Middle order has to perform

As India prepare to take on Australia in the sixth ODI here, skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni has urged the middle order to be consistent.

"This is one of the series in which the middle order hasn't performed consistently. It's not worrying, but of course, it's good if the top order gets a good start and the middle order capitalises on it," said the Indian captain at the pre-match press conference. Apart from Dhoni's century at Nagpur and his match-winning partnership with Yuvraj Singh in Delhi, the performance so far has failed to live up to expectations.

But Dhoni appears relaxed, despite the fact that his team is teetering on the line. "Every game is a pressure game and Sunday's match is no different. Our first priority is to stay alive in the series," he said.

The Nehru Stadium wicket has satisfied the skipper, but the early start and the fast-fading light in the afternoon are on the agenda in the team meeting. "It's a classic and typical sub-continent wicket. But yes, Duckworth-Lewis can come into play. We are keeping that in mind.

"I think we miscalculated the (batting) powerplay in the last match," said Dhoni. There was no instruction from the dressing room, but the captain added that the team could have taken the powerplay with five wickets in hand.

Dhoni also stood by Ravindra Jadeja, who drew his share of criticism after the loss in Hyderabad. "He (Jadeja) is bowling well and is fantastic in the field. As the series goes on, he will improve."

Hussey hails youngsters

Meanwhile, Michael Hussey was all praise for the youngsters in his team who have made the most of their opportunities. "We lost so many players during the series, but their replacements have done a fantastic job. They have just been on the outskirts of the national team. Now they have put their hands up to be counted. It's great news for Australian cricket going into the 2011 World Cup," Hussey said. He singled out Shane Watson, saying, "He is a very important cog in our wheel".

About Sunday's game, Hussey commented: "It should be a very tidy game. If we win the match, we will win the series and will stay No 1. It's an extra motivation."

The Australian team is still in awe over the Tendulkar masterclass they witnessed on Thursday. Hussey summed it up, saying: "It was a pleasure to watch the innings. It's good we got him out at the right time, otherwise he would have taken the match away from us."