It is setting up to be a classic test series with the all-important third test to be played between England and India from Wednesday in Kolkata. The series is evenly poised after England’s rearguard win in the second test match to level the four-match series at 1-1.
India’s tactics of deploying spin-friendly wickets backfired as Monty Panesar ran through the Indian middle order as England won by ten wickets.
The result was a resounding turnaround from the first test match where they were battered by the home side. It remains to be seen whether MS Dhoni prefers a spinning track at Kolkata as well, though chances are bleak that he will be making statements in the press about it.
India batted woefully in the last test barring Cheteshwar Pujara who struck yet another century, following his double ton in the first test. In a clear sign of warning, the selectors have retained the same squad preferring to leave the shuffling for the final test match.
The under-fire superstars will need to lift their game as Yuvraj Singh and Sachin Tendulkar both failed to reach double figures in either innings. India will be worried largely by the manner of the soft dismissals of their batsmen as they caved in to Panesar’s nagging accuracy.
England could not have made a more fitting reply to critics who were predicting a whitewash for the visitors.
Captain Alastair Cook acknowledged that the win was a result of outstanding team game as he combined with Kevin Pietersen to build England’s total. With the spinners picking up 19 of the 20 wickets to fall, England would be relishing the prospects of another turning track. Yet despite all the highs, their batsmen will know that they need to do the job as, other than Cook and Pietersen, the highest score was 29.
The match will be played at the Eden Gardens stadium in Kolkata