Raina rues lack of big partnerships, pats Windies

“Chasing 250, we needed some partnerships but unfortunately we didn’t get any partnership going. West Indies should be given credit for batting and bowling really well in this game. But we aren’t really thinking about 5-0 margin and all that,” Raina said after India suffered a 103-run defeat in the fourth one-dayer here.

India’s bowling coach Eric Simons agreed with Raina. “They bowled with a lot of aggression in this game. Sometimes, it happens so that a team plays well when the series is gone. They take that chance to play really well.

“But this team has done really well in this series, and us winning this series is a reflection of that. Whenever we play for country, there is a lot to play for and these players have responded well. I think this a chance for this bunch to leave a legacy,” Simons said.

The South African also denied that the Indians couldn’t handle the bounce on the pitch. “I don’t think that was an issue at all. Sometimes your stroke comes off well, and any other day Badrinath’s shot could have fetched a boundary for him. But it happens sometimes. I don’t think any of our batsmen fear the short ball.”

Raina defended the move to promote Manoj Tiwary, playing his first match of the series, as opener. “He has done well in the domestic matches, and today he might have been a bit nervous. He took three catches, showing his value on the field and I am sure he will get his chances.”

Raina was asked some pointed questions on the continuing failure of Pathan and Badrinath, as well as opener Shikhar Dhawan.

“We will see how the team combination works (in Jamaica). We have to play the first Test there also, so we will try to play to our potential. The thing with batting is that you need to build partnerships.”