Mendis & RandivIn the morning, one thought that India might be chasing a score of less than 100 when the 7th wicket fell. But, partnerships between Samaraweera and Malinga, Mendis ensured that the final target for the Indians was more than 250. The field-placing was not upto Dhoni's level - having got rid of the more dangerous Sangakkara and Jayawardene, he was allowing Thilan to take the singles and retain strike. What this meant that the tailenders could hit out against the spinners.
Repeated changes of bowlers didnt help - Sehwag's golden arm couldnt break the partnerships - India missed the Zaheer Khan for his experience and mentoring (the bowlers). Harbhajan, being not in form, was not so much missed - Ojha and Mishra bowled within their limitations and took the wickets. The tail, as is usual in all Indian matches, wagged and got valuable runs for the Indian team.
The Indian innings started with a heart-break - Sehwag getting out on a duck (11th such dismissal on 0). His average in 4th innings is almost half of his career average - of late, he had been batting better but today was a repeat of his old failing. Vijay had a good chance to stake his claim in the absence of Gambhir - he failed after promising much. Rahul Dravid failed once again - he has averaged 19 in this test series - cause for concern since he has not had much practice before the series. Hopefully, by the time the Oz team is in for the test series, he would have picked up his form.
Tomorrow, the Indian team would depend on Sachin Tendulkar to do his act against England again, this time with VVS and Raina. The Indian team missed an opportunity to close the match today but tomorrow they will have to play well to win the match and square the series. The onus is on the Legend to take India to the shores. The team that will win one session more than the other tomorrow will decide the conclusion of the match and series.
