The test series between India and England is still alive,thanks to some pathetic performance by the Indians and some brilliant cricket from the English men.Most people would not have expected England to dominate India this way,after their recent poor performances against Pakistan,where they went down 0-3.They were simply outsmarted by the Pakistani spinners,and even the best players from their side did not have an answer to the magic of Saeed Ajmal. Therefore,this series was touted as the revenge series since people thought India had an upper hand in home conditions.But to our utter dismay,India failed miserably after an excellent start in the first test,only to go down meekly in the following two.
Indian cricket is put under immense pressure after these defeats,with questions raising on Sachin Tendulkar's retirement,Dhoni's captaincy and what not.But,India can still make amends if they can square the series 2-2.The selectors have already sounded the death gong for certain players,and have inducted young blood into the team ,which is a good sign.But these measures are certainly not enough for India to win.They have to well be prepared,in all the departments to stop the marauding English men.There are nine suggestions that India should follow if they are to win the match:
1.In any batting order,opening partnership is the key.It would be wise if we drop one of the openers and replace him with Ajinkya Rahane. We can't be sure whether it will prove to be a success,but Sehwag and Gambhir have been complacent of late and it would be a wake up call for the both of them if one gets dropped.Moreover,a youngster who is eager to prove himself would give his hundred percent.A change in the opening order can work wonders for the team.
2.If at all Ravindra Jadeja makes the eleven,he should be made to play at number 5 rather than number 6 and Kohli should be made to play at number 6,because it would lend stability to the batting order,having a left hander at that position.Moreover Kohli can be an able partner to Dhoni when it comes to scoring quick runs.
3.Batsmen should look to settle themselves in,before going for the shots."Patience is a virtue"and batsmen need to have that virtue in them to score runs.They need to play themselves in without taking any kind of risks and make the England bowlers toil hard.
4.Cook's wicket is crucial for England's chances.If Cook gets set,then it would be pretty difficult to stop him.Therefore we need to get him early.In the second innings of the first test,India were able to wrap the England innings quickly because they picked up Cook wicket early.Same way we have have to apply pressure on him,stop the flow of runs and get his wicket soon.
5.Ashwin and Ojha need to bowl on the right areas,more fuller than they are bowling now.They need to stick to the basics,and should contain the batsmen from scoring freely.Ojha would have better success if he can bowl a bit quicker through the air because it would be difficult for the batsmen to judge the line and length,which can be his advantage.
6.Dhoni should learn to rotate the bowlers skilfully to avoid fatigue and soreness.He has been over working the spinners in the last 5 tests,making them bowl spell after spell without adequate breaks.Now that Jadeja is in the team,he should let Jadeja share the work load,thereby letting Ojha and Ashwin have enough rest to come back fresh.Moreover he can throw the ball to Sehwag and Sachin,people who have known to provide crucial breakthrough over the years.
7.It is vital for Sachin,Sehwag and MS Dhoni to score some runs,because they form the core of the batting order and need to fire in order to take India to safety.
8.The skipper should have an attacking mindset,to attack the batsman even though he has played some balls.Having fielders around the bat constantly,always plays on the batsman's mind and he can play a false stroke anytime.Therefore MSD should be innovative while setting up a field.
9.Guidance is required for the youngsters and the seniors should ably guide them in tough situations,giving them confidence.
Of course,It is easier said than done,and it would require extreme dedication and belief for India to pull through.Belief is the need of the hour,and they need to back themselves and go out there and perform.Rest is in luck's (Dhoni) hand.
Indian cricket is put under immense pressure after these defeats,with questions raising on Sachin Tendulkar's retirement,Dhoni's captaincy and what not.But,India can still make amends if they can square the series 2-2.The selectors have already sounded the death gong for certain players,and have inducted young blood into the team ,which is a good sign.But these measures are certainly not enough for India to win.They have to well be prepared,in all the departments to stop the marauding English men.There are nine suggestions that India should follow if they are to win the match:
1.In any batting order,opening partnership is the key.It would be wise if we drop one of the openers and replace him with Ajinkya Rahane. We can't be sure whether it will prove to be a success,but Sehwag and Gambhir have been complacent of late and it would be a wake up call for the both of them if one gets dropped.Moreover,a youngster who is eager to prove himself would give his hundred percent.A change in the opening order can work wonders for the team.
2.If at all Ravindra Jadeja makes the eleven,he should be made to play at number 5 rather than number 6 and Kohli should be made to play at number 6,because it would lend stability to the batting order,having a left hander at that position.Moreover Kohli can be an able partner to Dhoni when it comes to scoring quick runs.
3.Batsmen should look to settle themselves in,before going for the shots."Patience is a virtue"and batsmen need to have that virtue in them to score runs.They need to play themselves in without taking any kind of risks and make the England bowlers toil hard.
4.Cook's wicket is crucial for England's chances.If Cook gets set,then it would be pretty difficult to stop him.Therefore we need to get him early.In the second innings of the first test,India were able to wrap the England innings quickly because they picked up Cook wicket early.Same way we have have to apply pressure on him,stop the flow of runs and get his wicket soon.
5.Ashwin and Ojha need to bowl on the right areas,more fuller than they are bowling now.They need to stick to the basics,and should contain the batsmen from scoring freely.Ojha would have better success if he can bowl a bit quicker through the air because it would be difficult for the batsmen to judge the line and length,which can be his advantage.
6.Dhoni should learn to rotate the bowlers skilfully to avoid fatigue and soreness.He has been over working the spinners in the last 5 tests,making them bowl spell after spell without adequate breaks.Now that Jadeja is in the team,he should let Jadeja share the work load,thereby letting Ojha and Ashwin have enough rest to come back fresh.Moreover he can throw the ball to Sehwag and Sachin,people who have known to provide crucial breakthrough over the years.
7.It is vital for Sachin,Sehwag and MS Dhoni to score some runs,because they form the core of the batting order and need to fire in order to take India to safety.
8.The skipper should have an attacking mindset,to attack the batsman even though he has played some balls.Having fielders around the bat constantly,always plays on the batsman's mind and he can play a false stroke anytime.Therefore MSD should be innovative while setting up a field.
9.Guidance is required for the youngsters and the seniors should ably guide them in tough situations,giving them confidence.
Of course,It is easier said than done,and it would require extreme dedication and belief for India to pull through.Belief is the need of the hour,and they need to back themselves and go out there and perform.Rest is in luck's (Dhoni) hand.
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