The focus has now shifted from Ahmedabad to Mumbai, the heart of Indian cricket and the venue for the second Test between India and England. India took the all-important lead in the four-match Test series and will be looking to extend their lead from the point where they can’t lose the series.
It is an uphill battle for the visitors, they will have to produce a magical performance to get back into the series, The first Test showed that England has it in them to fight with the Indians and that should make the contest that more interesting.
India will the favorites going into the match but will know that they will have to be on their toes to beat this spirited England team. Apart from the battle between the two teams the match will also witness some individual battles. Both teams are blessed with some world-class cricketers and the outcome of the match will depend on these individual battles.
Let’s have a look at some of the interesting contest that awaits us:
Virender Sehwag vs English new ball bowlers: Virender Sehwag playing in his 100th Test match will be hoping to make a big contribution. Sehwag was in horrible form coming into the series but one innings has changed the whole equation. England team can’t afford another big innings from Sehwag and they will know that the best time to get him out is early with the new ball. That makes James Anderson and Stuart Broad’s job that more important. Mumbai track will provide a bit extra to the fast bowler then Ahmedabad and that can intensify the contest.
Cheteshwar Pujara vs Graeme Swann: This will be a battle between India’s best batsman from the first Test against England’s best bowler, Graeme Swann. Pujara won the battle in the first Test hands-down and Swann will acknowledge the fact that Pujara looked very comfortable against him in both the innings. The way Pujara chipped down the track and hit Swann against the spin through the off-side was simply outstanding. Swann will have to find out a way to get this outstanding Indian youngster out.
Sachin Tendulkar vs his bad form: The Little Master has more of a battle with himself then the opposition. Sachin has not scored a Test hundred from quite a long time and it is the way he gets out that is most shocking. He plays a bad shot after getting set and is getting himself out on most of the occasion. Maybe the home ground will change the situation for the genius.
Alastair Cook vs Zaheer Khan: Like Sehwag, Cook also is most susceptible against the new ball. Zaheer Khan will be well aware of the fact and considering his record against the left-handers, he should fancy his chance of getting the opponent captain. Cook scores big runs once he gets his eyes in and he showed that in the last Test.
Kevin Pietersen vs Pragyan Ojha: This is probably the most exciting battle from the lot. Pietersen has always been adamant about the fact that he does not have a problem against left-arm spinners, with his record suggesting something different. Ojha in the last Test bamboozled Pietersen in both the innings. Pietersen was deceived in flight in both innings and the way he got out in second innings was shocking.
By Indian Sports News Network
