India retain squad for next two ODIs

The thumping 99-run victory over Australia in the second One-Day International Nagpur in on Wednesday has forced the national selectors to retain the squad for the next two matches in the seven-match ODI series.

"We have retained the same team for the next two one-dayers. I am very happy the way the team has played today," chairman of selectors Krishnamachari Srikkanth said.

The former India opener showered rich praise on captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni, who led the team to victory with a cracking knock of 124 from just 107 deliveries.

India posted a mammoth 354 for seven in their 50 overs before dismissing Australia for 255 in 48.3 overs to level the seven-match series.

"It was extra-ordinary teamwork and a brilliant knock by the captain. You saw the old Mahendra Singh Dhoni in action today. What we have proved today is what a powerful batting line-up we have and it has been exhibited today," he added.

The 49-year-old is confident that the team will carry on the momentum in the remaining matches of the series.

"I am very happy that we have beaten one of the best teams in the world, which, probably on paper, is number one. The kind of victory we had is something fantastic because beating Australia by 99 runs is no joke. This will obviously give tremendous confidence to the team for the next five matches in the series."

Srikkanth was also impressed with the showing of the Indian bowlers.

"I thought I was very impressed with the way our bowlers did the job. I think they bowled brilliantly. There was a lot worry about the dew, but taking everything into consideration I thought our bowlers did an excellent job. I mean everybody in particular and you cannot pick out a single bowler.

"You saw Praveen Kumar moving the ball well, Ishant Sharma getting the lift, youngster Ravindra Jadeja doing the job. Overall, it was a fantastic team effort. What this team needed was this momentum and we have got that, which is very important," he added.

The selectors also announced the Board President's XI team, which will take on Sri Lanka in a three-day match in Mumbai on November 11, 12 and 13.

Board President's XI: Rohit Sharma (captain), Robin Uthappa (vice-captain), Abhinav Mukund, Ajinkya Rahane, Manoj Tiwary, Wriddhiman Saha (w/k), Piyush Chawla, Pragyan Ojha, Pradeep Sangwan, Dhawal Kulkarni, Ashok Dinda, Pankaj Singh, Abhishek Nayyar, Ishant Jaagi.