'The Big Test', as this series is referred to by the media, has been one of the most awaited series for most Indian Fans. With FIFA and Wimbledon drawing curtains, the next thing on the platter is the England vs India series. Though not an epic rivalry, these nations have always shared historical relations which have been bitter and sweet in its own way. This time again the series has a lot of eyes on it.
However, an overseas tour has somewhat been a nightmare for the Indian side. They have more often than not had a bitter relation with overseas test victories. This series is, once again, going to put their integrity to test. Their captain, Dhoni, is going to face a lot of pressure with respect to his record at England. So is the situation with Cook. He has also had a troubled start to his home series against Sri Lanka. He would want to rectify his errors form the previous series. Thus, this series no longer stays one sided. This series has now metamorphed into a TEST UNDER PRESSURE. Whoever handles pressure better could be favourites in here.
This summer, India look better prepared. First of all, they have managed to battle the guerrilla of injuries which cost them a series during their previous outing to England. Secondly, their young talent has got a taste of overseas conditions in SA and NZ. And thirdly, their decision to get Dravid on board as a consultant could prove helpful. I mean, whom other than Dravid can describe English conditions better, right?
On the other hand, the hosts have suffered a loss against SL. Either they could learn from their mistakes or succumb to the pressure of losing a home series. It is how their team perceives the situation.
But what makes this series even more special is the 200th anniversary of Lords, the home of cricket. The elegant stadium has completed 200 years and witnessed a number of historical moments in world cricket. This year, on the 5th of July, the Marlyebone Cricket Club is going to host a match against the rest of world ODI XI. Once again the world is going to witness the greats of the game. It’s going to be a blend of Sachin’s class, Dravid’elegance, Warne’s instinct and many others to be named. It is going to be a treat to our eyes. It will go down our memory lanes to make Lords immortal.
So all written, discussed and analyzed, this season of English cricket promises a treat to the eyes.
Beyond the dressing room,
- Prashanti Ganesh
However, an overseas tour has somewhat been a nightmare for the Indian side. They have more often than not had a bitter relation with overseas test victories. This series is, once again, going to put their integrity to test. Their captain, Dhoni, is going to face a lot of pressure with respect to his record at England. So is the situation with Cook. He has also had a troubled start to his home series against Sri Lanka. He would want to rectify his errors form the previous series. Thus, this series no longer stays one sided. This series has now metamorphed into a TEST UNDER PRESSURE. Whoever handles pressure better could be favourites in here.
This summer, India look better prepared. First of all, they have managed to battle the guerrilla of injuries which cost them a series during their previous outing to England. Secondly, their young talent has got a taste of overseas conditions in SA and NZ. And thirdly, their decision to get Dravid on board as a consultant could prove helpful. I mean, whom other than Dravid can describe English conditions better, right?
On the other hand, the hosts have suffered a loss against SL. Either they could learn from their mistakes or succumb to the pressure of losing a home series. It is how their team perceives the situation.
But what makes this series even more special is the 200th anniversary of Lords, the home of cricket. The elegant stadium has completed 200 years and witnessed a number of historical moments in world cricket. This year, on the 5th of July, the Marlyebone Cricket Club is going to host a match against the rest of world ODI XI. Once again the world is going to witness the greats of the game. It’s going to be a blend of Sachin’s class, Dravid’elegance, Warne’s instinct and many others to be named. It is going to be a treat to our eyes. It will go down our memory lanes to make Lords immortal.
So all written, discussed and analyzed, this season of English cricket promises a treat to the eyes.
Beyond the dressing room,
- Prashanti Ganesh