India outswing England

India are on the verge of winning the second Test against England and taking a 1-0 lead in the series. How their fortunes have changed since holding out for a draw at Lords with some help from the rain. One could sense then that escaping with a draw would be very significant and would mean a change of fortunes for them.

Winning the toss was crucial as India had the best of the bowling conditions and made good use of them by bowling England out for a total that would always put them on the back foot. Zaheer Khan has been outstanding with his ability to swing the ball both ways and has been the difference between the sides. There has been the return of the traditional swing this summer due to the wet conditions rather than reverse swing which has played a big part in recent years in dry and arid conditions. England did bowl well in the first innings without much luck, with Ryan Sidebottom outstanding again with his line and discipline. On another day things could have been very different, but credit has to go to India who have played well throughout the match. It is ironic that England are traditionally known to make good use of swing in home conditions, but in this case India have outgunned them and come out on top in the swing contest.
The fab four with the exception of Dravid, have answered their critics and made runs this time round. The partnership between Sachin and Saurav was particularly significant in posting a big total for India to secure the advantage. Sachin was troubled by Sidebottom early in his innings and fought his way through passing 11,000 runs in Tests. It was not the kind of dominating innings of that played in his prime but it was gutsy and determined. Saurav played an almost flawless innings and looked to be playing better than ever with good timing and placement. Both players dominated Monty Panesar who leaked runs with no help from the conditions. Both these old pros clearly enjoy batting together and their bond was evident in their partnership. It was a shame that they both failed to reach a century due to poor decisions and their expressions showed their disappointment.

England played well in the second innings after a large first innings deficit with conditions much better suited to batting. The ball was still swinging for India on the fourth morning and the deliveries that accounted for Pietersen and Prior were outstanding. Michael Vaughan played a wonderful innings and was back to his best playing some sublime shots on his way to a century. Kumble was expected to play a big part on the fourth day but Vaughan in particularly played him very well and he did not come into the wickets until the end. The fall of Vaughan's wicket rather unluckily, after taking the new ball heralded the collapse of England's innings and any hope they may have had of saving the Test.

India are poised to win the Test and go one up in the series and there is no threat of rain to spoil their party as it did for England a week ago. India will be pleased with their performance in this match and the way they have fought back to gain the advantage in this series. It has been a complete team performance from them and that should be heartening for them going on to the third and final Test at the Oval.