Sunday, Sep 22, 2002
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Cricket
India faces a big test against England on Sunday. It should be an interesting battle. My feeling is that the side which wins the toss will have an advantage since the there is definitely more movement for the pacemen in the evening at the Premadasa Stadium. Batting first is bound to help India's cause. From India's point of view, Marcus Trescothick's wicket will be vital. He is in prime form and if the Indians can dismiss him cheaply, there aren't too many others in this English line-up who can take on the attack. He has just made a century in the last game against Zimbabwe, and the law of averages could be against him. The English middle-order lacks experience and could struggle if India picks up early wickets, including that of Trescothick. As the tournament enters the latter stages, the wickets appear to be wearing and Anil Kumble and Harbhajan Singh should be looking forward to the match. Even bowlers like Virender Sehwag and Sachin Tendulkar could have a role to play. India's batting is its strength and the fact that the side, despite losing five early wickets, crossed 280 against Zimbabwe shows just that. Even if two of the seven specialist batsmen come good, they could take India to a winning total. The Indian bowling needs to be more disciplined though. Except for Zaheer Khan, the rest did not really impress and Zimbabwe, with a little luck, could have well won the first game. The Indians should include V.V.S. Laxman, who has been in good form in recent months. Laxman, who could replace Dinesh Mongia, has a lot of experience behind him and is a wonderful shotmaker. Similarly, the induction of Ajit Agarkar would provide more depth to the Indian lower order. In the last game, India had a rather longish tail. Nehra was rather wayward against Zimbabwe and Agarkar could come in for him.India will definitely enter the match as the stronger side. It is up to the side to deliver. www.kris-srikkanth.com
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