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Ashwin says Team India keyed up after clinical Chennai win

Last updated on: March 1, 2013 13:45 IST
R Ashwin

India spinner R Ashwin says England defeat not haunting team and squad is in a positive mindset after clinical performance against Aussies in Chennai.

Memories of the humiliating defeat at the hands of England remain fresh.

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Alastair Cook's team were comprehensively beaten in the opening Test in Motera back in November last year. They rebounded to win the two subsequent Tests -- at the Wankhede stadium and Eden Gardens -- to inflict upon India a first Test series defeat at home in eight years.

Even if an encore is highly unlikely, considering the fact that Australia simply doesn't have a good enough squad, doubts remain, largely owing to the fact that Team India is a very unpredictable side and not in the best of forms.

However, R Ashwin, interacting with the media in the place of his captain, expressed confidence that something similar won't happen.

He offered a proper reason to validate his point.

"If you remember England played very well in the second innings at Motera and that shifted the momentum somewhat in their favour ahead of the Mumbai Test," explained Ashwin.

"But we put in a clinical performance in Chennai and so I don't think there will be a repeat this time."

'We have a good, positive mindset ahead of this match'

Last updated on: March 1, 2013 13:45 IST
R Ashwin

"In any case, we shouldn't think much about a previous series and focus on the one that is on."

The offie admitted the comprehensive win in the opening Test did quite a bit to bolster the confidence of the home team.

"We have a good, positive mindset ahead of this match," said Ashwin.

"And from what I hear, the wicket here is going to be a good one. So looking forward to the game," he concluded.

A second straight win in Hyderabad -- after beating New Zealand last August -- will ensure Team India an unassailable lead in the series.