India England Test Series

Hi Kunalvijan. Don't panic, England need 444 off 90 overs, if they are to win the Oval Test, and square the series. I think that Dravids decision was probably a good one. No test side in the modern era have scored more than 402 during a 4th innings in England to win a test match. I have heard reports that Zaheer has a mild side strain, and as such I think the team possiblt felt he could with a short rest, and a bit of repair work, if India were to bowl England out. Another factor is that if India had given the follow on, then England would have blocked out everything, and played very negatively to get a draw, as a win would have been out of the question. By setting England a target of 500, he has given England something to play for. With India 1-0 up in the series, England need to win this test, or lose the series. So, whilst it is a very big total, the pitch is still playing quite well for the batsmen, and England should try to win the game. Whether they will try, or whether they will just play for a draw, I can not guess, but I hope they do go for it, and give us a great days cricket. Remember a draw still means India will win in a series in England for only the 3rd time in cricket history, and they deserve the victory. Whilst I believe that the English bowlers have bowled incredibly well, and been very unfortunate not to get more edges, the English batting seems incapable of maintaining the concentration to play a proper test match innings. Possibly too much 1-day cricket, and to little time at the crease. Whilst several Indan batsmen have also been unfortunate over some of the umpiring decisions, they have played wonderfully controlled innings, and with all the beauty and style that Indian batsmen have shown for decades. It has been a wonderful experience for me, an Englishman, to watch the exciting Dhoni, and the graceful Tendulkar. I was also incredibly pleased to see Anil Kumble finally get a test century, because his batting has been under-rated, possibly due to his immense skills with ball in hand. What I think will turn India into a real top flight team both at home and abroad, has been the emergence of a strong, young and talented pace attack. A lot was spoken about Sreesanth prior to this series, and he has performed very well, but Siingh and Zaheer have also shone. India will always produce quality batsmen and spin bowlers, but now also has a pace attack that will mature and improve. The future for Indian cricket looks very good indeed. Unfortunately, Englands batting is poor. They have flattered to deceive, being heralded as greats, whilst not performing against any sides of true quality. Since we beat Australia in England, we have only beaten one side of any real quality, and that was Pakistan, when we had the advantage of the 'forfeited' test, after the atrocious accusation of ball-tampering by the umpires. I don't think England have the confidence to try and win, and I suspect that the match will either end in a draw, or if India bowl very well, an Indian victory. I'm not 100% sure whether Dravids decision was the right one, but I don't think it will come back to haunt him. As I type, the game is just 45 minutes away. I hope you have an enjoyable day watching or listening to the game, and I hope it's an exciting day. All the best.