Aus tour a great chance: Dhoni

Confident about defending the World Cup, Indian skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni said the upcoming tour of Australia would be a great opportunity for his already well-prepared side to hone its skills further ahead of the mega-event to be played Down Under next year.

India will launch their title defence against traditional rivals Pakistan in Adelaide on February 15 and Dhoni said his side was capable of adapting and performing in any condition.

“Following the World Cup triumph in 2011, the India side won the 50-over ICC Champions Trophy in the United Kingdom. This reflects the calibre and talent of the side, and its ability to adapt and perform in any condition,” Dhoni was quoted as saying in an ICC release.

“The tour to Australia in the lead up to the World Cup will be a good opportunity to hone our skills and, like all the sides participating in the tournament, be fully prepared for cricket’s ultimate prize,” said the 33-year-old.

“The World Cup is the biggest prize in cricket and to defend the title in Australia and New Zealand next year is a special opportunity. Like all the players, as well as millions of die-hard India cricket supporters around the globe, I look forward to the tournament with anticipation and excitement,” added the wicketkeeper.

Other national captains also joined the 100 days to go to the World Cup celebrations by sharing their excitement and talking about their targets for the tournament that will be participated in by 14 sides, and will begin in Christchurch and Melbourne on February 14.

Australia captain Michael Clarke, who won the tournament in the West Indies in 2007, said it was a unique opportunity to play in the ICC Cricket World Cup in front of home crowds. “The last time the ICC Cricket World Cup was played in Australia was 23 years ago, so to be able to play in one at home is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” said the 33-year-old.

Clarke’s opposite number Alastair Cook, who will be featuring in his maiden World Cup, said his side will be aiming to do better than the England side of 1992. “England reached the final the last time the competition was staged in Australia and New Zealand so there’s a real incentive for us to go one better next time and win the ICC Cricket World Cup for the first time,” he said.