What was billed as a revenge series is shaping up to be exactly like that as India look to strengthen their control over England in the four-match home series. India lead after winning the first match by nine wickets.
England would be keen to avoid the treatment they meted out to India when they played in England last year. Calls of a whitewash are already growing though some pundits have been watchful and pointed out to England’s fight on the final day as signs of things not being so straightforward.
After collapsing in the first innings, England fought hard in the second innings thanks to Alastair Cook’s marathon century. While they will take courage from their fight, it will nevertheless be a test for their batting to cope with the turning pitch expected in Mumbai.
With the ball too they need to get their act right as the pacers looked toothless while Graeme Swann’s five-for came in 51 overs. England will still be without Steven Finn due to injury.
India have always felt comfortable at home and this time too the story is not much different as they enjoyed their outing in the first test match. Cheteshwar Pujara’s double century once again prompted comparisons with the legendary Rahul Dravid while Virender Sehwag toyed with the England bowling.
It will be Sehwag’s 100th test match and his fans would be expecting nothing less than the mercurial best he is in the Asian conditions.
India have injury concerns ahead of the test match with Umesh Yadav likely to miss out due to back trouble. Ashok Dinda has been called up in the squad as his cover.
The pitch is expected to favor the spinners as captain MS Dhoni remained vocal about his preference for turning tracks, though such statements were criticized by former Australian captain Steve Waugh.
The match starts at 9.30am.