Oh Calcutta (Kolkata?) The 3rd Test

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Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2012:12:14:19:18:35 by Grockle.

Yesterday I posted a response to this superb preview by Bagpuss, thanking her for it and asking the identity of the five people she would like to have to dinner, along with the Calcutta groundsmas, and wondering whether Kartik and Greig might be on the list. That little message seems to have got lost somewhere.

But it IS a very good posting indeed!

What an excellent and authoritative preview, Bagpuss. Thanks very much for that.

I am bound to wonder who the other four guests at your dinner will be... Kartik? Greig?

LoL

Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter

Nice preview... your description of the bounce of the pitch was a bit overdone... I'd say the bounce would be as high as a cockroach's brassiere... and just so you know the female Indian cockroach can fly...

?.. as a Salman's Butt, perhaps.

India 200 all out from here, I'd think.

Looking clueless against a swinging ball.

Not noticed much early turn for Monty so if that continues for a couple of days, England could find really good batting conditions, with only a bit of reverse swing with which to contend.

Have you picked your lottery numbers yet, AGod?

Eden Gardens, Calcutta. Or Kolkata. My Twitter friend and expert on matters India, Annie, says it should be Calcutta. I'm really not sure of the etiquette here so will probably use the names interchangeably depending on whether the biscuit crumbs are stuck under the C or the K on my keyboard.

DAY 1

Arriving in the ground almost an hour before the start of play – very early thanks to an unusually laid back approach to searching us as we entered the ground (my bag checked just the once, nothing confiscated) I realise I have reached the end of my cricketing odyssey. With the exception of Georgetown, Guyana I have now watched Test cricket at all the historic and iconic cricket grounds of the world. OK, maybe I should add Chennai to the must-do list, I was not in India in 2008. And I've only seen a one day international in Delhi. But Eden Gardens has been the holy grail of Test venues for travelling England supporters for almost twenty years. I would love to see pictures of the ground as it was back in January 1993, probably full to watch India record a comfortable victory. I'm sure the ground looks vastly different these days – now an all-seater stadium since its renovations for the Cricket World Cup in 2011,reports of the ground capacity vary between 67,000 and 90,000. Or about the same as Edgbaston, Trent Bridge and Old Trafford combined.

6.45am seemed an ungodly hour to set the alarm this morning to get to a cricket ground about twenty minutes walk away. But with no time zones within India, sunset in this most easterly of Indian cricketing cities is at about 4.45pm. So the scheduled start of play is at 9am. Surely lunch should be more accurately called elevenses? There is a growing number of England flags hanging in the ground as Alastair Cook loses his third toss of the series (in five Tests as captain he has yet to win a toss). The England team is as predicted – Broad is dropped for the first time since 2008 and Bell returns in place of Bairstow. Patel maybe can consider himself a little lucky to keep his place. India make just the one change, adding seamer Ishant Sharma making his first appearance in this series for spinner Harbhajan Singh.

Anderson and Finn open the bowling. It is soon apparent that the pace and bounce offered is (a) slow and (b) low. There is a little swing for Anderson with the new ball though, probably for the first time in this series. Gambhir rides his luck a little. The outfield is quick but England feel the surface is abrasive and they are soon returning the ball to the keeper on the bounce,looking to rough it up a bit in the hope of getting reverse swing as the ball ages. Panesar replaces Finn in just the 8th over – Cook seems to be getting the hang of this bowling-changes-in-India thing. Sehwag, slow to start, soon catches up and this pair are moving along nicely towards a 50 opening stand. I'm sure I wasn't the only one in the stands – or even out there on the park – having flashbacks to that opening session of the series in Ahmedabad where England went wicketless.

It is at times like this that a bit of inspiration is needed. Or if that fails a comedy run out. Gambhir takes two runs then stops to admire the gazelle-like athletic form of Samit Patel pull back the ball just inside the boundary. Meanwhile he has failed to notice Sehwag is halfway down the pitch on his third run. Gambhir stands his ground and sends Sehwag back, but not before Finn, fielding alongside Patel, has returned the ball to the waiting Prior. Sehwag was so far out of his ground the umpire didn't even need the replay. India are 47-1 in the 11th over.

Pujara may not be the new Wall yet but he's certainly laid some pretty solid looking foundations this series. So it is some surprise when he plays all around a straight one from Panesar (did someone say Monty doesn't have an 'arm ball'?)and is bowled. Pujara is gone for just 16, with scores so far this series 206*, 41*, 135, 6,16. Not really enough data to analyse, but if there are any mathematicians amongst Team England they will be bouyed by his apparent regression towards the mean^^

At lunch India were 90-2 off 29 overs. Gambhir had just reached his 50 (81 balls; 10x4/0x6), Tendulkar on 1. Honours even I'd say.
Early in the afternoon session Tendulkar steers a ball into midwicket and jogs a single to reach the milestone of 34,000 international runs in all forms of the game. It is a reminder of not just his prolific scoring in both Test and one-day international cricket (just 10 of the 34000 are T20I runs) but also his longevity – he played in the last Test between India and England at Eden Gardens, in 1993. The crowd has grown during the lunch interval – nothing like the Little Master at the crease to get the locals on their two-wheelers rushing to the ground. But batting is slow – it takes nearly five overs after lunch for India to add the ten they need to reach 100, Tendulkar doesn't look exactly comfortable at the crease, but he does look determined. The crowd are getting restless; fed a junk-food diet of T20 cricket they are used to a day at the cricket raining boundaries, not the 4 runs in 5 overs they are being subjected to now. A Mexican wave is starting. Mexican waves in Indian cricket grounds are much faster moving than their English counterparts though this doesn't make them any less irritating for the non-participant. The wave comes to an abrupt halt as Gambhir tries to cut and edges Panesar and is caught by Trott at slip. It is a good catch which should give Trott confidence in this new-to-him fielding position. 117-3.

Kohli has not had much of a series so far and his luck is not about to change here as he edges Anderson who is continuing to cause problems with the older ball. The catch is taken low down by Swann at second slip. 136-4 and things could have got worse for India as Yuvraj survives an lbw shout before he has got off the mark. Replays show Yuvraj is very lucky indeed, Anderson the unfortunate bowler. Yuvraj makes the most of his good fortune and by tea he and Tendulkar have moved India along to 172-4. Yuvraj on 14 and Tendulkar just 4 short of a half century.

The partnership continues after tea. Tendulkar reaches his 50, an innings based more on stubbornness than style. India pass 200. The partnership is starting to get frustrating for England, who looked jaded during the last session of the first day at Mumbai and who on that occasion let India a little off the hook they had worked so hard to snare them on. It is Swann who breaks the spell – with a lot of assistance from Yuvraj who plays a lazy uppish shot to extra cover where Cook makes an easy catch look a bit more difficult than it should. Yuvraj made 32 after his earlier reprieve out of a partnership of 79. Tendulkar was just starting to look a bit more fluent by the drinks break, maybe this broke his concentration. First ball from Anderson after the break is edged and Prior takes a great one handed catch diving to his right. Tendulkar gone for 76 – enough to put a stop to rumours of his impending retirement? Only in the very short term I suspect.

Finn hasn't had the best of days – other than his throw from the boundary (following Patel's fielding) to run out Sehwag he hasn't made it onto the scorecard. Although from what I've read other commentators say he bowled quite well, I was disappointed. Admittedly this pitch is a different kettle of fish but he lacked the persistent danger he posed during the Lions game he played in Mumbai last week. There were some balls that went through the batsmen but too many that could be left on line or length, with plenty going harmlessly down leg. His copybook is further blotted when he fails to field a ball cleanly missing a clear chance to run out Our Ashwin. England do not take the new ball when it is due after 80 overs, waiting until the 87th. Just four overs to be bowled, with the sun dropping below the top of the stands and the floodlights, switched on with about 40 minutes of play remaining, reinforcing the fading daylight, Anderson shares the new ball with, er, Panesar. Anderson finishes off one of his best days bowling in subcontinent conditions, heck probably bowling in any conditions, by swinging one back in a little to Our Ashwin and hitting his off stump in the penultimate over of the day.

India close on 273-7 off 90 overs. Dhoni hasn't had the best of series with the bat (or, to be honest, the mouth) and tomorrow he along with Zaheer Khan, Ishant Sharma and Pragyan Ojha have to drag India somewhere close to a reasonable total. I can be fairly sure that will not come even close to India's first innings totals in each of their last three Tests at Eden Gardens, all of which have been in excess of 300.
And then England will have to do what they did at Mumbai, bat well, bat long and get a significant first innings lead. Because at some point this Dr Jekyll of a pitch, slow, low and not offering much turn, will probably change into Mr Hyde.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2012:12:05:19:06:12 by Bagpuss.

Bagpuss nice write up... I am watching the game on TV in the USA... and from what I saw, the pitch was uneven, you are right several hardly bounced...but then I also noticed Prior collecting a few head high... so not sure can call it low... slow is a relative term... I see this being no slower than the wicket at Adelaide that Australia and South Africa played on recently...

I think this is a typical Eden Gardens wicket... the same wicket that produced the Classic match versus Steve Waugh's Australia in 2001...

England will have to bat VERY big to gain an advantage...other wise India may set them a targert of 200 odd in the last innings and it won't be easy...

Absolute amateur hour from India in moving their short-leg to first slip with most of his protective gear still in place... And the unfortunate soul has probably just dropped the Test match.

With naff all turn on this track, England surely have every opportunity to ... Well, run up a cricket score.

A period of possible danger here for England as they appear to have decided that quick singles are the way to go. Hope NC's calling does not let him down.

Many congrats to Compo on his maiden test fifty. Was he unlucky with the lbw? Did he get a slight glove on it?? The replays were not conclusive.

Must seem like being at home batting with a rather good left hander!

England well in control of a lacklustre Indian side.

Yeah, you wonder if India will just fold completely, as they did in the series in England?

I wouldnt write them off just yet!!

When I was six I had no sense
I bought a flute for fifty pence
The only tune that I could play
Was Alastair Cook's Barmy Army.

It is difficult to describe Kolkata as bohemian, but with bookshops and music shops aplenty it comes closer than many Indian cities. I suppose I shouldn't be surprised that I fell victim to the vibe and after several days serenading me from the street over breakfast the flute player persuaded me to part with my rupees and purchase a genuine Bengali wooden flute. I should point out I'm no great musical talent but I can pick out a tune. I looked forward to playing second fiddle flute to Bill the Barmy Army trumpeter, here to bolster the England support, on day 2.

DAY 2

My musical ambitions come to nowt as I am defluted by security at the entrance to the ground. Not the best start to the day, although on the plus side the consternation caused by my attempt to gain entry with such a dangerous implement masked the fact I also had factor 15 suncream and a camera about my person. Result.

England took the field with a ball barely 4 overs old; Anderson and Panesar, the pick of England's bowlers on day one resume bowling. An early hint that things may not go England's way in the third over of the morning as Swann spills an easy slip catch. Zaheer Khan on 2 survives. Anderson is the unlucky bowler but he only has himself to blame when he bowls four wides next ball followed by Khan hitting him to the boundary. But as Anderson finishes his over and goes to mull over the lot of the fast bowler Panesar at the other end gets Khan plumb lbw. Less than four overs into the day and England have their breakthrough, The ninth wicket soon follows as Sharma recalled to the side has his stumps rather elegantly rearranged in Panesar's next over. India are nine down. A combination of Dhoni swinging the bat along with England's acceptance of his doing so if it meant they could get a look at Ojha meant the Indian total crept past 300 and Dhoni had recorded his test 50 (113 balls; 5x4, 2x6) before Finn bowls a snorter to Dhoni who parries it to gully, an area oft bereft of a fielder in this innings but Swann makes ground from slip and takes a great diving catch to make amends for his earlier miss. India are all out for 316. There is no disguising the fact that this is a below par score.

England have 45 minutes or so to bat until lunch. Cook and Compton, unusually for this series, faced pace from both ends for all but one of the overs bowled before lunch, when England were 22-0 off 11 overs, Cook 17 and Compton 9. Early in the afternoon we get what could be a decisive point in this match as Pujara, usually bearing the bruises of the short leg fielder, drops Cook whilst fielding at slip. Cook is on eight at the time.

The rest of the day was spent watching an Alastair Cook masterclass. Six years ago I sat in a bar in Nagpur with fellow members of the Barmy Army writing a song for the new England recruit who had been called up from the England A squad touring the West Indies to replace Michael Vaughan and Marcus Trescothick. I watched him score a second-innings hundred on début, admittedly at the time muttering that England needed to push for a declaration as they were one down in the series and should be looking for a win. And here I am today watching the same player pass 7000 test runs – the youngest player from any country to reach that landmark (yes, younger than Tendulkar whom he gave a five year head start) – and go on to head the list of centuries made for England. In the intervening years he has morphed from a rather gangly, ungainly batsman with a tendency, probably due to his height, to get his head too far outside the line of off stump to undoubtedly the best opening batsman currently playing test cricket. He has always cut and pulled the ball well. But he has added more to his repertoire. There was concern when he was handed the captaincy of the one-day team that playing fifty-over cricket would adversely affect his Test batting. It hasn't. If anything it has enhanced it, making him a more attacking player with a greater range of shots. As India flagged in the field this afternoon and evening it seems this series has come full circle with the India of Ahmadinejad replaced by England in Kolkata. Where England struggled to stop the flow of runs from Pujara's bat now India cannot find an answer to England's captain Cook.

Whilst Cook is feasting on the thali that is India's bowling at one end his new opening partner is doing rather well thank you very much at the other. Untroubled by the fact his opposite number is outscoring him 2:1 Compton reaches a maiden test 50 (123 balls; 5x4/1x6). It is not an innings without its hairy moments but most of these are running between the wickets based. As Somerset supporters are well aware, the tendency to be involved in run-outs is inherited as a dominant gene.

Compton departs lbw to Ojha for 57 in the 53rd over. He and Cook have put on 165 for the first wicket, more than 100 higher than the previous best opening partnership for England at this ground. In five innings England's newest opening partnership have put on two half century and one century stand followed by today's 150+.

England close the day on 216-1. They trail India by just 100 runs. The way Alastair Cook has batted today he could wipe out that deficit single handedly tomorrow.



Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 2012:12:06:16:52:32 by Bagpuss.

Thanks Baggy...

Another characterful report Baggie!! Many thanks.

Thanks again, Bagpuss, for two scintillating reports. Reading your words makes me wish I could be there too, but the quality of the description of events and the ambience compensates for not being able to sit in India's sun during this superb Test series.

I really like the notion that there are "no time zones within India". I had always thought there was a single zone, but your statement goes a long way to explaining why, during my many visits to the country, patience had to be regarded as the most important virtue of all.

It was disappointing to read that you were defluted, but I relished seeing this word in print for the first time and comforted that you were at least not violated.

LoL

Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2012:12:06:23:00:57 by Loyal of Lhasa..

Quote:

As India flagged in the field this afternoon and evening it seems this series has come full circle with the India of Ahmadinejad replaced by England in Kolkata. Where England struggled to stop the flow of runs from Pujara's bat now India cannot find an answer to England's captain Cook.

It's Ahmedabad...not Ahmadinejad... One a bustling City the other a bustling tyrant...

Anyway, nice write up again... Did you see the bouncer to Tendulkar and the one to Dhoni... that is more like a Cockroach's bra I would think rather than jockstrap...

Ah Birbal, the joys of hitting the 'change' button on spellcheck without actually noticing what the word is going to be changed to!
I will leave it uncorrected for the comedy value.

Liveonlinefooty seems to have met its inevitable end. It tried to hide under another name but has now disappeared altogether.

Major congratulations, a) to Nick on his outstanding start in test cricket (I couldn't help noticing that after the second test he was averaging 99.67 balls per dismissal - that kind of figure is becoming a bit of a habit);

and b) to Bagpuss on her beautifully written reports. They really should be collected in book form - this is a serious suggestion.

(Unfortunately none of my publishing contacts, e.g. CUP, go in much for sports books).

Returning to the ongoing test match, I would have liked to see Prior come in at 5.

I'd assumed "Ahmadinejad" was deliberate...

I have a habit of skipping the c when typing words like 'acquainted" (that took three goes) - which Spellchecker obliging corrects to 'aquatinted'.
E.g "When Dodgson and Tennyson became aquatinted..." - one wonders how that might have happened.

Astonishing that not only was Cook's run out his first in Tests, but actually his first in first-class cricket.

I'm sure that John Motson would say "Quite remarkable."

Surely we should not bother with Ian Bell for the final Test?

I think his highest ever score in India is about 60 from something like 14 innings?

I'm not sure what Patel brings to the side either - he's not being used as part time spinner and hardly adding a massive amount of runs. Hell in these conditions surely Morgan would have been a better option - or Bairstow.

Can we expect that future posting from our India correspondent may be credited to Baghdad.

I had a colleague called Ahmed Haroon who lived in Erigavo in Somaliland. My spellchecker preferred "Aimed Harpoon of Reigate".

193 lead at stumps. Very good effort by all, perhaps bar Bell.

Carry on till Lunch tomorrow and hope to get somewhere near to 250-270 lead?

Ref the publishing aspect. We have got most of her contributes over the years here I think, at least since 2002 I would imagine. Maybe we ought to have a word with Alain's publishers and see what we can do.... Or start Grockles publishing... I see a media empire starting to blossom :-)

According to spell-checker, we in the Eastern Counties are supplied by Angolan Water.
Long pipes!

It might have been an Angolan Waiter...

LoL

Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter

And we live in the town of Vaunton!!

Presumably the much taunted town of that ilk...

Bagpuss , you are seriously good m copy and paste all the appreciations above . All I can say is it's a good job you didn't try to smuggle in a flower ,,,,,,,

DAY 3

England start the day just 100 runs behind India but with nine wickets in hand. Cook is continuing his personal Indian odyssey, passing 500 runs so far in this series early in the session, whilst Trott seems to have struck some form for the first time on this tour. India hedge their bets and open with Zaheer Khan at one end and Ashwin the other. It seems there is not much on offer for the wily Zak so he is replaced by Ojha and England face spin from both ends. The new ball is not taken immediately when due but in the 89th over. Cook clips the third ball from Khan for 4 through midwicket bringing up his 150 (295 balls; 21x4/1x6) and taking the England total to 250. England supporters rise to acclaim another Cook milestone. Its getting a bit repetitive, not that I'm complaining.

Shortly afterwards the England fans stand again to applaud Trott's more modest 50 (131; 7/0) and the 100 partnership. By the drinks interval these two have reduced the overnight deficit by half, England being 50 runs adrift. India are starting to look a little short of ideas. T is imperative in these situations to grab any chance that comes along but Sharma fails to do this, dropping what was really quite a straightforward caught and bowled chance off Cook. The England captain was on 154 at the time.

Seam is taken off in favour of the spin of Ojha and Ashwin. This at least has the effect of slowing the run rate a little. There is certainly more turn on offer than on the first two days, there is not a lot of pace in the pitch but there is increasing amount of variable bounce. England did not lose a wicket in the session and went to lunch 296-1 off 105 overs; Cook 167 and Trott 66. Ashwin had to go to lunch stranded on 99, just one run short of conceding a century off his bowling. After lunch England move ahead of India's first innings total. The Indian fielders' shoulders drop yet further. This, after all, was meant to be the 'revenge series' for their 4-0 humiliation in England in 2011. Everything was going swimmingly when they won the first Test at Ahmedabad. Since then – well, to be honest, probably since England made over 400 in the Ahmedabad 2nd innings – the wheels seem to have dropped off one by one.

There is some respite for India in this session as they get the wicket of Trott for 87, edging a ball from Ojha that he probably could have left. It is an indication of things to come as this ball turned a fair bit. Rather predictably Yuvraj is brought on for a few overs as Pietersen's nemesis but the plan to fight pies with pies fails to get the desired response. Batting with Cook seems to bring slight but much needed element of calm to Pietersen's batting. But he will lose his partner to a freaky run out – Cook standing with his bat grounded at the non-striker's end lifts it as Kohli returns the ball, leaving a gap for the ball to pass on its way to a direct hit of the stumps. There is some discussion between the umpires whether or not Cook was taking evasive action to prevent injury but (correctly I feel) they decided he wasn't and he had to go, ten runs short of a double hundred. Amazingly it is the first time Cook has been dismissed run out in not just Test but first-class cricket. It does occur to me that should his opening partnership with Compton prosper then it may not be the last. At tea England are 381-3 off 135 with Pietersen 29 and Bell 3.

Bell's miserable tour continues when he is out soon after tea, getting a bottom edge on Sharma through to the keeper. But Patel joins Pietersen and they take the England total past 400. Pietersen reaches 50 (83; 8/1) but is out soon afterwards. Prior and Patel, then Swann, increase the run rate. England move from 450 to 500 in the space of five overs. India's noses are being well and truly rubbed in their own subcontinental dustbowl pitch and they don't seem to be able to do anything about it.

At close of play England on 509-6 are 191 runs ahead. India will need to bat probably near on five of the remaining sessions to save this match. With the pitch wearing yet further this could prove a task too far. England's spinners will have a big role to play but I suspect Finn with his extra height and bounce could also be a handful with the variable bounce in India's second innings. However tired India are after another day in the field, it is England who will sleep sounder.

Great stuff once again, Baggers.

Good job that Compton has a cool head..

A bit cruel of England to deliberately lose three quick wickets and kid India that they were in with a chance.

Quote:

Bagpuss
Cook standing with his bat grounded at the non-striker's end lifts it as Kohli returns the ball, leaving a gap for the ball to pass on its way to a direct hit of the stumps. There is some discussion between the umpires whether or not Cook was taking evasive action to prevent injury but (correctly I feel) they decided he wasn't and he had to go, ten runs short of a double hundred. Amazingly it is the first time Cook has been dismissed run out in not just Test but first-class cricket.

I'm afraid Cook wasn't standing with his bat grounded, and he was taking evasive action - but not before regaining his ground. The way his head dropped showed he knew immediately what he'd done, and the Trott interview suggests it won't be something he'll be doing again!

Yes, my initial thought was that he'd grounded his bat and then taken evasive action (should be 'not out'), but then slow-motion showed he hadn't actually put his bat down - shame, but when you've batted for a day and a half in Calcutta, I guess you're entitled to be a little brain-fried.

DAY 4

To be honest I travel to the ground thinking England, with an overnight lead of 191, possibly already have enough runs to win this Test. England do, of course bat on, it seems sensible whilst Matt Prior is still out there but when Swann is dismissed in the first over followed by Prior himself in the second I would have liked to see England declare and maybe take advantage of any early morning movement with the new ball. They don't of course, but just over three overs later Panesar is the last man out, given out lbw despite getting a healthy amount of bat on ball. How's a chap going to dismiss comments about his poor batting skills when he gets a decision like that.

England are all out for 523, the lead is 207 runs. Geoffrey Boycott, on the local television, said this morning that chasing more than 180 in the final innings would be difficult. But to set such a target India would have to get nigh on 400 runs themselves first, then leave themselves time to bowl England out. Am feeling, to quote a much loved Somerset-following tweeter, somewhat bullish.

It seems that Virender Sehwag has captured my bullish mood. Never one to take the contemplative approach to batting, he brushes off a dropped chance at slip off Anderson when on 4 and soon has the fielders running in vain on this fast outfield. Gambhir is no slouch at the other end either. It is almost a relief when lunch arrives, with India 86 without loss off just 21 overs. England look a little stunned and the large Saturday crowd at the ground are starting to think a miracle may just happen.

England regroup over the lunch interval and the local crowd is stunned into silence as Swann does what he's become renowned for, taking a wicket with the first ball of the afternoon session. Sehwag out for 49 and all in the England camp breathe a little sigh of relief. The magic of the morning session proves impossible for India to regain as Gambhir, already responsible for he demise of Sehwag in the first innings does the same again this time to possibly the one player who could realistically bat for long enough to give India a chance of saving this match. He calls Pujara through for a single which was never really on, Ian Bell gets the direct hit. 98-2. Of course, the brief disappointment at the loss of a wicket among the Kolkata crowd is soon overcome by the usual excitement that two down means number 4 is in to bat and we all know who that is (Sachin, SACH-IN) You really have to be in a ground with about 40,000 frenzied cricket-crazy Indians to appreciate the noise they generate.

I'm a bit of a party-pooper though and one of my favourite sounds in a cricket round in India is the stunned silence when Sach-in, SACHIN is dismissed. Today I don't have long to wait as he gets a thick edge off Swann and is caught by Trott at slip for just 5. Bell drops a fierce chance from Kohli at short leg on 4, he probably has the bruise to show for it. Anderson comes back on and bowls Yuvraj then Finn gets Dhoni caught by Cook. India go to tea in disarray at 145-6 off 51 overs.

An innings victory inside four days is on the cards for England. The England supporters – the largest travelling crowd of the tour have been drawn to Eden Gardens, at a rough estimate 1500 strong – certainly think so. The Barmy Army are going through their full repertoire of songs, interspersed with favourite TV themes and popular songs by Billy the Trumpet. Nick Compton is sent to field on the boundary in front of us and seems rather pleased by the rendition of his very own song (sung to the tune of 'Downtown' by Petula Clark, the words need a bit of work, actually there are no words as such but that doesn't seem to matter). Kohli goes caught behind off Finn, shortly followed by Zaheer Khan. Ishant Sharma hangs in there with Our Ashwin but when he is out India still need another ten runs to make England bat again. Ojha joins Ashwin; he is the only member of the India team yet to be dismissed by England but surely he can't hang around long. With a tour party planned by the Barmy Army that night (not day 5 as many people are flying home immediately after the match) we certainly hoped not.

India reach 207. England will have to bat again. But can they still finish the match today. It is difficult to tell – once India nosed in front the electronic scoreboard goes, leaving just a sign to tell us whet the lead is. No one is sure just how many overs of normal play are left – not even the England captain. India's lead increases until it is obvious that even with the extra half hour England would find it difficult to close out the match today. And they still have to take the final wicket. They take the new ball as soon as it is available. They get three overs before close of play. India, or I should say Our Ashwin, has stretched the lead to 32, closing on 239-9. We'll all be back tomorrow. Though I suspect there will be rather fewer Indian fans in the ground.

DAY 5

Anderson cleans up Ojha in the second over of the morning as England are set 41 to win. Ashwin is left stranded on 91. I feel a bit sorry for him, he deserved a hundred (although he does have a Test century to his name).

England cause a frisson of nerves to run through there supporters as fist Cook, followed by Trott and Pietersen, are sent back to the pavilion. But Compton looks secure and Bell decides hanging around to see what happens isn't an option. His run a ball 28 takes England across the line and 2-1 up in the series.

Now I wonder if I could get out of working next week and go to Nagpur....

I suspect Baggy, that you may have had a hand in the new 'Compton' song!?

Was watching the final overs this morning and heard the Barmy Army singing and then worked out it was 'Compton' they were singing - and there you were in the thick of it!

Thanks again for your sterling efforts at reporting the sights and sounds of Indian cricket.

Sadly the cries of SACH-IN are being followed increasingly early in each of his innings by SACH-OUT, though the latter cry tends to be inaudible...

LoL

Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2012:12:09:20:34:16 by Loyal of Lhasa..

I suspect Nagpur may be his final bow. And I also suspect he'll score a century.

I don't see him going out with a bang, has not looked good.

Did he not just top score in their first innings with 76?
Or did I dream that?

Yes, but I cannot say he looked fluent or good. And that was a very flat track for the first few days.

One assumes India will produce some sort of 'result,' track for the final game, so may well be a low-scoring affair.

It has been wonderful reading Bagpuss' reports from each of the test matches. To me she is the Lady of Multan after been interviewed there by Aggers during a test match tea break. Mind you, test cricket overseas must be far more exciting as I have not yet seen her in India with her Knitting - an observation caught by the cameras at Trent Bridge a few years ago and commented by Richie Benaud!!!

Looking at Alistair Cook's growing record (and yes, he may well surpass Sachin's total test run record) - he should be thankful to Somerset's great assist when Marcus' mental illness provided him with an opportunity maybe 5 years earlier than he would have expected!!!

I suspect that they may be painfully aware that whatever sort of track they prepare will suit our bowlers better than theirs, and may be prepared to sacrifice the series on the altar of the Little Master's legend, by preparing the flattest of flat tracks.

Roger, if I'm not allowed a flute,a camera, sunscreen or a newspaper I hate to hink what sort of alarms I would set off trying to take knitting needles into the ground!

Quote:

Frome Exile
I suspect that they may be painfully aware that whatever sort of track they prepare will suit our bowlers better than theirs, and may be prepared to sacrifice the series on the altar of the Little Master's legend, by preparing the flattest of flat tracks.

They might, but it would certainly be a depressing commentary on their will to win if they were to, effectively, concede a series defeat by preparing the sort of track on which a draw is far more likely than not.

yep..if they do that its time to give up IMO. Nobody bigger than the game.

They've made three changes. I've never heard of the quick that has replaced Zaheer. Ravindra Jadeja, IMO, is most unlikely to make a difference in a Test match.

Will they play Chawla in the hope that the age-old fallibility to wrist-spin will do for the English batsmen? If so, which player would he replace?

They really have been looking a sorry bunch, IMO.

I wonder if Duncan Fletcher has applied for the Somerset job? (I expect, after all, that he has known what is coming from the BCCI for some while!)

Can't say I warm to that prospect.

Grizzzly

Remember Duncan AND Marcus are great mates!!!

Our "wall":

[www.telegraph.co.uk]

Grizzzly

Quote:

old boy!
Remember Duncan AND Marcus are great mates!!!

True, I believe...

Quote:

Roger Sweet

Looking at Alistair Cook's growing record (and yes, he may well surpass Sachin's total test run record) - he should be thankful to Somerset's great assist when Marcus' mental illness provided him with an opportunity maybe 5 years earlier than he would have expected!!!

I suspect that Trescothick would not have kept Cook out of the side but that the two of them, the Christmas Kids, would have made a superb opening partnership, with Strauss coming in at three to be replaced only recently by Trott.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2012:12:11:11:20:20 by Loyal of Lhasa..

Quote:

AGod
I wonder if Duncan Fletcher has applied for the Somerset job? (I expect, after all, that he has known what is coming from the BCCI for some while!)

His current contract ends April '13 (if BCCI keep him until then).

This tune has been stuck in my head for nearly a week now. I thought that you may as well all suffer too.

To the tune of 'Downtown' by Petula Clark

When Strauss has gone and you need a new opener
You can always call
Compton
He'll bat all day, score a thousand in May
(Well he nearly did)
Compton
When he's scoring runs he makes it look like its a doddle
If he wasn't playing cricket he would surely be a model
Compton
Da da da da dada da da da da dada da da da da da dada da da da
COMPTON
Da da da da da da
COMPTON
Da da da da da da
COMPTON
Da da da da da da da
Compton (Westlife-esque key change up) Compton

Repeat.

Very apt, given that Petula Clark (of whom even I have heard) was singing when granddad was still in his prime - though the words would have had to be substantially different then.

LoL

Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter

Back in Blightly so no match reports from Nagpur I'm afraid.

Team changes - one forced by injury Bresnan in for Finn. Slightly surprising one Root makes his debut in for Patel.

India give Jadeja a debu in place of the dropped Yuvraj Singh, legspinner Chawla plays a Test for the first time in about 3 years as India play the extra spinner for Zaheer Khan.

For the first time in the series Alastair Cook wins the toss and chooses to bat. Compton goes early nicking a ball banged in short by Sharma that fails to even reach shoulder height. Trott survives a close lbw shout then Cook goes to a howler of a decision by Darmesena.

Variable bounce already. Sharma looks dangerous and India may be regretting playing just the one seamer.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2012:12:13:05:37:22 by Bagpuss.

I sympathise with your body clock (apparently) still being on the wrong time zone, Baggers.

Get back there at once, Baggie.

Thanks for all your lively and detailed reports.

Do you really think that mending the legs of broken dogs or running therapy sessions for disoriented goldfish are more important than providing daily reports on the cricket?

One task is a vocation, the other merely a job. I'll leave you to determine which.

LoL

Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter

A very impressive debut innings by Joe Root - he is likely to be in the England side for some time to come, which will no doubt give all and sundry a field day in terms of bad puns.

Puts a little bit of pressure on Compton too as Root by trade is an opener.

Hasn't Root scored more in this, his first,innings than Bell has scored in any innings in this part of the world?

Ian Bell's first overseas tour was to Pakistan 2005. He topped the England batting average with313 runs in the three Tests, scoring 313 at an average just over 52. He made 71 in the first Test in Multan, 115 at Faisalabad (both first innings) and 92 in the secnd innings in Lahore.

He made 83 and 74 in the Kandy test of the 2007 tour of Sri Lanka 2007, 84 in Chittagong and 134 in Mirpur on the 2010 tour of Bangladesh.

His highest Test score in India is 57, in the first innings of the Mohali test 2006.

So he's just managed to get worse with the passage of time in this part of the world?

Weird.

I do not remember the Faisalabad game, but it looks to have been a great game;

[www.espncricinfo.com]

p.s. don't tell SLC but it looks as though Bell may have made his first innings runs because he had Marcus holding his hand..

No wonder we lost, in the end, though, with a spin tandem of Udal and Giles versus a batting line-up of Younis K, Mohammad Y and Inzamam!!

My main memory of that Faisalabad test was the security scare when a gas canister for one of the Pepsi machines in the stands exploded. In the confusion that followed Afridi took the opportunity to pirouette on a length scuffing up the pitch.

The roar from the England fans in the ground in the second innings when Flintoff bowled him first ball was as loud as anything I've experienced at a home test!

Did Marcus return home after this game?

This was Marcus's last full tour - he captained the Test side in the first test in Multan (and made 193 in 1st inns) and also captained the one-day side in the 5 match ODI series that followed the Tests. He returned home during a warm-up match in Baroda during the tour of India in early 2006.