You will see a few changes in the side, says Dhoni

Bangalore, Nov 24 (IANS) While England had much to rue about their 0-4 debacle in the seven-match Hero Honda ODI series, Indian captain Mahender Singh Dhoni was contemplating giving youngsters a chance to play in the remainder of the series.

Dhoni wants to give opportunities to left-arm spinner Pragyan Ojha, Virat Kohli and Irfan Pathan in the remaining three matches.

However, Dhoni was keen to maintain the winning momentum, gathered since the epoch-making triumph against Australia, Down Under earlier this year.

'You will see a few changes in the side in the next three matches. Some of the people who have not played in the series so far will play but we still look to win games. There are three more matches to be played and we want to win those games as well,' said Dhoni after winning the fourth ODI here late Sunday night.

Dhoni commended his fast bowlers who held their nerve and bowled against much odds even as Owais Shah (72) and Andrew Flintoff (41) led an English fight back in the middle overs of the truncated 22-over-a side game at the Chinnaswamy Stadium.

'The spinners struggled as the outfield was wet and the ball became soggy. It was not easy to grip the ball in such conditions. We had one specialist spinner in Harbhajan Singh and some part-time spinners. It was really difficult for them. But then Zaheer bowled very well, along with Ishant and Munaf. I think overall it was a very good team effort,' said Dhoni.

Dhoni praised Zaheer for nipping the English challenge when the visitors opted for the batting Power Play in the 17th and 18th overs. At that stage the Indian ranks were jittery as Shah and Flintoff were raining boundaries with effortless ease and England were in with a chance of pulling off a sensational victory.

'I looked to Zaheer for he is the most experienced fast bowler in the side. He has been of great help throughout the series and has taken the extra initiative to help others. It has worked for us and we should be thankful to him,' said Dhoni.

Asked if he had advised his bowler to bowl to a particular plan, he said: 'I was not giving much advice. I like them to bowl to their own plans and if that does not work I ask them to bowl according to my plans.'

England captain Kevin Pietersen credited the Indians for a better all-round performance in the series.

'We have been done in by an Indian side which is playing fantastic cricket at the moment. They have outplayed us. We came here on a high after the 4-0 win against South Africa back home and I guess we have to adjust to this series defeat now,' said Pietersen.

But the South Africa-born cricket was hopeful that England could regain their winning formula soon.

'We have to make sure that this competition stays competitive. We have to win a few games. We came here to win the series but we have not been able to do so. We have to make sure we win some matches in the rest of the series,' said Flintoff.

The fifth match will be played in Cuttack Wednesday.