***Official*** England in India

[Viscount Tom]

Originally Posted by ViruTheBest

Prior may see it as the final frontier for an absurd reason but for me it's just "business as usual." We have done well versus England for a long time in India. So we just have to replicate that.

The series shouldn't receive such attention as Mr Prior is trying to make out. It is not a final frontier in that sense.

Well we've won everywhere else in the past 12 years at least once.

[HeathDavisSpeed]

Cricketer indulges in hyperbole.

The World is shocked.

You're just bloody lucky he didn't say that England "need to show a lot of character" to win in India.

It's just a generic soundbite in an age of tired cliches. Nothing more, nothing less.

[flibbertyjibber]

Originally Posted by Viscount Tom

But who exactly is threatening in India's line up?

Well Sehwag is threatening to burst the elastic on his trousers.

[ViruTheBest]

Originally Posted by Viscount Tom

Well we've won everywhere else in the past 12 years at least once.

India were consistent close to 2 years after they were no1. England fell quite spectacularly. Also you guys have been strong home but when faced with a real challenge like South Africa at home you were found wanting. Australia are not the force they once were.

[Stapel]

I'm not sure why, but I suddenly started wondering who will open the batting for England, now Strauss is gone.

Will it be Joe Root?

[ViruTheBest]

Originally Posted by Viscount Tom

But who exactly is threatening in India's line up?

Even without Dravid and Lax the team is littered with players who average 50 plus. Likes of Viru, Sachin have performed everywhere. Kohli and Pujara are stars in the making. I think it's just a case of Gambhir and the no6. But plenty of talent coming through.

[ViruTheBest]

Originally Posted by flibbertyjibber

Well Sehwag is threatening to burst the elastic on his trousers.

He has revolutionised opening in test cricket with much success. Had a couple of bad tours recently due to many reasons. But he will go down as one of the best. If he played Atherton/Cook/Boycott style he would be averaging 70 plus

With the exception of KP at no6 none of your other batsmen could get into our team.

[robelinda]

keep calm, finish your breakfast rob.....deep breaths.....

8-0.

[HeathDavisSpeed]

I think we can all agree that if Suresh Raina plays, then India's hopes go out the window.

[Viscount Tom]

Originally Posted by ViruTheBest

Even without Dravid and Lax the team is littered with players who average 50 plus. Likes of Viru, Sachin have performed everywhere. Kohli and Pujara are stars in the making. I think it's just a case of Gambhir and the no6. But plenty of talent coming through.

Tendulkar hasn't look liked scoring anything for the past god knows how long against good bowling. Tbh neither has Sehwag. To suggest btw that only KP could get into your team when you've still got Gambhir in the side is pretty lauhable and the fact that Prior's a lot bette rin tests than Dhoni.


One of those many reasons in Sehwag's case is probably that he's a fat **** with iron feet He won't go down as one of the best because he isn't he's Hayden without the cookbook.

[Spark]

Love that a batting side which got past 300 twice in sixteen overseas innings is described as the best at, well, anything.

[Spark]

Good to see that curious strain of Indian hubris is still alive and well.

[grecian]

Originally Posted by Spark

Love that a batting side which got past 300 twice in sixteen overseas innings is described as the best at, well, anything.

They're clearly the best at inspiring blind devotion amongst their fans, yay them

[ViruTheBest]

Originally Posted by Viscount Tom

Tendulkar hasn't look liked scoring anything for the past god knows how long against good bowling. Tbh neither has Sehwag. To suggest btw that only KP could get into your team when you've still got Gambhir in the side is pretty lauhable and the fact that Prior's a lot bette rin tests than Dhoni.


One of those many reasons in Sehwag's case is probably that he's a fat **** with iron feet He won't go down as one of the best because he isn't he's Hayden without the cookbook.

I fail to see the obsession with fitness. As long as you are match fit it is usually enough for batsmen as well as being a safe catcher. You guys are superior to Pakistan in training, fitness, preparation and lack of scandals, yet still got white washed.

Greg Chapell himself said when in charge of India that talent and skills > fitness. I was talking about the top 6. I would still go for Dhoni at 7 rather than Prior as I am not convinced Prior can play in all conditions. You saw with Dhoni he can bat aggressively, anchor an innings which is what you want at 7 for our team. Like Gilly.

Footwork is not necessary. Pretty much every English batsmen plays text book style and their stats are poorer than many Indian batsmen. Ian Chapell once said that with Viru the fact he keeps so still actually helps his hand/eye coordination. If reflexes slow down, that is another matter.

But harping on about footwork and fitness is why your team may return to the days of the 90's. There is a lack of talent in England but this obsession with traditional and orthodox players is silly.

[Cabinet96]

Originally Posted by Spark

Love that a batting side which got past 300 twice in sixteen overseas innings is described as the best at, well, anything.

Even England did better than that in the UAE and Sri Lanka. Well they got past 300 twice (IIRC) but it was in 10 innings.

And FTR, there's no way I would consider England's batting better than India's.