England batsman Jonathan Trott has said that his team have not managed to get their basics right so far in the ODI series against India. The visitors, he said, have lost key moments in the games so far, contributing to the 3-0 scoreline.
"I just think we haven't played as well as we did in England. Our basics haven't been up to scratch. Things like big partnerships, fielding …" Trott told PTI on the eve of the fourth ODI in Mumbai. "I think India have played well. They will admit they've played a lot better than what they did in the summer. But there are two games to go and a good performance in those games would give us a spring while going back.
"I can't pinpoint the exact reason [for England's losses]. I think we lost key periods of the games or India played well in the key periods of the games."
Trott made an unbeaten 98 off 116 balls in the third ODI in Mohali, the main contributor in England's total of 298. India, though, chased down the target with four balls and five wickets to spare. Trott said it was an improved performance by England, but it would have helped if he and Ravi Bopara had made better use of the batting Powerplay. "I think we played well the other night. Got a good total - I think 298 the other night is among England's highest scores in India - but just could not get across the line.
"I think Ravi and I could have pushed it a little bit. I think Ravi got out in the third Powerplay. So when we lose wickets, it puts the brakes on. Historically, we haven't done well in Powerplays. We would be looking to do that right."
The spotlight has been on England's on-field conduct - throughout the series the players have been agitated in the field - but Trott played down the issue. "Whichever XI takes the field, they are highly motivated to win," he said. "I think guys get across very well. It just comes across differently on TV. We get the best out of each other. Sometimes you go out of way to do it, and things happen in the heat of the moment."
Trott said Ajinkya Rahane, who made 91 in Mohali, had the look of a fine player. "I played against him in the 2007-08 Duleep Trophy game [between England Lions and West Zone] and he got some runs against us. I always felt he's a good player. He played quite well the other night."
Meanwhile, England are working out India's spinners, he said. "They [Ravindra Jadeja and R Ashwin] are very good spinners - if you are a spin bowler playing for India, you have to be very good. I've been very keen on how to bat against them for three games in a row. Like with everything else, you need to realise [be aware of] every challenge. I think we are getting better and better against them."