Attitude makes a difference

[fineleg]

Is the start of the series a tone to how the rest of the series will be controlled ? If so, England has done extremely well in setting the tone for the series. They have batted to nearly 550 and have all but ensured that for the Rajkot Test, there can only be two possible outcomes for this Test. An England win, or India will have to fight for a draw. Leaving aside discussion of pitch, toss, etc, England came with a fighting attitude, clearly showing strong resolve after their previous Test loss a couple of weeks ago. Very resolved, disciplined and showing a lot of commitment.

 

India on the other hand, just turned up and expected to win because they thought England will just roll over? Indian players' mind was just not razor focused on the game, just all around sloppy in fielding and spinners (Jadeja a bit better) were just not bowling to a plan. Faced with a more batting friendly condition, R. Ashwin really needs to step up. And fielding - like I said the fielders and wicket-keeper were just not tuned-in and not 100% committed to a serious Test match going on.

 

Attitude makes a difference, and India will need to show serious resolve to turn this around.

 

Cracks are widening on the pitch (from cricinfo:

108.5 R Ashwin to Ben Stokes - pitch explosion

This was the first ball of the game that took a piece of the pitch after landing. The ball hit the edge of one of the cracks on a good length, right in front of the batsman. The cracks running right through the 22 yards have opened up a little from the first day and this ball was a sign of the edges crumbling a little. That puts England in a commanding position.)

 

The Indian batsmen (all 11 players including tail enders, wk-keeper batsman) need to show a lot of commitment, resolve and fighting attitude on day 3 and 4. Let's see.

Edited November 10, 2016 by fineleg

[bowl_out]

Moeen will benefit from all the cracks on the pitches... Deja vu