By Denzil Fernandes
Daijiworld Media Network
London, Aug 8: ‘Nothing succeeds like success’ they say. And to believe that hosts England who are sitting on the top of the world with a 2-0 lead in the series against India will relax is unthinkable. Just as the third Test is about to begin at Edgbaston, the Indians will be looking at results other than another defeat to save their reputation. But England skipper Strauss and so many other former England cricketers have already predicted a 4-0 whitewash that will surely send shockwaves all over the Indian cricket supporters.
The shock waves started at Lord’s with the Indians falling like nine pins with poor bowling and batting all around. Speedster Zaheer Khan looked like making a ‘guest appearance’ just like those superstars acting in bollywood films. He ran in with the ball and within no time one saw Zaheer leaving the field with hamstring problems. Skipper Dhoni was stunned and shocked as he saw England take control and go on to demolish India convincingly. Within a span of two tests, India have lost Zaheer Khan and along with him spinner Harbhajan Singh with an abdominal strain and Yuvraj with a broken finger. Two down in tests and three down with the players. Virhat Kohli, Pragyan Ojhan and R.P.Singh have been called in as replacements.
As the Indians prepare for the ‘do or die’ battle in the third test which they have to win at all costs, one is not sure of the line up that will face a confident England. Replacement for Zaheer, R.P.Singh was a great success on his last England trip but one is not sure how fit the bowler is. One should not be surprised if he goes like Zaheer unless he has been keeping fit back at home. If he bowls well, England can be in trouble. Same for Amit Mishra who has been hinting that he can play a lead role in India’s fortunes. Whether Dhoni and the selectors will play Mishra is too early to say. Mishra may tease and torment the England batsmen who may be suspect to leg spin.
If the bowlers play their part, India’s leading openers too have a big task on hand. The much feared Indian opener, Virender Sehwag is back to where he belongs after missing the first two tests with injury and can be the turning point at Edgbaston. If Sehwag smacks a ton or more, India will be heading for a big total without doubt. With Dravid in cracking form and Tendulkar due for a century, one expects India to post a big total. For India, it is simply a matter of delivering the goods. Sehwag has a leading role to play as he opens the innings. The other opener Gambhir will be a perfect partner for his Delhi captain.
If the first two Tests which India have lost can be considered as warm up matches, then one can safely say that Dhoni and his boys will not disappoint in the remaing tests. But, as said before, England are not going to let go the advantage and will be a hard nut to crack. If England relax, they will be doing so at the cost of losing the test match.
The third Test is going to be a cracker if India pile up the runs early. Mishra can be the danger man and can lead India into a big win. Coach Duncan Fletcher has to marshal his boys for a hard fought show on the field. With R.P.Singh coming into the attack one can hope to see an Indian revival much to the delight of the Indian supporters. India must gamble with Mishra to take the wickets.
Skipper Dhoni has his work cut out nicely and is right now walking on a tight rope.
He is still fighting to come back to his normal self which is evident with his poor show. The playing eleven have to re charge their batteries and raise their game to a level which the England side may find hard to contain. What Dravid has exhibited in the earlier Tests has now to be repeated by Sehwag, Tendulkar and Laxman.
As said before, the third Test will determine the future course of the entire series. A win at Edgbaston for India will take everyone to the edge of their seats and keep the series alive. And this win will be the required tonic which may propel India into one more heroic show later in the fourth Test to square the series. The success of the series depends on India’s performance at Edgbaston in the third Test. It is time for the Indians to get out of their slumber and outplay their hosts.
Will India tilt the scales at Edgbaston ? Are England in for a shock ?