A functional squad for Team India

Australia's tour of India, Feb-March, 2013

The announcement of the squad for the test series against Australia contained relatively few surprises. It did illustrate the Indian team's shortcomings very significantly. While the batting side showed no surprises, the bowlers provided a few.

Nobody expected Ashok Dinda to be retained but the man from Bengal somehow keeps his place despite having been carted around during the ODI's against England and Pakistan. Many expected him to be replaced by his state mate Shami Ahmed who has impressed during the ODIs. In my opinion, both Sreesanth and Abhmanyu Mithun had a better chance of being wicket taking bowlers as compared to Dinda. Ahmed, despite being in the Irani Cup squad, did not get a game and hence lost his chance. Dinda however, is not a bowler likely to pick up wickets in test cricket. His line is far too inconsistent and he does not have the pace or the height to genuinely trouble international quality batsmen. Injuries did not help the cause but picking Dinda could easily have been avoided. They could take a punt on a newer, younger bowler rather than somebody who has recently been dropped from a One Day team. The batting front showed a slightly more courageous approach.

The selectors here have gone with Shikhar Dhawan and Murali Vijay to battle for places alongside Virender Sehwag at the top of the order. They have shown courage here in leaving out Gautam Gambhir. These two players though have a bit of the unknown about them. While we know Vijay has a test century against Australia to his name, his first-class form has been patchy at best and his performances will be hard to predict. Dhawan's selection on the other hand leaves the selectors playing where's waldo with the opening slot. The middle order remains settled and the spinners pick themselves.

The important thing for India to remember is that when choosing an 11, they will need to be aware of how these newer players like Dhawan and Bhuvaneshwar Kumar will react to certain situations. There can be nothing to be gained from underbowling the young quick. The need is there to look to the future but there was a case to look to the past in Wasim Jaffer, who would provide a solid old hand. However, Dhoni must now make do with a horses for courses squad of players who should be able to thrive in spinning conditions against an inexperienced Aussie unit.

Common sense can solve the DRS problem

If we cast our mind back a few years to Sydneygate, we can recall that the furore over that test match was due to howlers not being corrected. Its nearly five years later, the technology to remove those howlers has existed this entire time, but the ICC still cannot use reason to solve a simple issue.

The BCCI have objected mainly to the use of DRS for lbw dismissals. The basis of the system should be to try and get rid of the howlers rather than look at marginal calls. Invariably, lbw decisions end up becoming marginal. It is almost impossible to predict exactly what the ball will do after hitting the pads but a good umpire can approximately decide the projected path. The problem though with the system is that it lies in the hands of the players.

If control of challenging for a review rests with the players, the DRS can be used for tactical purposes and more out of hope than reason. Handing control to the third umpire to see whether or not a wrong decision has been made would give the system a better chance of completing the task it had been introduced for. This would ensure that marginal decisions are not challenged and that howlers can be eliminated. The fact that this change still has not taken place nearly five years after its introduction proves how far the ICC have developed it. Bowlers do not feel hard done by when the umpire missing a very faint nick. He will feel aggrieved if the umpire misses a thick edge. Hot spot may offer a solution in this respect but it should not be for these again are marginal decisions.

The silliest problem that the DRS faces in being wholly welcomed is the opposition from the BCCI. This is the same country that wanted justice after they felt wronged but now they refuse to put the system in place. The story behind the BCCI not using it has more to do with financial issues than with any objection they may have to it. It may also have to do with the fact that the IPL does not have it in place. With the current tax bill that they have hit up, their stance remains unlikely to change. Common sense though can solve all these issues.

The ICC needs to gather some courage and enforce DRS as a compulsory addition for all series. The BCCI needs to accept that it cannot illogically deny the use of DRS and it cannot also gag former players about to speak on this topic. They need to accept that their stand is against every logical fibre existing within man. And most importantly, the DRS should be removed from the control of the players and handed to the third umpire. The howlers will slowly start disappearing, the game speed would quicken up, and most importantly, the correct decision would be made.

Best and Worst of 2012: India

December 30, 2012

As the year draws to a close, we look back on the best and worst of Indian cricket both on and off the field.


Best of Indian cricket in 2012: The return of Yuvraj

When Yuvraj Singh was diagnosed with lung cancer, an entire nation had mourned. His speedy recovery and subsequent return to the Indian team was the high point in the year for a team that lacked any on-field brilliance. When Yuvraj took to the field for the opening encounter of India's World T20 adventure, a whole nation breathed a sigh of relief. The man who had delivered India 2 major ICC trophies was back in action. He took his time to get going though and only really made an impact a few months later with an innings of 76 during India's victory against England in the first test match of that series.

Worst of Indian cricket in 2012: The defeat in Mumbai

In a year full of disappointment, this had to be the icing on the cake. Its easy to look at the whitewash down under but India's lowest ebb was achieved when the spinners were completely outbowled on an absolute landmine in Mumbai. Everything had been tilted in India's favour for this match. They had the series lead, a track which turned from the first morning and they even won the toss. All of that however, could not save the Indians. They were systematically dismantled. First, the batting did not come good and then Kevin Pietersen played the innings of a lifetime. The third innings collapse meant England could canter to victory on the fourth afternoon. It turned the tide of the series and the defeat in Kolkata handed England the series. The series defeat condemned India to their first home defeat in eight years.

Tony Grieg passes away aged 66

The world of cricket was in mourning as the news leaked through of Tony Grieg's passing. The former England captain succumbed to lung cancer. He was 66 years old.

Grieg was always a controversial figure and was associated with many rebel series such as World Series Cricket back in the 1970's as the head of the Packer revolution and more recently, with the now defunct Indian Cricket League. Grieg was also a renowned commentator and media personality for over 30 years. He last covered the World T20 in Sri Lanka earlier this year.

As a cricketer, Grieg was know as a hard hitting batsmen and a medium pace bowler. His most controversial statement came before the West Indies toured England in 1976 where he proclaimed his intention to make the West Indians grovel. That statement is now infamous as the English were beaten 3-0 by the West Indies. Grieg was always one to speak his mind about cricketing matters.

He will be sorely missed by the entire cricketing community.

Pakistan ride on Jamshed ton to win first ODI

India vs Pakistan, 1st One Day International, Chennai

Pakistan 228-4 (Jamshed 101*, Younus 58) beat India 227-6 (Dhoni 113*, Junaid 4-43) by six wickets

Pakistan rode on a superb century from Nasir Jamshed to take a 1-0 lead in the series against India. Jamshed batted with patience and poise after the Pakistani bowling had restricted the hosts to 227 earlier in the day. MS Dhoni's brilliant 113 was all in vain as Jamshed, who was well supported by Younus Khan, brought up his hundred with a pull past mid-wicket that took Pakistan to within four runs of victory. Shoaib Malik sealed it with a boundary. India also had an injury scare as Virat Kohli limped off the field after slipping during bowling his last over.

Earlier, Junaid Khan was instrumental in demolishing the Indian top order through swing and seam. He kept hitting timber as 3 of his 4 wickets were bowled. Rohit Sharma then received a devilish leg cutter which bounced on him and was snaffled at 3rd slip by Mohammad Hafeez to reduce India to 29-5. Dhoni then engineered a recovery and was well supported by Suresh Raina and Ashwin as India managed to put up 227 in their 50 over.

That seemed a competitive score as Bhuvaneshwar Kumar, on debut, got rid of Hafeez with his first ball. Azhar Ali was dismissed soon after but Younus and Jamshed then formed a partnership which the Indians found difficult to break. Both had poor umpiring decisions to thank for not ending their innings earlier. Jamshed was caught of the bowling of Ashwin at slip from an inside edge onto pad while Younus should have been adjudged lbw. Yuvraj Singh then put down Jamshed when he was on 66, and that effectively sealed India's fate.

Pakistan begin tour with a win

India vs Pakistan, First Twenty20, Bangalore
Pakistan 134-5( Hafeez 61, Malik 57*) beat India 133-9( Gambhir 43, Gul 3-19)

Pakistan sealed their first victory in t20 internationals against India thanks to composed innings from Hafeez and Shoaib Malik to guide them to their target on a sporting wicket. India did themselves no favours by collapsing in a heap. Ajmal and Gul were the chief wreckers. Bhuvaneshwar Kumar made quite an impression by picking up 3 early wickets on debut. The delivery to get rid of Umar Akmal a particularly vicious inswinger. Hafeez and Malik then steadied the ship before Malik was able to close out a cliffhanger.

Ponting announces retirement from international cricket

Ponting with the urn after the Ashes whitewash

Ricky Ponting has announced his retirement from international cricket before the third test against South Africa at the WACA in Perth. Its the same ground that Ponting made his test debut on in 1995. Ponting announced that he would retire after the third test.

The decision came as a surprise to most of the Aussie squad including long time teammate and current captain Michael Clarke, who could scarcely hide the tears. Ponting led Australia admirably winning two World Cups as captain as well as a 5-0 whitewash of England during the 2006-07 Ashes series. Ponting himself could not hide his emotion and for a man who normally shows no feeling, was teary eyed. He said that the reasons for his retirement were personal rather than for the team as he was not performing up to the standards that he had set for himself.

Ponting led a long and distinguished career scoring over 10,000 runs in both test and ODI's. He was also captain of Australia during their most successful period as the no.1 ranked team in world cricket. The retirement of several key players has diminished the domination that Australia had and Ponting now becomes the last player from the winning team of '99 to retire.

A view from the top: Iconic voices from the commentary box

Richie Benaud, Australia

Possibly the most iconic voice in televised cricket. Benaud started commentating after he retired in 1964  and has not looked back since. He has covered cricket from all four corners of the world and more.

As a player, he was an effective legspinner and a decent batsmen. Benaud captained Australia and was an influential figure in leading a more flamboyant style of play. He was also captain during the 1960-61 series against the West Indies which included the first ever tied test. His legacy extended into the commentary box when he retired.

For numerous seasons, Benaud has covered test cricket and has numerous signature catchphrases including the classic "Got 'im" and "Marvelous". He has covered test cricket for the BBC and Channel 4 in England, and for Channel 9 in Australia for whom he still covers test cricket. He was also an influential figure in Kerry Packer's World Series Cricket during the late '70s.  Benaud covered his last game in England during the 2005 Ashes series, one which was rated the greatest of all time.

A legend wherever he goes, Benaud is an immortal figure in cricket broadcasting and has also released his own book. He has covered over 500 test matches since he began his media career and has also witnessed many controversial incident including the underarm incident involving Greg Chappell and his brother Trevor during a one day international against New Zealand. We salute Richie Benaud as our first iconic voice from the commentary box.

India retain squad for Kolkata test: Yadav misses out

India vs England, Third Test, Eden Gardens, Kolkata

Injury means Umesh Yadav will miss out.

India retained 15 out of the 16 players in the squad after the Mumbai debacle. Umesh Yadav was the only player to miss out after a specialist doctor in Mumbai advised him ten days rest. Ashok Dinda retains his place in the squad after being called in as cover for the second test. Yadav was the most impressive paceman during the Ahmedabad test but missed the second test due to a back injury.

The retention of the squad comes as little surprise considering the lack of options India posses in the bowling department. The misfiring bowlers were the major cause for the defeat and the Indians will hope that it was a one-off. The pitch in Kolkata is expected to be slow and aid the spinners as India now look to take a lead in the 4-match series.

Squad: MS Dhoni (capt), Gautam Gambhir, Virender Sehwag, Sachin Tendulkar, Virat Kohli, Cheteshwar Pujara, Ajinkya Rahane, M Vijay, Yuvraj Singh, R Ashwin, Pragyan Ojha, Harbhajan Singh, Ashok Dinda, Zaheer Khan, Ishant Sharma.

ICC Test Batsman Rankings 


Name                                    Rank                   Ratings
Michael Clarke                               1                     890
Kumar Sangakkara                            2                     880
S.Chanderpaul                               3                     879
Jacques Kallis                                 4                     855
Hashim Amla                               5                     845



ICC Test Bowler Rankings


Name                                                 Rank   Ratings
Dale Steyn                                             1         858
Saeed Ajmal                                             2         832
Vernon Philander                                    3         832
Rangana Herath                                     4         828
Pragyan Ojha                                     5         767


ICC Test All rounders Rankings

Name                                                 Rank Ratings
Jacques Kallis                                          1         412
Shakib Al Hasan                                     2          387
Shane Watson                                     3         321
Daniel Vettori                                          4          302
Stuart Broad                                            5       279

Yadhav out of third test due to Injury

Umesh Yadhav will miss the third test against England in Kolkata

The third test match of the fascinating test series between India and England will be played without Umesh Yadhav who is expected to miss atleast this match due to a lower back problem.The test begins on December 5th in Kolkata.

Yadhav was the most successful Indian pace bowler in Ahmedabad and despite the prolonged break before the next test,he will not be fit . 

After Yadav was ruled out of the Wankhede Test, on the eve of the game, the team management chose to ignore Ishant Sharma and Ashok Dinda, who was called in as late replacement for him, and played all the three spinners in the XI instead. However,the trio of Pragyan Ojha, R Ashwin and Harbhajan Singh was outdone by England's Graeme Swann and Monty Panesar, meaning changes are on the cards.

Start of test season brings changes to ICC rankings

Michael Clarke's recording breaking form has seen him become no.1 ranked batsman in test cricket.Clarke's double centuries in Brisbane and Adelaide against South Africa have been rewarded with a return to the top of the ICC rankings.

It is the third time Clarke has made it to the top of the rankings.

Clarke could also be holding the Test Championship mace if Australia beat South Africa in Perth to win the series. South Africa need only a draw to maintain their No. 1 status.

But Clarke's stint as No. 1 batsman could be shortlived if Kumar Sangakarra can turn around his lean form against New Zealand. Sangakarra is second in the rankings, having previously usurped Shivnarine Chanderpaul - now third after a double century and 150 against Bangladesh. Fellow West Indian Marlon Samuels has broken into the top 20 for the first time, reward for his best year in Test cricket and his career-best 260 in West Indies' win over Bangladesh in the second Test.

Kevin Pietersen is back in the top 10 after arguably his best innings, 186 against India in Mumbai. In seventh position he is one place below England captain Alastair Cook, whose centuries in the first two Tests in India have pushed him up a place.

Watson and Johnson in squad for final test

Australia vs South Africa, Third Test, WACA, Perth

Australia have included all-rounder Shane Watson and have recalled fast bowler Mitchell Johnson to the squad for the final test at the WACA ground. Rob Quiney has been dropped after bagging a pair while the injury to James Pattinson means Australia have included Johnson, Josh Hazelwood and John Hastings. 

The fast men have all been called up with the likelihood of Australia playing four quicks at the WACA. The ground boasts of one of the fastest and bounciest pitches in the world. Both Hastings and Hazelwood have never played test match cricket while Johnson played his last test for the Aussies against South Africa in Johannesburg last year. With Peter Siddle exhausted after his exertions in the second inning, all three could get a chance to play. Shane Watson returns to the squad after recovering from injury which kept him out of the first two test matches.

Watson will take the place of Rob Quiney in the batting lineup while he will also be expected to fill in with the ball. Watson had been pulled out of the Champions League T20 to prepare himself for the test matches but suffered a calf strain before the first test. His return will further strengthen the batting lineup and give them an extra option with the ball.

Squad David Warner, Ed Cowan, Shane Watson, Ricky Ponting, Michael Clarke (capt), Michael Hussey, Matthew Wade, Mitchell Johnson, John Hastings, Peter Siddle, Ben Hilfenhaus, Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood.

         Signs of Stability says Sammy     


       KHULNA, Bangladesh – Darren Sammy said WestIndies’ victory in their two-Test series against Bangladesh was testimony to the growing consistency of the side.

Keiron Powell scores back to back hundreds in the 1st test

The West Indies captain was reflecting on the series, following his side’s 10-wicket victory in the second and final Test on Sunday at the Sheikh Abu Naser Stadium here.

The result meant that West Indies had won four straight Test for the first time since 1993, and four Test in a year for the first time since 2002.

“It’s a good feeling when you are winning, and it’s even better when you plan and you go out and execute and see your teammates perform consistently,” said Sammy.

“It was good being a part of this Test series and to see the little steps we are taking in bettering ourselves and moving up the ladder in Tests.”

Marlon Sammuels obtained his highest score,260

Sammy said part of the reason for the recent string of successes has been the settled team that has played throughout the year.

“The guys in this team played against New Zealand and were in England, with Chris Gayle returning to the team, so it’s a more settled squad, just like our Twenty20 team is quite settled, so is our One-day International team,” he said.

“The more we play together on the cricket field, the more we know about each other. The most encouraging thing for me is that when we turn up, we know what to expect from the different players.”

He said: “You know what Tino Best will give you, or when Marlon Samuels goes out to bat and he starts his innings, you know what you will get from him, Shivnarine Chanderpaul and all of the other players.

Tino Best produced some match winning spells.Permaul was impressive on debut.

“We also have guys who continue to play domestic cricket at home who perform and will challenge for places in the team. The nucleus of the team is quite settled, but the guys have been performing consistently in the last 6 to 12 months, so it is a good sign for us.”

Sammy said he felt West Indies had gone through a process of developing a culture geared towards winning Tests, which they have been working hard to achieve over the last few years.

“We will continue to instill that work ethic in the dressing room, and continue to go out there and do what all the West Indies fans want us to do – play a brand of cricket that the World loves to see and be consistent and try to win more matches,” he said.

“We performed more consistently over the last 10 days of Test cricket and this was key to our winning. We didn’t take Bangladesh for granted. In key moments, like the second innings, we did more things better than them.”

Shiv Chanderpaul was award man of the series

Sammy dismissed suggestions that his side’s job was made a little easier by a lack of application from the Bangladesh batsmen.

“We had to work for most of our wickets and the pitches were really good for batting,” he said.

“We stuck to our plans for most of the time. In the first innings in Dhaka, our bowlers didn’t hit the areas. From the second innings and both innings in this Test, we bowled much better.”

He added: “The Bangladesh, like us, are naturally aggressive. . .but our batsmen were more patient and let the bowlers come to them, not try to go searching for runs. Once you applied yourself on these pitches, you were bound to get runs.

“We have a lot of respect for the Bangladesh players, but we always believed that we could come here, and achieve our goal of winning the two Tests, so we are just happy to have accomplished this.”

(WICB Media Release)

Lack of bite from spinners hurts India

India vs England, Second Test, Mumbai- Day 4

Ojha was good but not good enough

There was a danger of one bowler becoming irrelevant at the toss when MS Dhoni revealed he would play three spinners instead of two. That the Indians were outbowled by their English counterparts remains a big worry for Dhoni as the teams head to Kolkata for the third test. Monty was the undoubted star but it was the lack of any incisiveness that would worry India the most.

Monty was able to find sharp turn and bounce from the same spot repeatedly during his spell in the first inning. Compare that to Ashwin and Harbahajan who seemed to struggle on a pitch tailor made for them. Ojha was better but he seemed to have difficulty finding the correct pace to bowl at on this kind of a surface. When he did find his rhythm, the English batsmen were clueless. He found his range after Cook had gotten out but by then everyone felt it was too late to stop Pietersen. Ojha did get him but not after a match-winning inning. Ojha did not try and vary anything too much and found a spot to bowl on  while Pietersen was at the crease. Pietersen seemed a little nervous about it and was eventually dismissed to a delivery that turn from that very spot. Ojha was the best out of the three Indians though.

Monty was easily the best spinner in the game

Ashwin seems to be Dhoni's go to man. He bowled a lot of overs and a lot of them were rubbish. Most of them included one boundary ball which Pietersen and Cook cashed in on during their partnership. When he did find the same spot for six deliveries, Ashwin picked up a wicket. However, it took 42 overs for that wicket to come. He was often too short and although he got a few to turn and jump, the batsmen seemed to be a little more relaxed while batting against him. He was not consistent enough and that questions Dhoni's logic that Ashwin is the teams no.1 spinner. That mantle should now rest with Pragyan Ojha. Harhabjan Singh was the third bowler on display and although he did not bowl too many overs, he did not appear particularly threatening. The bounce on offer should have made him more dangerous. Harbhajan seems to have lost his way in international cricket. He is not able to rediscover the big spin that made him a star all those years ago.

Both Ashwin and Harbahajan bowled the wrong lines and were punished for it. Monty Panesar was a different story. He seemed to have judged the pitch very well and found turn and bounce from the outset. His pace was the important factor as he bowled very quickly and gave the ball a bigger rip than the Indians. Swann also played his part. He bowled a very attacking line and put a lot of spin on the ball. The two of them easily beat the Indian spinners and the game swung their way.

This performance is a serious cause for concern for the Indian selectors as neither of the two offspinners  showed any heart. With the spin stocks in domestic cricket also at an all time low, India will need to think long and hard about an over-reliance on spin.

Tino Best six-for sets up 2-0 series win

The series has come and gone,and the West Indies have won 2-0.

Despite having a harmstring problem,Tino Best,just as he did in the 1st test produced a match winning spell of bowling,claiming 6 wickets to give the West Indies their series victory.

Nasir Hossain made sure Bangladesh avoided an innings defeat, but failed again to get his maiden Test hundred, after having missed it by four runs in Mirpur.

Shakib Al Hasan's suicidal charge in the last over on day four had crippled Bangladesh's chances of somehow salvaging a draw, and West Indies needed just 14 overs today to wrap up the innings.

Any faint hopes Bangladesh might have had disappeared off the fourth ball of the day. Mahmudullah under-edged a sweep to the wicketkeeper down the leg side off Veerasammy Permaul, who ended his debut series with eight wickets at an average of 31.62 compared to Sunil Narine's three at 114.33.

At the end of the Bangladeshi innings,the Windies needed 27 runs,and that target was obtain easily and quickly,with Chris Gayle smashing 5 fours,the target was reached within 5 overs.


“On behalf of the directors, management and staff of the WICB, I want to wish the players and the team management hearty congratulations on this achievement,” said WICB President Dr. Julian Hunte.

“They continue to bring pride and joy to the people of the Caribbean. Indeed, a huge achievement for the team, considering the tough conditions which they faced.

“But they did an excellent job, never losing faith in their collective ability, which eventually brought them to success.”

Dr. Hunte said this was another example of the hard work which the players and the team management have put in to achieve success.

“There have been challenges, but it is good to see the team is now reaping some measure of success,” he said.

“Though there is still plenty work for all of us to do to restore West Indies cricket to its ultimate place of excellence, this performance is another example that prospects for the future appear to be bright.”


Chanderpaul earned the Man-of-the-Series award after scoring a double-hundred in the first Test and 150 in the second Test, while Best was West Indies’ most successful bowler with 12 wickets.

Powell became the first West Indies batsman in nine years to score a century in each innings of a Test during the first Test at the Sher-e-Bangla Stadium in the Bangladesh capital of Dhaka, and Samuels scored a maiden Test double hundred in the second Test at the Sheikh Abu Naser Stadium in the south-western town of Khulna.

“They are all assets to the team, but every single player had a part to play in this success,” said the WICB President.

“We now look forward to further success in the five One-day Internationals and the Twenty20 International.”

Du Plessis century helps South Africa draw second test

Australia vs South Africa, Adelaide Oval, Second Test- Day 5
South Africa 388(Smith 122) and 248-8 (du Plessis 110*) drew with Australia 550-8 dec (Clarke 230, Morkel 5-146) and 267-8 dec

Faf du Plessis's debut century helped South Africa narrowly avoid defeat in Adelaide. The South Africans were made to bat four and a half sessions to save the game but clung on thanks to du Plessis and AB de Villiers who batted for 220 balls but only made 30. Australia were hamstrung by the loss of James Pattinson to a rib injury but soldiered on. Peter Siddle bowled 63.5 overs in the second innings but he could not force a win.

Earlier in the match, the South African bowlers had been battered by Micheal Clarke's first day double hundred. Australia had reached 482 on the first day but stumbled the next day as South Africa wrapped up their innings rather quickly. The South African reply was led by Graeme Smith's 122 and after being  270-7 at one stage, the South Africans rallied to reach 388.

After South Africa had been set a mammoth target, they batted four exceptionally attritional sessions to save the game. The next test is in Perth in 3 days time and both sides will have casualties. James Pattinson for Australia and Jaque Kallis for the South Africans both suffering injuries.

England wrap up ten wicket drubbing to level the series

India vs England, 2nd test, Mumbai- Day 4
England 413 (Pietersen 186, Cook 122, Ojha 5-143) and 58-0 beat India 327 (Pujara 135, Panesar 5-129) and 142 (Gambhir 65, Panesar 6-81)

England wrapped up the second test by scurrying to the traget of 58 this morning. This after their spinners had reduced India's batting lineup to rubble the previous evening. Monty was the star again for England picking up six in the second innings to end up with a match haul of 11. Gautam Gambhir was the only man offering any resistance and he was last man out for 65.

The match though had turned when England managed an 85-run first innings lead largely thanks to Kevin Pietersen's magnificent 186 yesterday. The pitch played its tricks on the batsmen but the Indian spinners lacked bite and control. Only Ojha shone through taking his second five-for in as many games.
Even he was powerless as Pietersen played an innings of immense quality to wrestle the initiative from the Indians. Once he was dismissed, the slide began and the innings was wrapped up quickly.

The Indian inning began like a procession as only Gautam Gabhir stood up to the English spinners. Tendulkar again was disappointing and Kohli lobbed a full toss to extra cover. Once Dhoni departed with the lead only 1 run, all hope seemed lost for the Indians. Gambhir soldiered on but even his best efforts could not prevent the slide. They were eventually bowled out for 142 this morning.

Cook and Compton then duly knocked of the runs with consummate ease to hand England their a series leveling win. Both sides still have a lot of work before the third test begins in Kolkata in 3 days time.

Cook and Pietersen give England the edge

India vs England, 2nd test, Mumbai- Day 2
England 172-2 (Cook 87*, Pietersen 62*) trail India (Pujara 135, Panesar 5-129) by 149 runs

Alistair Cook defined the calm methodical approach that England used after knocking the remaining few Indian batsmen over. He batted with patience and poise and was well supported by Pietersen as England took control of the match. They did have their slices of luck though.

India had added 60 runs to their overnight total with all four wickets falling to spinners. Monty completed his task and picked up a 5-wicket haul while Swann got four in the inning. Cook and Nick Compton survived a large period of play by just blocking and taking the odd single or two. Eventually, Pragyan Ojha got one to spin and take the edge which was snaffled by Sehwag at slip. Jonathan Trott did not last too long as he was trapped lbw by Ojha in his next over. Pietersen came out with real positive intent and climbed into the bowling. He raced to his half century while Cook stayed unbeaten on 87.

The partnership between them wrested the initiative from the Indians but it came through a lot of balls that did not got to hand. There were a few edges dropping short of the slips and the Indian spinners would feel a little hard done by. Cook also survived a massive shout of Harbhajan just before stumps. Aleem Dar deemed it not out although replays showed the ball would probably have gone on to hit middle stump.

India would need some better luck tomorrow and would also have to bowl better lines and attack the Englishmen more. England know that they need to carry on the good work. Day 3 should be a fascinating one!

Pujara and Panesar grab headlines after even first day

India vs England, 2nd test, Mumbai- Day 1
India 266-6 (Pujara 114*, Ashwin 60*, Panesar 4-91) vs England

Monty Panesar and Cheteshwar Pujara dominated headlines after the first day in Mumbai. Monty picked up four of six Indian wickets to fall in the day including Sehwag in his 100th test. Pujara though reclaimed India's lost ground by racking up his second hundred in two games against the visitors.

England would have wanted to make up for their disappointment in Ahmedabad last week and started brightly as Gautam Gambhir missed an inswinger from Anderson to be trapped lbw. That was only the second ball of the day. Monty was brought into the attack soon after and had some success by first removing Sehwag with one that dipped under his bat and hit off stump. The pitch afforded some turn and a lot of bounce for the spinners and that was on display when Tendulkar was bowled by one that turned and took his off stump. India went into lunch at 87-3.

They were soon 119-5 as Kohli mistimed a drive and lobbed one to cover and Yuvraj missed a straight one from Swann. Pujara was the one man who looked in no trouble at all. He drove and cut the spinners with aplomb and even managed to stitch a partnership with MS Dhoni. England did put him down and it turned out to be a costly one. Dhoni was undone by a beauty from Panesar and the catch was snaffled by Trott at slip. At that stage India were 169-6 and in serious trouble. Enter R Ashwin. Last year he scored a hundred on this ground and it seemed like he never left. He even managed to look like VVS Laxman at times.

Pujara and Ashwin put on 97 together by stumps with Ashwin going past fifty but the moment of the day was when Pujara pulled Anderson past square leg to reach his century. Ashwin soon produced a couple of beautiful cover drives and one brilliant pull shot to look more accomplished than a no.8 batsman. India ended the day at 266-6 and England would rue the chance that they put down of Pujara. Ashwin is also proving to be a thorn in their side. The test looks evenly poised and ready for an exciting second day.