The Hindu : Sport / Cricket : It's becoming too predictable

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Wednesday, Apr 05, 2006

Sport

Sport - Cricket

It's becoming too predictable

The composition of the England team has been baffling, writes Bishan Singh Bedi

The ongoing one-day series between India and England is becoming too much of a bore. One-sided contests have always given rise to monotony and mediocrity.

In the three one-dayers so far, England has been found woefully short. The absence of the nucleus is a massive handicap and its bench strength is not much better than that of Bangladesh.

India is on cloud nine but is it really without constant problems from the top order? Both Kaif and Sehwag must thank their stars for still being in the scheme of things.

Frankly speaking, India did not win the Kotla game, England lost it by poor application and commitment. However, at chaotic Faridabad, India won with grit. In the third game at Goa, Yuvraj and Raina displayed their natural ability to put the issue beyond England.

We see all the English greats (past) sitting in the commentary or press box. Not one of them is willing to take up the cudgels on behalf of English cricket. Or, maybe no one is allowed near the dressing room.

The composition of the England team has been baffling, to say the least. How could you leave Vikram Solanki, Hoggard and Batty from the playing XI? So, most of the problems of the visitors seem self-inflicted.

Too crowded

Andrew Flintoff has neither blown his top nor complained about the sub-standard one-day wickets he has encountered so far. And seven matches in 19 days is a bit too much for the players as playing and travelling can be exhausting.

Admittedly, both India and England might have a common grouse — the playing surfaces for the three games have not been conducive for one-day cricket. The basic character of the game changes if due concern is not shown to the playing surface. While India is making the best of whatever is available, England's mindset is silently revolting. — UNI

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail