England created history by beating Indian test side at home after 28 years

With 4^th test at Nagpur ending in a draw due to determined efforts by English batting pair of Trott (143) and Bell (116*) on a fifth day; India lost test series to Barmy Army 2-1. Alastair Cook’s men created history by beating India on their home soil ending long wait of 28 years.

Fast bowler James Anderson was judged as Man of the Match for his sensational bowling performance of 81-4 during Indian batting. While Cook bagged Man of Series award for remarkable batting couple with inspiring leadership. Cook scored 562 runs at an average of 80.28 scoring 3 centuries.

England played as an outstanding cohesive unit during the entire span of test series overcoming unfamiliar conditions coupled with huge pressure from Indian crowd. Especially, batting of flamboyant Kevin Pietersen, gritty innings by wicketkeeper Matt Prior along with impressive bowling by spin duo of Swann and Panesar were key highlights for visitors.

From Indian point of view, two positives were brilliant batting by talented Pujara who scored 438 runs at an average of 87.60 and courageous batting by Ashwin who averaged 60.75 in the series coming at No.8. It would be tough time for rest of Indian cricket players in near future where pressure is mounting on Dhoni and Tendulkar due to their indifferent performances. 

Gautam Gambhir’s place in Indian test side looks vulnerable

Indian team for upcoming 4 match test series against England has been announced. By selecting 4 openers in the 15 member squad, Indian selectors are sending strong warning signals for the opening duo of Sehwag and Gambhir. Especially, the place of Gautam Gambhir is under considerable threat.

Here are some of the reasons why Gautam Gambhir could be dropped if he does not performed in first two test matches

1.      Lack of batting form:

Gambhir is struggling to make runs at test level for considerable time. His last test hundred came in January 2010 which is about 34 months ago. His test batting averages were 2010 - 32.75, 2011 - 31.33 and 2012 - 24.77 spanning over 23 test matches.

With players like Rahane whose first class average is 63 sitting on the bench, Gambhir’s days are certainly counted as Indian test opener unless Gambhir plays few magical knocks.

2.      Poor away record:

Gambhir’s test batting record in counties such as England (average of 17 in 3 tests) and Australia (22.62 in 4) is not good. Also, out of 9 test hundred he scored 7 are in sub-continent and other 2 are in New Zealand against considerably weaker opposition. The fact that Gambhir is yet to score as test hundred in England, Australia, South Africa and West Indies in spite playing 50 tests spanning over 8 years says lot of things. Gautam Gambhir is an opener, hence scoring centuries or to play longer innings is primary evaluation criteria.

3.      Bad chaser:

Gambhir’s batting average in 1^st and 3^rd innings is 51 and 49.86, respectively with all of his 9 centuries scored. While averages in 2^nd (38.14) and 4^th (35.00) are significantly lower with no test hundred. This clearly shows that Gambhir has unable to bat well when put under pressure by opposition with score on the board.

4.      Age and Competition:

Gautam Gambhir has already crossed 31 years. As a result, age is certainly not on his side. Moreover, younger players like Rahane, Dhawan and Murali Vijay are knocking doors. This coupled with fact that Gambhir’s relationship with Captain Dhoni always had some “sparks” could make life difficult for the Delhi southpaw.

Who should bat at No.6 in Indian test cricket team?

Currently major point of discussion about Indian test team is “batting position No.6”. Especially, considering the fact that India is playing sides like England and Australia in the near future the issue has gained lot of momentum.

In the recently, concluded test series against New Zealand, Suresh Raina played at No.6 although without much success. With Yuvraj Singh getting fit, Raina’s place is certainly in danger for upcoming series against England.

However, looking at longer term view of Indian test side and flexibility for the team two more players namely R. Ashwin and Irfan Pathan deserves mention.

1.      Suresh Raina

Suresh Raina averages meager 28.44 in 17 tests with just one century against Sri Lanka. His record in England was 78 runs from 4 tests at 13.12 while on South African bouncy pitches he scored with an average of 3 in his only test! Even in India, he has scored at dismal average of 20.20 from 7 tests indicating his inability of adopt at longer version of the game.

Although Raina played relatively lesser number of test matches, he had failed to utilize his experience from 151 ODIs into Test matches. Moreover, he remained extremely susceptible against quality fast bowler and short balls.

2.      Yuvraj Singh

One of the best ODI batsman in the world, Yuvraj Singh is yet to make his mark in the test matches. Although Yuvraj played his first test in 2003, he has played only 37 matches till now. Yuvraj’s inability to cement his place in the test side coupled with his higher age weakens his case as long term option as India’s No.6 test batsman.

Yuvi averages 34.80 in 37 tests which is less than his ODI average of 37.62! Although he scored 3 test hundreds, all his centuries were against Pakistan in sub-continent. Yuvraj’s test average in Africa (18.50), Oceania (17.75) and West Indies (17.33) is not at all impressive.

Yuvraj’s return from fighting cancer coupled with his magical performance during the World Cup certainly makes as case for him but it would be more due to emotions rather than longer term view.

3.      R. Ashwin

Ravichandran Ashwin has already cemented his place as lead spinner in Indian test side. However, looking at his tremendous batting potential coupled with solid temperament, Ashwin makes strong case for No.6 position. Ashwin played 8 tests till now averaging impressive 39.22 with a century against West Indies. His strike rate of 73.23 is highly commendable at the test level. Now only he averages more than Raina and Yuvraj but his technique against fast bowling is far superior and solid.

Ashwin batting at No.6 provides lot of flexibility for Indian test team. In sub-continental conditions India can play with 3 spinners and 2 pace bowlers while in away tours India can go with 4 seam bowl attack. Moreover, Ashwin is an excellent off-spinner which provides lot of options for the captain.

4.      Irfan Pathan

Irfan Pathan has made tremendous comeback in 2012 making him one of strong contenders for test team spot. The guy who has taken 100 wickets from 29 tests scored more than 1000 test runs at an average of 31.57. Not only he averages more than Raina, but his quality fast bowling makes him better choice.

With inclusion of Irfan Pathan, India can play with 3 spinners at home while he provides option for his captain to play an extra bowler playing away tests. With the age on his side, Irfan could be developed as useful all rounder for India for the long term.

Hence, although India is playing next 8 test matches at home, it is necessary for Indian team management to find long term solution for No.6 spot which was vacated by legendary Sourav Ganguly.  It is important that India creates test side which can win matches in countries like Australia, England and South Africa. To do that, we need quality all rounder at No.6.

Test Cap must be earned!