By Denzil Fernandes
London, Aug 1: Nothing can change the results of the second test at Nottingham. England are all set to go up with a 2-0 lead in the series against India after being at the receiving end on the first day. England have come back strongly and as play ended on day 3, there was only one team in the middle flying high and ready to strike India. Admirable England fought back from 124 for 8 to 221 runs and then bundled out the Indians when everything seemed to go against them. England bowler, Stuart Broad, showed his match temperament when he performed brilliantly to shoot out India for 288 all out with his hat trick. From a top score of 267 runs for 4 wickets, India folded for 288 and gave the advantage back to India.
In the second innings, England did not look behind and after wiping the arrears went to take a lead of 374 runs with a century knock by Ian Bell (159) and other useful contributions from Pietersen (63), Morgan (70) and Matt Prior (64 not out), Tim Bresnan (47 not out) continuing the run fest at the end of the day 3 at Nottingham.
There is going to be more agony for India as the England batsmen continue to pile up the runs. Skipper Strauss will have enough time to skittle out India and win again for the second time in the series.
As star bowler Broad said, “there is no point in taking a hat trick if we don’t win now”. Bowling in front of his home crowd, Broad has been simply exceptional with his efforts throughout the series so far. He is clearly becoming a useful all rounder for England and a leading player on the international circuit. Son of former England player and current I.C.C. referee Chris Broad, he has emerged from the ranks and starred for England time and time again.
India’s showing does not merit any worthy mention except for Dravid’s second century in the series. The all round support from others is lacking and distinctly visible for the onlooker. The current test cannot go anywhere except to England and Dhoni’s men will be resigned to accept that verdict.
As play begins on day 4, England are sure to go beyond 450 plus runs and declare in their quest for victory. If the Indians want to make a fight of the tussle, their renowned batsmen have to rise to the occasion and come out runs blazing from their bats. It will not be an impossible task for batters like Dravid, Laxman, Tendulkar, Yuvraj, Raina and skipper Dhoni who have the ability to amass runs on their day.
A mammoth task for the Indians as they begin day 4 and restrict England. Every Indian will be looking for something special from their team and there is no better opportunity than in the second test to square up the series. The odds are surely against India and England skipper Strauss with all his guile will be determined to win come what may.