England want more of the same

India suffer Zaheer blow, Gambhir doubtful for 2nd Test starting today.

NOTTINGHAM:

England will look for more of the same against India in the second Test at Trent Bridge that starts today.

The hosts got home deserved winners by 196 runs with James Anderson taking five for 65 in front of a full house at Lord’s in the 2,000th Test.

England, who will replace India at the top of the International Cricket Council’s Test rankings if they win the four-match series 2-0 or better, had things pretty much their own way at Lord’s, with Kevin Pietersen making a double century, Matt Prior a reviving second-innings hundred and Stuart Broad returning to his best bowling form.

“We’re playing really good cricket at the moment,” said Anderson. “We’re trying to improve each day, as individuals and as a team. If we can do that, we know we can do great things.”

Strauss upbeat about Tremlett

England captain Andrew Strauss was optimistic that Chris Tremlett would be fit to face India despite the fast-bowler’s ‘tight’ hamstring.

“I think he’s fine, obviously he’s had a bit of a niggle with his hamstring,” he said. “At the moment we expect him to be fit for the match. We’re confident he should be okay.”

India hurt after Zaheer injury

Meanwhile, Zaheer Khan has been ruled out of the second Test with a hamstring injury, according to captain MS Dhoni.

“He is ruled out of this game,” said Dhoni. “It’s disappointing not to have him for selection but it is something that is beyond our control.”

There are also doubts whether Gautam Gambhir would open the innings after he suffered an elbow injury in the first Test. In the case of his absence, it is likely that Rahul Dravid will be promoted up the order to open the innings.

A haven for pacers, torture for batsmen

Trent Bridge has earned the reputation of being one of the most bowler-friendly pitches since 2005. It is one of the toughest batting venues in the world with only Sabina Park having a lower runs-per-wicket figure. India may have the upper hand as they have not lost in their last three encounters here.

Tendulkar has scored nearly 500 runs at an average over 78 while Dravid stands with an average of 53 in six innings. However, Anderson, often a beneficiary of the swing-friendly conditions, has dismissed Tendulkar six times in seven Tests including lbw in the first Test at Lord’s that disallowed the maestro of reaching his 100th century.

The situation is quite the opposite for the in-form English batsmen. Except for Strauss, none of the other batsmen have made any impression in Tests played at Trent Bridge. With that, and India’s ability to bounce back, England remain wary of a backlash.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 29^th,  2011.