There was a point in the fourth test between India and England when the hosts were 30-odd runs behind their opponents with only three wickets remaining.
It was a false dawn though and the masterful Kohli and magnificent Jayant Yadav (in only his third test) combined to take the match and with it any hopes of a series draw beyond the grasp of the visitors.
It served to underline the gulf in experience of conditions on the sub-continent. India rammed home their greater knowledge and understanding of how to play in such an arena. Through most of this series they have been the far better of the sides and a win was inevitable once a lead of 200 was surrendered. … Read Full Article
Posts Categorised: India
0
0
Political Machinations Start Series With a Bang
During a week in which the world saw a new President elected Commander-in-Chief in America and British Prime Minster Theresa May visited India, it is perhaps apt the first test is compared to global political machinations.
The saying goes that a week is a long time in politics – and the saying would appear apt in cricket too.
Only a few days ago many naysayers (myself included) were fearing the hosts could inflict a series whitewash on the visitors — especially if the top order in particular didn’t apply themselves better.… Read Full Article
0
Home conditions — more important than ever?
So, England have comprehensively wrapped up the Ashes with a game to spare. What a turn-around from 18 months ago where they were humiliated by an average Australian side. With such huge swings outcome over the past 3 Ashes series the talking heads have focussed on the conditions playing a huge part. Are they right to?
… Read Full Article
0Cook shows his mettle in a Ballanced performance
Well done Alistair Cook. OK, so he missed out on making a century, just, but to score 95 when the chips were really down took unbelievable character. The only way he was going to silence the critics was with some runs and hopefully today’s score marks a permanent return to form. The crowd’s reaction when he scored his half century and the ovation when he left the field when speaks volumes as to the support for him amongst the cricket watching public. He’s a good man and didn’t deserve some of the diatribe fired his way.
Geoffrey Boycott has predicted a draw already – and the Rose Bowl pitch looks like it will produce another uninspiring match where the bat rules supreme. How ridiculous. We need pitches that have something on offer for both batsmen and bowlers, one that rewards top exponents of both disciplines. So what if the game is over in four days instead of five? Short term financial thinking risks undermining the entire fabric of the game – and then where will the money come from?… Read Full Article
0India take the initiative into the third test
Two tests in, 1–0 to India. England’s poor summer continued apace today with a shocking (sorry, appalling) collapse after lunch today to hand the visitors the initiative going forward into the rest of the series. On current evidence it would be hard to see past India winning the series.
… Read Full Article
“The pink ball appears grey/blue in red/green deficient vision, depending on its severity. I did a simulation with colour blindness…”