Rarely has a Test series flipped so abruptly. After the second Test at Lord's,
India were hailed as a more resilient version, finally capable under the enlightened
leadership of MS Dhoni of competing over five days outside Asia.
As for England, Alastair Cook's captaincy was vociferously condemned and a
new leadership group, from the coach, Peter Moores, to the national selector, James
Whitaker, were desperately seeking any form of consolation.Battered and bruised, Two
Tests later and the final stage in this Investec Test series has taken on an entirely different complexion.
India's team selection has been strange, resilient is the last word that would
be used to describe their pitiful batting display in the second innings at Old Trafford and it
is Dhoni's wicketkeeping and tactics that are now under scrutiny with as for Cook, respect
for the way he stuck things out at the Ageas Bowl when the going was tough has
blossomed into a general acceptance that his inner steel makes him England's obvious
leader in Test cricket for years to come. How could we ever have thought any differently?
Devotees of momentum can only conclude that the series is as good as over.
But The Oval is not a bad place for India to make their last stand. The pitch will lack the
pace of Old Trafford and England's new-ball bowlers, James Anderson and Stuart Broad,
have already shouldered a heavy burden. India's campaign against Anderson, though, has
given them extra determination to see it through. see more information >>
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