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Spotlight is on England

S. Dinakar

Early breakthroughs critical to visitor’s prospects

— Photo: K.R. Deepak

INSPIRATIONAL: England would be well served in its quest for a Test series win in India after more than two decades if Kevin Pietersen’s sublime batting skills come to the fore.

Chennai: The focus is on England. In normal circumstances, the spotlight would not be on the underdog. But then, these are exceptional times.

England has been brave in returning to India. Can Kevin Pietersen’s men translate their courage into an extraordinary series triumph?

Under a cloud cover and surrounded by armed guards, England began ‘Mission Impossible’ at the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium on Tuesday. The side would enter the first Test, beginning on Thursday, without playing the traditional practice game.

Meeting an in-form India so soon after arrival is a huge ask but certain factors could change the dynamics of the Test. The first Test could be one of surprises.

Rains forecast

Persistent spells of rain has meant that the surface has had to be covered. This will impact the nature of the pitch for the Test. If the idea is to prepare a dry surface that will encourage spinners, then rain is not good news.

The forecast for the next few days is not encouraging either. It promises to be a start-stop-start Test. The frequent interruptions could make it hard for the players to retain their concentration levels.

England, arguably, is more familiar to matches played under inclement weather; cricketers from the Old Blighty are used to rain and cloud.

The last England team to win a Test series in India was led by David Gower in the 1984-85 season. The decisive factor in that famous triumph was Neil Foster’s control, movement and bounce.

Batting at the nets at Chepauk in the afternoon, Pieterson was pleased when Steve Harmison forced him to fend a short-pitched ball and Flintoff sent down a scorching yorker.

After his stint was over, Pierteson, his pads still on, was engaged in a lengthy conversation with Flintoff and Harmison. If India is to be beaten, the task will principally have to be accomplished with pace.

Disconcerting bounce

At the nets, Harmison and Flintoff bounded in. Flintoff can extract disconcerting bounce with the new ball and get the older sphere to reverse.

Harmison, if he discovers rhythm, can force batsmen to keep those lifting deliveries away from thudding into the rib-cage. This will also bring the short-leg into play; such a tactic could be attempted against Virender Sehwag.

Early breakthroughs are critical to England’s prospects against a powerful batting side. And, if the cloud cover persists, James Anderson’s natural outswing could prove extremely handy.

England, surely, will be a greater bowling force in Tests. Flintoff will not be restricted to ten overs and then there is Monty Panesar. The left-arm spinner bowled quite beautifully at the nets, getting his deliveries to hiss and turn.

Panesar’s bowling will be critical to the English game-plan of creating pressure from either end and then striking.

The key to an English success story lies in its bowling. If the bowlers can rattle the Indian line-up, then the Test series is on.

If we have a Test of medium-range scores, then someone as gifted as Pietersen, or as large-hearted as Paul Collingwood, can keep England in the game with the willow.

Entering the Test, however, England does not have a lot going for it. The side was outplayed in the five matches of the ODI series. The batting performed in fits and starts and the bowling struggled.

Guts and glory

But then, adversity can be a great binding force. The security situation in India — the restrictions on travelling outside the hotel and the ground — could actually forge greater unity and purpose in the team.

The Indian cricket team displayed remarkable courage in travelling to Pakistan in 2004. There were apprehensions about the security situation across the border and the cricketers were swarmed by armed commandos for most part.

Yet, that was the very Indian side that created history in Pakistan, in both forms of the game. Trying circumstances had enhanced the team’s mental resolve. Will England take the cue?

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