be fair.If our players are saying something to the opposition - which happens at times - I don't want them to get really individual or say things that are not within the plan.