The big Indian win at Vizag coming after India struggled to draw at Rajkot is a terrific turnaround for team India. Although the major credit goes to Capt Kohli the way he saved the Rajkot Test and then was man of the match at Vizag but most heartening thing is the way the entire team lifted their performances in all deptts. They looked totally different side in the field with catching and ground fielding which made a big difference. In batting besides the new Sachin, that is Virat ,Pujara and Ashwin too maintained their consistency although Pujara looked bogged down in the 2nd innings as in his old times. Murali Vijaya lost the entire WI series due to short ball and still getting out in similar fashion is not a good sign. It is time he learns from Virat to be more consistent and to be able to adapt to difficult conditions and the best bowlers. Couldn't believe the way KL Rahul got out in both the innings. As far as Rahane , may be Shastri Mamoo needs to give a pep talk to his favorite chum lest he goes out of the side "..like a tracer bullet"! Sir Jadeja..? No comments. On the other hand Indian bowlers are having their best of times with Ashwin silencing his critics yet again for the nth time. So, what next? Frankly after the Rajkot show more was expected from the English although they did fight well and I still feel they are capable of coming back as they did in 2012.Virat of course will be their main stumbling block .
Re: INDIAN BATTING STILL VIRAT CENTRIC
by damodaran mohan on Nov 23, 2016 06:28 PM
(contd.) However if only their pacers could add little more zing and rattle the brittle Indian middle order they do stand a chance. On the batting front Cook and Joe Root need to be more consistent and with Jos Buttler’s addition we can expect a tougher fight.
Smehow team India's win in India with several LBW decisions & against lower ranked teams abroad does not thrill me. When team India beats England, Australia, South Africa, N.Zealand in their back yard, then the wins will be convincing.
I expected this result when Josh Buttler, their best player against sub continental bowlers, were left out and a greenhorn Ducket picked. Ducket may himself opt out to avoid further disappointment.Joe Roots' first innings dismissal from poor shot selection is another factor. Johny Bairstow showed that playlng the spinners were not that difficult. He should be promoted to bat at no.4 or 5 depending on the inclusion of Buttler. Chris Woakes too is useful as an alrounder.Good luck next time.