England Returns for Tests


By Anil
December 9 2008

The full-strength England team has decided to return to India for the second part of their tour: Two Tests to be played in Chennai (which replaced Mumbai) and Mohali. The tour was abandoned following a terror attack in Mumbai after India took a decisive 5-0 lead in the preceding 7-ODI series.

A security team from ECB headed by Reg Dickason gave the go-ahead after checking tight security put in place for the second leg of England's tour.

Despite initial misgivings, the England team unananimously decided to return and play cricket instead of giving the terrorists what they wanted: disruption.

The ICC has encouraged Indian fans to turn out in force for the two Tests to send an unmistakeable message to the merchants of terror. 

Whether Indian fans respond to this call is doubtful for a couple of reasons: one, there is widespread anger at the inadequate response from the government, and cricket is the last thing on their minds. They want the government to respond strongly before giving an appearance of normalcy. The man in charge of BCCI, Sharad Pawar, happens to be a powerful Cabinet minister in the federal government, and a typical representative of the type of official despised by Indians.

The second reason is that England have proven to be weak opposition so far on the tour, being defeated easily in every match under new captain Kevin Pietersen.

Nevertheless, the courage of the English team will be welcomed by all Indians, and for that reason they may be greeted by appreciative crowds. Bring on the cricket! 

England Returns for Tests
Posted by: Indian Cricket Fever (IP Logged)
Date: 09/12/2008 00:47

England Returns for Tests

Re: England Returns for Tests
Posted by: Birbal (IP Logged)
Date: 09/12/2008 18:47

India will be looking to retain the Pataudi Trophy...

Ideally, should have been at least 3 Tests...especially since Chennai now looks like it will be marred by the weather...

_____

ICL Ko Support Karo Yaro...

BCCI Ko Joote Chappal Maro....

Re: England Returns for Tests
Posted by: Birbal (IP Logged)
Date: 11/12/2008 03:49

Yup... first morning already couple of hours lost...

Re: England Returns for Tests
Posted by: ananthd (IP Logged)
Date: 11/12/2008 04:19

Huh? I think play has started on time?

Re: England Returns for Tests
Posted by: ananthd (IP Logged)
Date: 11/12/2008 04:24

Looks a batting beauty....

The Indians are off to a good start, keeping the ball on a good length....

Re: England Returns for Tests
Posted by: Max (IP Logged)
Date: 11/12/2008 08:10

So on the basis of a couple of ODI hitouts, Yuvraj leapfrogs Badrinath into the Test XI. This despite Badri racking up hundreds in the Ranji FC matches. The selection committees may change but their thinking remains the same...using ODI's as a guide to Test selection. It doesn't always work, especially in the case of players like Yuvraj who have never looked comfortable in Test matches. Really feel sorry for Badrinath...hope he gets a chance at least after Dravid is dropped or retired.

142/1. England are going along nicely.

India - World Cup winners 2011!!!
Champions Trophy winners 2013!!!
Congrats to Indian team and all Indian fans!

Re: England Returns for Tests
Posted by: Max (IP Logged)
Date: 11/12/2008 09:10

Zaheer strikes immediately after Tea, getting Ian Bell LBW. England 166/2.

India - World Cup winners 2011!!!
Champions Trophy winners 2013!!!
Congrats to Indian team and all Indian fans!

Re: England Returns for Tests
Posted by: Max (IP Logged)
Date: 11/12/2008 09:20

Looks like Zaheer is getting reverse swing with the old ball. Strauss on 98, joined by Pietersen.

India - World Cup winners 2011!!!
Champions Trophy winners 2013!!!
Congrats to Indian team and all Indian fans!

Re: England Returns for Tests
Posted by: Max (IP Logged)
Date: 11/12/2008 11:12

Indian bowlers strike in the last session! It was Zaheer who sparked the collapse by picking the wickets of Bell and Pietersen. Solid hundred by Strauss...well played. 227/5.

India - World Cup winners 2011!!!
Champions Trophy winners 2013!!!
Congrats to Indian team and all Indian fans!

Re: England Returns for Tests
Posted by: The Diamond ruled ok (IP Logged)
Date: 11/12/2008 20:35

Nice to see Straussie get a ton . Shame both Bell and Collingwood who are supposedly better than Shah did soooo well !

What's the betting "Ace" gets a go in the second test , fails in both innings and gets dropped again in time for the WI series ?

In the Test arena the guy has been treated abismally for years now , Lord alone knows how he keeps going .

Re: England Returns for Tests
Posted by: Birbal (IP Logged)
Date: 11/12/2008 22:21

He "Owais" looks on the bright side?...smiling smiley

_____

ICL Ko Support Karo Yaro...

BCCI Ko Joote Chappal Maro....

Re: England Returns for Tests
Posted by: Gabbar (IP Logged)
Date: 11/12/2008 22:23

yeah I don't understand why owaish shah doesn't get to bat

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