It appeared to be a swinging contest for most of the times. First ,Zaheers’ rocking spell that fetched India two quick wickets.
Next Pietersons’ double century that put England on track. India faltered in thier reply and despite resistance from “The Wall” they were bundled out for just 280 odd runs giving England a vital lead. The saving grace was that they avoided the follow on. Some wickets were gifted away to the bowlers by the Indian batsmen.
England started the second innings disasterously what with a fiery spell from Ishanth Sharma making them crash to 62 for 5. Stuart Broad and Matt Prior staged a vital recovery. Indias’ bowling otherwise looked ordinary and provided glimpses of what it is in stake for them during the reminder of the series as they are going to be up against quality batsmen.
Also the much “talked about” landmark of any mortal batsman making 100 international hundreds faded out as the Indian Star Sachin was out for below par scores in both the innings.
MSD should not be allowed to take his position for granted. Some of his decisions such as putting England into bat and also his short stays at the wicket in both the innings have to be put under scrutiny.
The absense of Sehwag is being dearly felt. The Indian openers have not been able to give the Indian team the starts they require. Also , Zaheer Khans’ Injury may be a cause for concern.
In the second innings, India was faced with the task of playing out 120 odd overs. In a Test series against New Zealand where India created History by winning a series for the first time in NZ, Gautam Gambhir played for nearly 11 hours and saved a Test. He remained unbeaten on 137.
This Test could have been easily saved by the Indian players. They lost with only about 30 overs to spare. This just means a 100 run partnership say by VVS Lakshman or SRT in any of the innings could have saved the game.
The learnings from this Test are.
1. Never put the opposition in unless you are sure about your bowling attack or unless the weather is in favor of the bowlers.
2. Have a quality game plan that can easily save such close games. For example , Ishant sharmas’ attack with the fiery short ball that fetched him 4 wickets. Such bowling feats can be planned and executed easily. There is little point in letting the opposition batsmen away and trail big scores.
3. Always plan for injuries to strike bowlers during the game etc.,
In synopsis, India could have easily saved this Test Match with a better game plan. Their skills are not in doubt they are the best team on paper and had England in trouble many times.
The game playing advantage was squandered away by the Indians. The captain has to be put under scrutiny for his repeated failures with the bat off late and also for making bad on field decisions. Also Hats of to England Pieterson, James Anderson , Matt Prior and Stuart Broad for getting them up
1-0.
