MS Dhoni hopes pitch will turn advantage back to India

In a stark declaration of intent MS Dhoni today warned England and any other touring side they can continue to expect trial by spin in India.

Despite his team’s defeat in the Second Test on a turning pitch in Mumbai, Dhoni said: “We will stick to the turning tracks. That’s what our strength is. That’s what home advantage means. Irrespective of the results we want to play on a wicket that suits sub-continent conditions. That’s what it is.”

But in a clever display of hedging his bets, Dhoni also gave England pause for thought by insisting that seam bowling will play an important part in the tomorrow’s Third Test at Eden Gardens.

“I don’t think there will be much help for the spinners initially,” he said. “At this time of the year, fast bowlers get some swing at the start of play and towards the end. Fast bowlers will be really crucial.”

The early starts could also be a factor because there will be some moisture still on the ground. Not that it will persuade either captain to bowl first on winning the toss. Dhoni has won both so far.

England skipper Alastair Cook said: “It surprised me the amount of dew there was on the ground at that time. It might nip around a little more early on but I don’t think it will do too much even though it is a 9am start.”