Dejected Dhoni still hopes of a turnaround

Indian captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni blamed the initial profligacy of his bowlers for the three-wicket loss to England in the third ODI but remained hopeful of what now seems like a miracle turnaround in the last two games of the series.

"The first 10 overs were crucial. We gave away too many runs. Otherwise spinners would have had a few more runs to play with," said Dhoni after Friday's three-wicket loss in the rain-hit match during which the first 10 overs of England innings cost 60 runs to the Indian team.

"It's not the first time it has happened to us. There was a phase when we suffered from the same malaise. If the rivals have to chase more than six runs per over, it becomes difficult for them but we gave away too many runs upfront."

The Indian captain, however, maintained that the morale of his side hasn't gone down despite drawing blank in the England summer thus far.

"The boys are excited. They want to give more than 100 per cent. When it comes to motivational factor, we are not down and out. Luck at times hasn't been with us but the morale is high," he said.

Dhoni didn't blame the weather for his team's defeat although he did say the spinners got less turn after the interruption.

"It was a mixed thing. It gave an advantage that England had only 15 runs less to chase. The disadvantage was that the ball became wet and it affected the turn for the spinners. The fast bowlers were handicapped too as the ball was coming nicely on the bat."