Raghav
International Vice-Captain
Oval for Indian Batsman - A Raghav's Report
The Oval, 1979 was memorable for India as a brilliant double hundred by Sunny Gavaskar and runs from Dilip Vengsarkar and G.R. Vishwanath had brought close to a historic victory in Test cricket while chasing 438. But a few controversial umpiring decisions forced Indians to stop at 429 for 8, nine runs short and the match was drawn.
It is at The Oval that the Indian team is looking for a series win, the first time since 1986. It is advantage India in both the cricket and psychology. It is immaterial whether the previous Test was won or lost. You have got to start all over again.
When Indians played in 1979, The Oval had a perfect batting wicket. This time a bouncy wicket awaits the cricketers.
The seamers would obviously get a lot of help and England would certainly want to use the conditions to level the series. Therefore, it will be a stern test for the batsmen at The Oval.
Dravid should opt to field first if he wins the toss. Zaheer and company would have to take advantage of the bounce and the weather. Bowling coach Venkatesh Prasad should have a word with Sreesanth, so that he can curb his showmanship. If Sreesanth and Zaheer strike, the English batsmen are bound to have a tough time.
India need a good start from the openers. Jaffer and Kaarthick need to stay at the wicket as long as possible.
Laxman is amongst the runs and so Rahul could consider going lower down the order.
The Oval Test will test the socalled depth in Indian batting.
Sidebottom and Tremlett will be more than a handful there.
I fear the last Test will throw up some controversies.
England have not lost a series at home for a long time. And, India have not won a series in England for 21 years. Rahul and his boys should not be complacent and should be ready for a tough test.
The Oval, 1979 was memorable for India as a brilliant double hundred by Sunny Gavaskar and runs from Dilip Vengsarkar and G.R. Vishwanath had brought close to a historic victory in Test cricket while chasing 438. But a few controversial umpiring decisions forced Indians to stop at 429 for 8, nine runs short and the match was drawn.
It is at The Oval that the Indian team is looking for a series win, the first time since 1986. It is advantage India in both the cricket and psychology. It is immaterial whether the previous Test was won or lost. You have got to start all over again.
When Indians played in 1979, The Oval had a perfect batting wicket. This time a bouncy wicket awaits the cricketers.
The seamers would obviously get a lot of help and England would certainly want to use the conditions to level the series. Therefore, it will be a stern test for the batsmen at The Oval.
Dravid should opt to field first if he wins the toss. Zaheer and company would have to take advantage of the bounce and the weather. Bowling coach Venkatesh Prasad should have a word with Sreesanth, so that he can curb his showmanship. If Sreesanth and Zaheer strike, the English batsmen are bound to have a tough time.
India need a good start from the openers. Jaffer and Kaarthick need to stay at the wicket as long as possible.
Laxman is amongst the runs and so Rahul could consider going lower down the order.
The Oval Test will test the socalled depth in Indian batting.
Sidebottom and Tremlett will be more than a handful there.
I fear the last Test will throw up some controversies.
England have not lost a series at home for a long time. And, India have not won a series in England for 21 years. Rahul and his boys should not be complacent and should be ready for a tough test.
love your avatar Raghav!!!
. Just because we're winning now 
, but seriously I already said we're gonna win the series. We need no luck. Pshhh England stand no chance against us! We're too good for them. Just watch us outclass them this match too, just watch. Those "dire" English bowlers are gonna get murdered in this match, against our legendary batsmen. Expect Zaheer and Sree to rip through England's "dire" top and middle order. Kp will once again fear for his life, but not against Sree's beamer, but this time against Sree's bouncer. Just watch. England going down, not like they aren't already! We will make these English suffer and remember the year they played the mighty Indians!!! 
. Just heating up the place tbh.
