Aug 09: Brit Oval one of the historic stadium where England Cricket Team played its first ever Test in 1880 and also as a tradition it hosts the last match of every Test series in England. This time in the ongoing Test series between England and India the match is expected to be one of the finest matches as India with a 1-0 lead in the three-match series will try to register a series win in England after 21 years.
On the other hand England team after facing lot of criticism with their performances at Trent Bridge Test certainly makes their best effort by no more giving any other loose options to the visitors. If India would able to make even a draw in this Test Match then it will be there first Test series success since 1986.
However, Oval as usual to its nature is different than Trent Bridge and Lords as it offers more bounce on its grass covered pitch with less swing and movement. As seamers of both teams have performed well in last two games with much swing and late movement, no doubt it will be a challenge for them to maintain their line and length.
Considering the nature of the wicket both India and England will also rely on spinners: Montey and Kumble as it may prove fatal for the batsmen with some surprise bouncy delivery. Batsmen on the other hand have to play more and more shorts on their backfoot to manage the length of the delivery.
Toss, as in any other match does matter as long as the opening bowling attack or batting stand manages their respective business with temperament. If India wins the toss then England’s three frontline bowlers James Anderson, Chris Tremlett and Ryan Sidebottom have to restrict Indian openers Jaffer and Karthik before developing a good opening stand and again that mostly depends on their consistency in line and length as the ground is one of the quickest one in England.
Though there were some speculation of changes in England squad as Pietersen had not attended the practice session but captain Vaughan made it clear yesterday that he will go with he same team with no changes.
In the end it is a good chance for India to at least draw the match for a series victory; however, England will try to come up with their best to maintain unbeaten record on home soil since 2001.
TEAMS
India: Dinesh Karthik, Wasim Jaffer, Rahul Dravid, Sachin Tendulkar, Sourav Ganguly, V.V.S. Laxman, Mahendra Singh Dhoni, Anil Kumble, Zaheer Khan, Rudra Pratap Singh, Sreesanth.
England: Andrew Strauss, Alastair Cook, Michael Vaughan, Kevin Pietersen, Paul Collingwood, Ian Bell, Matt Prior, Chris Tremlett, Ryan Sidebottom, Monty Panesar, James Anderson.
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