By Denzil Fernandes
Daijiworld Media Network
London, Jul 22: Rain more than sunshine has always been a part and parcel of cricket in England. Something like in Bengaluru where you never know when it will rain especially if you are on the cricket field. But then, everyone who plays his cricket in England knows and is ready for such unexpected showers.
The first test at Lord’s on Thursday which was also the 100th test between India and England started late by about half an hour due to showers earlier. But the excellent drainage system at most of the grounds in England especially ensures that not much time is lost when play resumes. The rain interruption can mean a lot for any team depending on where they are placed in their innings.
On the first day, I felt that the rains helped India more than England. India’s spearhead of the bowling attack Zaheer Khan who bowled brilliantly went down with a thigh strain which allowed England to take control of the innings. Zaheer was unplayable in overcast conditions and along with Praveen Kumar at the other end England seemed to have enough on their plate. The first 3 overs were maidens which says a lot about the India bowling.
As usual, there were dropped and missed chances by India and England came back to hit the Indian bowlers. Jonathan Trott showed what an improved player he by notching up runs at will while remaining unbeaten with a half century. Giving him company at the end of day’s play was Kevin Pietersen who can be dangerous if he is in the mood.
All in all, honours seemed to be shared on the opening day with the Indians trying to restrict England 127 runs for the loss of 2 wickets. They were lucky to get opener Cook back in the pavilion with Zaheer hitting him on the pads.
With Zaheer unavailable to bowl due to injury, the rains helped the visitors to get back to the pavilion and ponder over the day’s proceedings. Dhoni and his boys have plenty of homework to do if they have to stop the unstoppable Trott and the ever so moody Pietersen who can score quick runs just like he does in the Indian Premier League (IPL).
The Indian fielding, as said before, was a bit below their normal standard where one saw dropped catches and a run out chance.
Comparatively, on a first day’s showing it was not a bad performance by the visitors. There is no doubt that the old fox and the Indian coach Duncan Fletcher will surely give them enough tips to stop the England batsman when play resumes on the second day. That is, of course, if Mr. Rain decides not to come into play and. Or else, both the teams will be forced to have their tea and sandwiches in the comforts of the pavilion.
The ever keen cricket spectator with an umbrella in tow will surely pray for the weather to improve so that two top sides in the world of cricket battle it out in the middle. Unless Zaheer comes back on the second to torment the England batsman, one big total on the scoreboard is very much on the cards. The key is in the hands of Zaheer to unlock the Enbgland batsmen !
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