Nice occasion to test the team, says Dhoni

Colombo, Jul 19: India captain MS Dhoni, on Wednesday, said that the tour of Sri Lanka is an opportunity to look at how the team has improved.

The Indian team landed in Sri Lanka on Wednesday and did not waste much time in Colombo and headed for training on the first day of the tour.

India will play five One Day Internationals and one Twenty20 International on this tour.

"It's the start of the season for us," Dhoni said after landing in Colombo.

He added: "There are certain areas where we've wanted to improve, where we've had a discussion saying these are the areas where we need to improve upon to consistently do well. This is a nice occasion to test how much we have improved and how much further we can actually improve on the field."

When queried about the forthcoming ICC World Twenty20 2012 in Sri Lanka, which starts on September 18, the skipper did not want to think about that at the moment.

"What's important is to be in the present, which means take this series into account, not to think too much ahead about the World Twenty20. A good thing is most of the players who are part of this side will also be part of the Twenty20 side. We don't really need to think ahead of time."

The players had a practice session at the R Premadasa Stadium.

"Today we landed over here, and we were on the field close to 4.30 pm. The good thing is the energy level is up, which means we can put in a bit more effort in the physical department and do a bit more active sports work," Dhoni said.

Source:ThatsCricket