Having a segregated fielding and bowling expert and an interim experienced coach the chaos of Team India has not ceased yet, as they constantly seem to juggle haphazardly.
The veterans like Tendulkar, Dravid, Laxman and Ganguly are well accustomed to the English turf so howcome the recent test performance proved below their normal standards and lacked consistency. Prior to the match, the Indians were relieved to see Andrew Flintoff, England’s devastating all-rounder out of the current series along-with the fast bowler Steve Harmison. On the contrary, the Indians could not capitalize on the so-called ‘granted opportunity’.
Sehwag, Harbhajan and Kaif, already having a good exposure to the English tour, had surprisingly been left out. This also puts a deep question mark on the selection procedures and practices which the Indian selectors and officials follow.
Moreover, the tailenders should not be solely blamed for throwing away their wickets at the crucial juncture.
Weather blemished and snatched of what would have been England’s 1-0 series lead over India. Of what was considered the least experienced bowling line-up for the past six years, nearly took the home side to an awe-inspiring victory, yesterday.
Praising his bowlers, skipper Vaughan told reporters:
I’m really pleased with the way our young attack performed. I don’t think our bowlers allowed them to play the way they would have liked. We can take so many positives from this game.
Resuming at 137-3, the visitors lost overnight batsmen Sourav Ganguly (40) and Dinesh Karthik (60) in quick successions. At lunch, VVS Laxman and Dhoni promised to put up a formidable fight gliding to a sensible 207-5.
Shortly after lunch, Laxman’s depart proved somewhat fatal with the Indian tail toppling like a pack of cards. The lone wicketkeeper-batsman Dhoni held on to the wicket and scored a combative 76 not out while the last man Sreesanth escaped a not out on 4.
Visitors finally ended on a paltry 282-9 after players were forced off the field with 98 runs short of the victory target.
The promising young bowlers of the English side troubled India with Chris Tremlett (3-52), Ryan Sidebottom (2-42), James Anderson (2-83) and Monty Panesar (2-63) in the final innings.
Kevin Pietersen was adjudged man of the match for his brilliant ton on the fourth day.
The second of the three tests commences shortly in three days, at Trent Bridge.
Via: Bloomberg
