Dhoni asks BCCI for ‘better turners’ in home Tests

Mahendra Singh Dhoni thinks the Hyderabad pitch on which Indian spinners bagged 18 wickets in routing New Zealand by an innings really wasn't that spin-friendly after all. On the eve of the second Test in Bangalore, India's skipper said he had officially asked BCCI for better turners when England and Australia visit later this year.

The Chinnaswamy wicket on which India begin their quest for a 2-0 whitewash Friday does not, at first sight, look like it might offer help to spinners.

"We have put in a request for turning tracks. But whatever is provided we will have to play on them," Dhoni said. "Every country has its own strong points. In England and Australia, it's pace. The speciality of the subcontinent is spin, and we should stick to it."

On the wickets in Hyderabad and Bangalore, Dhoni said, "Frankly, we were expecting turning tracks, but they haven't been so. Even this wicket (Chinnaswamy) doesn't seem to be one.

"I still think that Hyderabad was a hard-working wicket for the spinners. Ashwin bowled brilliantly and Ojha kept it tight. Personally, if we get a bit more spin and bounce it will be really good. Just like England and Australia provide us with pace."

The simple point: If those countries could welcome India on tracks quicker than coach Duncan Fletcher had ever seen in his playing days, why shouldn't India return the favour at home?

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