Gayle holds bowlers responsible by CricketArchive Staff Reporter

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Player:	CH Gayle, MS Dhoni
Event:	India in West Indies 2009

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DateLine: 4th July 2009

 

West Indies skipper Chris Gayle said a little more aggression from his bowlers could have helped his side beat India in the third ODI.

 

The West Indies were affected by frequent rain interruptions but a handy knock from Ramnaresh Sarwan ensured they registered a competitive 185 for seven from 27 overs. India then initially were asked to chase 195 in their alloted 27 overs according to the D/L method.

 

Thanks to a strong opening partnership between Dinesh Karthik and Gautam Gambhir and a quality captain's knock from Dhoni made sure India coast home with a ball and six wickets to spare.

 

"We felt we had our chance after scoring 185. But we needed to be a bit more attacking at the start of the Indian innings," said Gayle at the post-match ceremony.

 

The skipper also blamed the inclement weather which forced frequent stoppages.

 

"Weather made it difficult, but we can't do anything about it. In the end we tried to pull it off but credit to Dhoni, he saw the team home," Gayle added.

 

Dhoni also said that the frequent rain interruptions put them on the back foot as it brought the D/L method into play.

 

"Everytime we thought we were in the game the Duckworth-Lewis got us onto the back foot. We couldn't use our second Power Play due to that," said Dhoni.

 

The Indian skipper though hailed the openers who put India on course for the tough chase.

 

"It was a good effort by the openers. Once we get a good start we have the firepower to see the team home," said Dhoni, who was named Man of the Match for his unbeaten the 46.

 

He also felt that the bowlers did a good job.

 

"Getting Gayle out was the target and the bowlers did just that because there's no way you can stop him other than getting him out," said the skipper who would be looking to wrap things up in the last ODI at the same venue on Sunday.