HYDERABAD, India // MS Dhoni, the India captain, and his England counterpart, Alastair Cook, said yesterday they expect different tactics to be seen in one-day internationals following the introduction of new rules.
Dhoni and Cook were speaking ahead of a five-game ODI series starting Friday that will be played with revised rules, including the use of a new ball from each end and a stipulation that bowling and batting power plays be completed between the 16th and 40th overs of an innings.
Dhoni expects a decrease in reverse swing for pace bowlers while Cook foresees a change in how spinners are used.
"You may see a bit of swing initially, but what you may not see is reverse swing, which fast bowlers rely on," Dhoni said. "A lot will depend on the outfield, people will still try to 'make' the ball so that it reverses, but of course you have to do it legally."
"A lot depends on how dry the track is. If there is no reverse-swing, it is a good placid wicket and the outfield is nice, you may see more runs being scored."
Dhoni said teams would also have to look at different options with regard to how they used their power plays.
"When chasing, teams used to keep the last five overs as batting power plays, but now there will be some change in tactics," Dhoni said. "As teams get used to the new rules, we will find different results."
Cook agreed that the revised rules would change the dynamics of the game, pointing to the scrapping of the ball change after 34 overs.
"You will see spin a lot earlier, certainly in the 11th or 12th overs and probably more spin toward the death overs," Cook said. "A lot depends on how a side adapts to the new conditions.
"Reverse swing will have less of an impact. But if a ball reverses, you get to keep it, you don't have to change it after the 34th over like before. Sometimes you get a knock on the ball that makes it reverse swing and now you get to keep the ball through the innings."
Dhoni, who is missing several senior players including Sachin Tendulkar, Virender Sehwag, Zaheer Khan and Yuvraj Singh due to injuries, said he had faith in his batsmen and thought of the series as a good opportunity for the bowlers.
"They [the bowlers] have a fair bit of experience here so should be more comfortable," Dhoni said.
"It is an opportunity to show their talent. I think it will be exciting."
Cook said his team was capable of beating any side but needed to do it consistently after recording home series wins against India and Sri Lanka.
"We know India has a great record at home, and that is the challenge we have ahead of us, but I am very confident we can do it," Cook said. "However, they are a talented side and no matter which XI we play, it is going to be a strong side."
Cook was bullish about young players, such as Jonny Bairstow, the batsman, and Scott Borthwick, the leg-spinner, who have done well in practice games.
"It's a great position to be in," he said. "Not just this 15 - other players are pushing as well. As a captain, to select a side, you have new headaches. You have to make tough calls as to who misses out.