MS Dhoni fears for 'long-term health' of one-day internationals

MS Dhoni is concerned about the damage being inflicted on bowlers in one-day games. Photograph: Dibyangshu Sarkar/AFP/Getty Images

The India captain, MS Dhoni, admits he fears for the future of one-day cricket after watching yet another huge successful run chase.

Dhoni hit the winning runs to complete India's successful chase of Australia's target of 351, sending their best-of-seven series to a decider in Bangalore on Saturday. It was the third big run chase of the series, in addition to India reeling in a record 360 in Jaipur and Australia clubbing 44 off the final three overs to triumph at Mohali.

But rather than bask in the extraordinary win, Dhoni admitted he was concerned about the direction the game was taking. "I think it's something we need to think about," Dhoni said when asked about the frequency of the high chases. "Is 350 the new 280, 290 or 300? With the new bowlers they are mostly getting smashed.

"Even the fast bowlers are bowling with their third man up and fine leg up. I'm not sure where it's going but if we are chasing like this it is not going to be good for the long-term health of the game. Only seeing boundaries and sixes for seven hours?"

No bowler escaped from Wednesday night's onslaught with their figures intact. Dhoni admitted his bowlers were left dispirited by the boundaries which fly off the bat – and even joked that bowling machines might be more effective. "The bowlers actually feel it will be better off to put a bowling machine there," he said. "I honestly don't know what is a good performance now by a bowler. Ten overs, 80 [runs] is a bad performance or 10 overs 60 is a bad performance or 10 overs 100 is a bad performance?

"That's what we are still trying to find out. The bowlers are facing a huge challenge but as you have seen over the years they adapt faster to the rules than the batsmen."

His Australian counterpart, George Bailey, said bowlers were getting no help from the conditions or the rules on his team's current tour of India.

"The game has changed a little bit," he said. "The four (fielders) out is really challenging. You almost have to give up one side of the field. We're seeing some of the best fast bowlers in the world having to bowl with a short fine leg. It makes it hard. I'm not sure if it's something they adapt to."