Cardiff, Sept 16: Having beaten India 0-4 in the Test series and then winning the only T20I, England stamped their complete dominance over the Indian team as they beat visitors in the fifth ODI to win the series 0-3. England’s ODI skipper Alastair Cook was thrilled after his team successfully chased down the revised target of 241 runs in a rain-affected game at the Sophia Gardens stadium here in Cardiff.
In less than a month from now, the two teams are set to clash once again, this time in the vastly different Indian conditions. In the post match media-interaction, Cook spoke about the win and the forthcoming tour to India. Excerpts:
On whether England had exceeded expectations that they began the series with
Yes, we did, [we] remained unbeaten in this one-day series […] It’s a fantastic effort from the lads.
On whether the introduction of new players was doubly pleasing for him
Yes, it is all about developing these young players, giving them a chance at [the] international level and yes it is really encouraging in terms of [our] future.
On whether this is the start of the journey towards being one of the best ODI teams, like their ascent in Test cricket
Yes, we are a long way yet but this is [the] start of a journey. I know how hungry the lads are […] Two days off from the last game really won the series but the players have done well to have chased that target; I am satisfied.
On the conditions in India in the upcoming series in October
It’s going to be tough but we want to set ourselves for those conditions and I am really excited.
