The cynics warned tomorrow would be another day. Too many times they had watched India simply fade away. But this time India simply refused to let go and it is them perhaps fitting they are looking at victory post tea.
With a lead of seventy-five, England knew they had to bat really well in the second innings in order to test the Indian line up. Fortunately for them, the man who has found his sweet spot, Andrew Strauss, continued in his selfless efforts for the team. This time round, there was further consolation in having Paul Collingwood join him as the duo went about ensuring that the lead would extend enormously.
387, even with four sessions, is not really considered Test match chase. In that context, the England team and the skeptical observer had every reason to believe England had a really good chase of converting this match into an advantage if not outright victory. The margin of target was also expected to cushion the blows that would come in the form of one of the Indian batsmen firing.
But often it has been the case that India no longer make sedate Test opening. In that Virender Sehwag was already confident he would be willing to chase down any target. Certainly with his batting style, anything was possible. But this was a team game and so, Sehwag’s alone could not ensure the win. But he could lay the beginnings at the M.A. Chidabaram Stadium in Chennai.
Sehwag’s pulverizing style of batting can be an enormous booster, the nitro in a fast and furious affair. But it can also have a debilitating effect on the minds of the opposition. His manner of batting on the fourth day ensured India never banished intentions of victory and England would know it would not be quite the cakewalk they hoped it would be.
That his batting really set the tone of the innings became apparent. As day five dawned, only one result seemed in the minds of the Indian dressing room – win. England were perhaps hoping India would capitulate in the pursuit. But while England bowling can have a too critical appraisal, it has to be said that their bowling did not always look like it would take wickets, which is tragic given that they have variety in their bowling attack.
Sachin Tendulkar batting like nothing affected him and Yuvraj Singh perhaps ensuring the scenario of a one day game like chase made it considerably easy for India before and after tea.
As India sight victory, England are struggling to find six good wicket taking deliveries.
