By Denzil Fernandes
Daijiworld Media Network

Oval, Aug 22: Of all the 4 Tests played so far, India has done slightly better in the fourth Test at the Oval although the ultimate result seems to be heading for yet another defeat.  While in the earlier contests, India did not even reach a total of 300 runs in an innings, at the Oval they have somehow scrambled to get to 300 runs in their first innings and keep the battle alive.  Another innings rout is staring at India.

At the end of day four, India were fighting with their backs to the wall and still trying to avoid an innings defeat.  Replying to England’s first innings total of 591 runs off 6 wickets declared, India were shot out for 300 runs and made to follow on despite Dravid’s unbeaten third century in the series.  Dravid knocked his 35th century overtaking Sunil Gavaskar and Brian Lara in the all time list of century makers.  Only Tendulkar, Jacques Kallis and Ricky Ponting have scored more Test tons than the 38-year-old Dravid.

One expected skipper Dhoni to prolong India’s first innings but it was Amit Mishra who hammered 43 runs including six boundaries and a lone six.  India folded at 300 runs in the first innings with Anderson, Swann, Broad and Bresnan among the wicket takers.   Dhoni could manage only 17 runs despite facing 50 balls.

Following on with a deficit of 291 runs, India started well with Sehwag and Dravid.  Sehwag (33) was bowled cleverly by spinner Swann and then Dravid and Laxman followed him back to the pavilion.  When play ended, Tendulkar (35) and Amit Mishra (8) were both unbeaten with the score reading at 129 runs for the loss of 3 wickets. 

There is a ray of hope for India to hold on for a draw with Tendulkar looking in good nick.  This is one final chance for Tendulkar to show his class in front of the English crowd who have loved him to say the least.  Although he has not clicked in the current series yet, there is a feeling that the mumbaikar will be determined to show his class with a final innings which could turn out to be memorable indeed.
With Mishra giving him support  as play starts on day five, every cricket lover wishes for Tendulkar to stamp his class by recording the hundredth century.

If that happens, there is every reason to believe that the match will be drawn.

The first few overs in the morning on day 5 of the Oval Test will decide if England manage to sweep the series with a 4-0 win or not.  For a change, the Indians have shown a bit of fighting spirit at the Oval but not good enough to threaten heir hosts. 

Skipper Strauss will be hell bent to pick up another win and show the world that they are the top Test team in the world.  However, all that can change if our batsmen make up their minds to stay put at the crease and thwart the England bowlers.

There has not been anything worth to write about the Indians in the entire series except for Dravid’s high class batting.  One wonders what would have been India’s position if Dravid was not around in the team for the England series. 
 
With a bit of luck and pluck India still can manage a draw at the Oval.  The need of the hour has to be some disciplined batting from the remaining batsmen and a bit of rain here and there can help the Indians to save their face and avoid what has been an utter disgrace as far as their performance is concerned.