Wednesday, March 08, 2006

India vs. England: T2 Preview

Looks like I was wrong. The Indian think thank apparently has the confidence to go in with 5 batsmen. Of those 5, Wasim Jaffer is just making his comeback now, Sachin Tendulkar is short of Test match runs, Virender Sehwag is statistically unlikely to contribute very much, and Yuvraj Singh hasn't played cricket for a few weeks. That leaves one man to run the batting. I'm not certain whether this is a positive move or a foolish one.

On the other hand, I'm thoroughly excited at the prospect of being entertained and intrigued for the next 5 days. Munaf Patel is a near certainty to make his debut, and if the pitch is as dry and cracked as it appears it might be, we could see Piyush Chawla as well - especially as his presence would lend depth to the batting. More likely that RP Singh will be the 11th man, so that there are three seamers in the side, and only one bowling debutant, but that's not what I'm hoping for.

Here's to a great Test match - and with any luck it will be as entertaining as the United-Wigan game I got to watch last night (after a 36 hour self-imposted news blackout while travelling). I'll take the equivalent of a 92nd minute Chimbonda own goal, that's for sure!

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