Batting in fourth innings is a daunting task in English conditions
If Englishmen are able to post anything beyond 200 it would be a herculean task for Team India to surpass that. As a matter of fact they are way ahead brimming with confidence of having reached a total beyond 250 runs. For Team India except for one or two batsmen here and there no one is clicking and to say the least they are struggling at the outset. Pujara who scored a century outside subcontinent after a wait of five years may not be able to radiate same energy and someone would be required to fill in his shoes. Batting in fourth innings comes with its share of ups and downs and chasing itself is a different ballgame altogether. The advantage that India had on Day one when Englishmen were skittled out for 246 was soon lost when India managed a slender lead of 27 runs. It would be miracle of sorts if India triumphs against all odds that would keep growing every passing minute.
Who would be India's saviour? The top order, the middle order or someone playing cameo of an innings. The flourish that top order could provide may well set the stage for other players to chip in to get near the target. As for Englishmen, a blistering 69 by Butler and Root and Curran coming good with 48 and 37 made England fort look formidable and difficult to lay a seige.
Team India would be overwhelmed if they play defensive and repeatedly fail to read the ball and its swing/movement. Southampton is no Trent Bridge as India prepares to play an inning that may well be registered in history or fall like a pack of cards. Batsmen have to plan innings and not get alienated from the target. If they wrap the test with a win here they would be going to the 5th test with a new found energy and confidence. Who would be a major player in the hood no one knows. Team India Captain's overseas hunt has produced some outstanding performances. Will there be a repeat of the same? A batting line up that should not look demoralised and depleted if Englishmen are able to make inroads in the first session itself. Undeniably the host are at an advantage vis-a-vis Team India and here players should be all fired up to stay in the hunt.
If Englishmen are able to post anything beyond 200 it would be a herculean task for Team India to surpass that. As a matter of fact they are way ahead brimming with confidence of having reached a total beyond 250 runs. For Team India except for one or two batsmen here and there no one is clicking and to say the least they are struggling at the outset. Pujara who scored a century outside subcontinent after a wait of five years may not be able to radiate same energy and someone would be required to fill in his shoes. Batting in fourth innings comes with its share of ups and downs and chasing itself is a different ballgame altogether. The advantage that India had on Day one when Englishmen were skittled out for 246 was soon lost when India managed a slender lead of 27 runs. It would be miracle of sorts if India triumphs against all odds that would keep growing every passing minute.
Who would be India's saviour? The top order, the middle order or someone playing cameo of an innings. The flourish that top order could provide may well set the stage for other players to chip in to get near the target. As for Englishmen, a blistering 69 by Butler and Root and Curran coming good with 48 and 37 made England fort look formidable and difficult to lay a seige.
Team India would be overwhelmed if they play defensive and repeatedly fail to read the ball and its swing/movement. Southampton is no Trent Bridge as India prepares to play an inning that may well be registered in history or fall like a pack of cards. Batsmen have to plan innings and not get alienated from the target. If they wrap the test with a win here they would be going to the 5th test with a new found energy and confidence. Who would be a major player in the hood no one knows. Team India Captain's overseas hunt has produced some outstanding performances. Will there be a repeat of the same? A batting line up that should not look demoralised and depleted if Englishmen are able to make inroads in the first session itself. Undeniably the host are at an advantage vis-a-vis Team India and here players should be all fired up to stay in the hunt.
No comments:
Post a Comment