If one thought that the lifeless pitch at Trent Bridge was sulking the mood in the England ‘“ India Test series, then here’s a bit of controversy to spice things up!
If one thought that the lifeless pitch at Trent Bridge was sulking the mood in the England – India Test series, then here’s a bit of controversy to spice things up! The simmering row involving James Anderson and Ravindra Jadeja has gathered pace as both teams look to take an advantage going into the second cricket Test at Lord’s where a lively wicket is expected to welcome the two teams. A date for hearing has not been finalised as yet which means Anderson is sure to play and the incident is bound to have a bearing when the two teams square up.
ICC has charged the home paceman Anderson for pushing and abusing Jadeja during the lunch break on the second day of first Test and if found guilty, the English bowler could miss at least two to four Tests or 8 ODIs. But to counterfeit the rule, the ECB has retaliated with a report against Jadeja as well.
But keeping those matters aside, the centre-wicket at Lord’s will bear a distinctive green tinge. Much of it is expected to disappear by time of the toss on the first morning.
England will look to play the same team from the 1st Test but with skipper Alastair Cook in poor form with the bat, Lord’s Test could be the best way to answer the critics. While he will want a little less hard work even against a mediocre Indian attack, at the other hand Cook will also desire more assistance for his bowlers as England continue their search for an end to their nine-match winless streak.
For India, meanwhile, perhaps this puts to rest the question of playing two spinners. Indian skipper MS Dhoni might go for some changes as far his team is concerned. Ravindra Jadeja might get the nod ahead of Ravichandran Ashwin whereas Shikhar Dhawan’s spot is up for grabs with Gautam Gambhir availability looming large.
Meanwhile, the six-batsmen-line-up too performed satisfactorily and merits another go as the Indian team searches for a first overseas Test win since 2011. Perhaps the only selection dilemma facing Dhoni ahead of this Test will be regarding who his fourth and fifth bowlers should be.
Pace bowlers have found a lot of success here in recent times. If the period from 2008-2014 is considered, they have taken 165 wickets at an average of 21.95 in comparison to the spinner’s figures of 69 wickets at 29.28. The faster bowlers figures are even more impressive when compared with the period from 2000-2007 wherein they took 145 wickets at an average of 27.68. MS Dhoni’s pace department bowled well in the 1st innings of the Test match at Trent Bridge before Joe Root and James Anderson done them in.
With a green top waiting, Cook and Dhoni might keep the smiles for the lenses as they look to renew the rivalries on the field.
