Dhoni glad to be part of 2,000th Test

LONDON: India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni said he was proud to be playing in cricket's 2,000th Test match, which will take place when he leads his side against England at Lord's here on Thursday.

The first of a four-match series is also the 100th Test between England and India and Dhoni told reporters at Lord's here on Wednesday: "Obviously you can look at the number and feel good about it, because 2,000 is a big number which means the game has survived for a long time.

"And a hundred between India and England means we have a long-term relation when it comes to playing cricket with the English side.

"It's a special game, playing at Lord's is always special, but overall, rather than thinking too much about the numbers, we can just look at the number and be proud.

"You can't play 100 games with one nation, but when you have left cricket you can look back and say you played in the 100th Test between India and England, and 2,000th when it comes to the history.

"We can be proud we are playing but at the same time we need to stick to the basics and enjoy the game."

India, who won their last series in England in 2007, go into this campaign as both the world's top-ranked Test side and the 50-over world champions.

But England could displace them at the top of the Test rankings if they win this series by two matches.

India used to be viewed as strong at home and vulnerable away but their overseas form has improved markedly in recent years.

Dhoni, who has yet to lose any of his 10 Test series since he became permament captain -- India have won seven and drawn three under the wicketkeeper-batsman -- said a new attitude had helped the team abroad.

"We can talk about the last four five years. Once we came abroad we wanted to enjoy the game and the situation.

"You travel to different countries and face different challenges, whether it's New Zealand, England, Australia, or the West Indies.

"So I felt it was very important to look at it as an examination. Irrespective of where you are playing, all you are looking to do is improve as a cricketer.

"The whole team started to enjoy the game more and taking the pressure as added responsibility."

Dhoni, asked the secret of his success as a captain, replied: "The first and foremost point is to have a good side. Trying to keep it simple is important, especially when you have the expectation of 1.2 billion people.

"What we really emphasise is enjoying the game.

"More often than not when you are part of of the India team you can't do that because of the hype around cricket.

"When we take the field we are expected to win each and every game which we know is not possible.

"What is possible is to prepare well, go out and try to reflect what you have done in the practice sessions and the talent you have."

Copyright AFP (Agence France-Presse), 2011