Despite stand-in skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni's optimism, India's
bowlers need to get their act right ahead of the seven-match one-day cricket
series against England starting here Tuesday. 
The fact that England Lions could post a mammoth score of 296
for 8 from their 50 overs after tottering at 149 for 5 tells its own story.
As much can be said from the figures of Munaf Patel (9-0-60-1) and Zaheer
Khan (7-0-59-0).
Although England Lions skipper Vikram Solanki had some
comforting words for his opponents, saying "they're coming off a great
Test series and it takes a different approach to bowl in one-dayers," the
fact remains that Zaheer Khan was struggling to get his rhythm right while Munaf
Patel was even worse as he sprayed the ball all over and was taken to the cleaners
by Luke Wright whose adventurous strokeplay left everyone impressed.
Then again, having conceded 296 runs, the Indian batters were denied a chance
to flex their muscles due to inclement weather.
"Naturally, we were disappointed that the batsmen did
not get a chance. But we have some good batsmen and that will show in the one-day
series," said Dhoni, who was excited looking ahead to the forthcoming series.
"I think it's going to be a good series because England
are a good side, and performing well against them is always going to be a good
challenge for us," he said.
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