England must attack spinners to pressure India

In the days leading up to the first Test match between India and England, one could almost feel the Indian team’s pain inflicted by England a year ago. India were beaten comprehensively in all three departments during the course of those four one-sided Test matches and every statement from the Indian camp in the last few weeks has reiterated that hurt and the importance of returning the favour. In fact, for the first time, the Indian think-tank has gone to the extent of not just preparing well but also influencing the preparations of the visitors. England played as many as three first-class matches before the first Test match in order to acclimatise to the conditions and the turning ball. While they spent enough time in the middle to get used to the low/slow Indian pitches, they didn’t get enough practice against the turning ball because the teams they played against rarely fielded a frontline spinner. These tactics have ensured that the English batsmen spend enough time in the middle feeling reasonably confident about their chances in the Test series. But warm-up matches are just and I have a feeling that they will count for precious little once the real deal starts. Dhoni has been vociferously demanding dustbowls for home Test matches, and if the curator at Ahmedabad has paid heed to the Indian skipper’s demands, the English batsmen’s technique against spin will be tested severely in the first match itself. Amongst all the teams in the world, England has the worst record on the sub-continent, and they will have to play out of their skins to change that in India. The key to their success will be reading the ball from the hand and not off the surface, along with taking a positive approach. Attack is the best form of defence when the pitch is spitting cobras. On the other hand, Indians should be feeling fairly confident about their chances to put one across England’s batting. R. Ashwin and Pragyan Ojha have an impeccable record at home and, if Dhoni sacrifices Umesh Yadav for Harbhajan Singh, the spin trio might just prove a tad too tough to handle. The only concern for India is the form (or lack of it) of their top order. Both Gautam Gambhir and Virender Sehwag are in one their lowest phases of International cricket. Every low scoring innings is just piling the pressure on the Delhi duo. While Cheteshwar Pujara made number three spot his own and Virat Kohli further enhanced his reputation against New Zealand, Sachin Tendulkar’s lack of form remains a grave area of concern too, for he’s the fulcrum of the Indian batting, more so in the absence of Rahul Dravid and VVS Laxman. On paper, the home team looks a much better side than their counterparts, and hence the onus is on the visitors to make this series riveting. If they somehow manage to get on top of the turning ball and, if their pace bowlers find reverse swing on dusty Indian pitches, it could be a mouthwatering affair. Otherwise India’s ‘defensive tactic’ of depriving the English batsmen of practice against quality spinners is bound to be a masterstroke. From Gulfnews