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Oval, Aug 22: The final day of the final cricket test match between India and England will be important for both sides, with England waiting to sweep the series with a 4-0 victory, and India looking to save face with a draw.
Only rain can help the Indians from suffering a whitewash, unless Tendlukar gets his bat to do some serious talking, surpassing the expectations of the people of the country. During the series, every time he has come to bat the world has expected him to score the much-awaited century, but so far there has only been disappointment in store. Now he needs another 65 runs to reach the magical figure, but to save the match, he needs to bat through the day.
Next in line will be an out-of-form Suresh Raina and the unpredictable Dhoni, the only two recognised players left in the batting line-up.
On the fourth day, India showed some resistance, again thanks to the 'Wall' Rahul Dravid, who got out for a unfortunate decision by the third umpire. Sehwag too showed some good form but failed to capitalise on his innings. Laxman, who has struggled most part of the series, failed again.
Rahul Dravid, speaking after the match, said that "I got an edge. My gut instinct was right in the last match when I didn't take the review and it was right again today. It is a nice feeling in terms of numbers (to go past Sunny Gavaskar), but I never compare myself to him. He is an absolute legend of the game, to have played without a helmet in that era."
"For me to have done some of the things my hero did is a nice feeling. Mixed feelings for me. Personally, satisfying for me. I thought I have played as good as I have. I have enjoyed the battles and the contests in the middle. For someone who has seen a lot of success with the team, this series has been a disappointment. The new batting orders are not ideal but it can't be used as an excuse at this level."
Either way it promises to be a fascinating final day in store. What a final day of the series it should be. We'll bring you all the action as it happens. Do stay tuned for the Rahul Dravid interview which we will bring it to you soon. Breaking news: Rahul Dravid has indeed confirmed that he edged it. So there ends the debate. We will bring you the entire interview that he will give in a short while.
Mishra has batted superbly in both the innings and along with Dravid was responsible for India getting to 300 for the first time in the series. Swann looks to be a great threat on this rapidly deteriorating wicket and India will have to bat amazingly well to save the game. Whether they have the will to save this match and avoid a white-wash after the trauma they have undergone remains to be seen.
Steve Davis gave it out despite clear lack of evidence and that has sadly proved to be the talking point of the day. Frankly it shouldn't. The talking point should have been Rahul Dravid's 35th hundred. It always happens to that man. The nth instance when one of his glorious knocks has been overshadowed by a Tendulkar or a bizzare one like today when he was given out by the third umpire.
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