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We need to get used to Hanbantota conditions: Dhoni
India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni said adapting quickly to the conditions will be the key to his team's success in the first One-Day International against Sri Lanka in Hanbantota on Saturday.
A rejuvenated India start their new season with the first ODI of the five-match series at the Mahinda Rajapaksa stadium. The visitors will be making their first appearance at the venue.
"It's a new venue. Conditions change in the afternoon; it's quite windy out here. The strong winds can be a factor. Not only the bowlers, but the batsmen and the fielders also need to get used to the conditions," Dhoni said at the pre-match press conference.
"This is a big field. So, the fielders will have to see that batsmen do not make twos into threes which is quite normal in a one-day game.
"It's good we are practising under lights today, so we will get to know what to expect in the second innings," he added.
'We are mentally and physically fresh after this rest'
Dhoni acknowledged that the extended break was very helpful.
"Everybody is looking fresh. Everyone is putting in a lot of effort. There is more energy. This increased energy and freshness is definitely a big plus for us," he said.
"We are mentally and physically fresh after this rest. During this break we got time to work on our fitness."
India's skipper also hinted that all-rounder Irfan Pathan might get a game, but said picking the playing eleven will be a difficult task.
"Irfan gives us the liberty of playing with five specialist bowlers. We can play two spinners and three seamers because he can also bat. We don't have a real part-timer like Yuvraj (Singh) or (Ravindra) Jadeja, who could have given us seven or eight overs between them," Dhoni said.
'Jayawardene hoping to continue good work'
"We are playing a full 50 overs game after a long time. So, we will have to be careful while selecting the playing eleven," Dhoni said.
Sri Lanka captain Mahela Jayawardene said he is looking forward to continue with the good work after the recent Test and ODI triumphs over Pakistan.
"We have just finished a series against Pakistan successfully. What is important now is to continue with the good work," he said.