England’s remarkable comeback in the series was made possible by their spin attack that humbled India at home and handed the visitors a 10-wicket win on the fourth day of the second Test.
Monty Panesar’s match figures of 11 for 210, Swann’s eight for 113 and Kevin Pieterson’s century in the first-innings were all put together for the result the tourists desperately needed.
“Now that we have won, this hundred is at the top,” said man-of-the-match Kevin Pietersen. “Yesterday I said Test hundreds feel a lot better when you win. Panesar and Swann were outstanding.
“Alastair Cook didn’t talk about himself but he was outstanding throughout. What a difference a week makes. The boys have come back is great. Cricket wise, it is not bad now.
“Thanks to the guys in the dressing room and the management. Thanks to the supporters who have travelled, and also the Indian support. They have been great too. You have to trust your defence.”
Tourists declare a ‘great win’
Earlier in the day, India, 117 for seven overnight, were bundled out for the addition of just 25 runs handing England a target of just 57.
“Without a doubt, this is a great win,” said Cook, who got a huge applause from the home crowd. “I can’t fault the effort of the lads in the match. I could have called heads. It was obviously an important toss. The way we bowled on that first day it was fantastic.”
Meanwhile, India captain MS Dhoni, who opted to bat first, was gutted.
“We were definitely outplayed,” said Dhoni. “Monty bowled really well. All got turns, but the pace he bowled at made sure that the batsmen were on the front foot.
“To some extent, yes I am disappointed with our spinners. We let England bat back when we could’ve brought them forward. All of a sudden they have to change their plan. It was a change of conditions from Ahmedabad. When the two best sides in the world are playing, the series are always close. It will be a test of character in the two coming games.”
Published in The Express Tribune, November 27th, 2012.
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@why........ Whatever you think.i am stating a fact.popularity of test/One Day cricket has gone down considerably.
@Gaurav: vow...if u win then it is "MEN IN BLUE" or "TEAM INDIA" if u lose then TRPs come into logic....sour grapes.....!!!!!! and mind you I rad Gautam Gambhir saying last year that India should preparerank turners for England Series........well he got his wish....first test was lost by England due to only one bad session and blunder not to include Panesar..... Come second test ...England rectified the blunders and won decidedly ........ India should come out of 70s and 80s mindset.....Ojha and Ashwin are not Bedis or Chandershakhers....they are not even better than Hirwani or Sivarama K...........be brave and prepare good wickets rather than such dust bowls.....but in retrospect , I beleive India will lose on "good pitches" also ...remember thrashing 4-0 handed to indians by Aussie and English in last series....... well only miracles can save India....if Cricket is played fairly in next couple of tests then I think series will be lost by India 2-1................
Great news! Finally India can get rid of its non-performing assets (greats, legends or otherwise).
India lost, and its team proved to be sore losers, as noted by an eminent ICC figure, who had this to say:
“For refusing to allow Bairstow to continue, I expect that Dhoni will now be felicitated for his gesture. Maybe it will be an MBE; Member of the Bullies Empire or simply an OBE; Often Belligerent to Everyone. After all, MS Dhoni is the Indian captain and India does provide an estimated 70% of the world’s cricket revenue doesn’t it? The whole thing does have a distinctive ring about it! It’s another case of too many Indians and not enough chiefs,”
What a crushing defeat at home. Indian bowling is too weak & highly overrated. Indian team management just can't understand one simple fact "You can't win a test without getting 20 wickets".
Team India is good in ODI's and T20's............however absolute rubbish in tests. When you lose at home like this obviously something is fundamentally wrong in the team and not the pitches.
I think whether India wins or loses.By seeing the TRPs and the ground response.I think people are least bothered in India.Its like people dont give a damn about International cricket these days.IPL TRPs are much much higher than these test matches.