*Official* First Test at Lord's

[HeathDavisSpeed]

I thought Sehwag was just out for the one match. Is he out for the series then?

 

[Prince EWS]

I thought Sehwag was just out for the one match. Is he out for the series then?

He could be back for the second Test, but he might not be back until the third or even the fourth. No-one really knows yet.

 

[Bonnie Prince C]

Without Zaheer, India can't and won't win the series. It's too bad, I would have liked to see full strength sides against each other, but now no Sehwag and no Zaheer.

Yeah it is a shame that England are not facing up against a fully fit Indian side. There are not many really exciting series in the Test world but this was shaping up to be one and Zaheer makes it way less of a contest.

 

[grecian]

Never said anything about rankings....just that I would have liked to see a full strength side.

I said it was a shame too. Just put an extra point in there, you know for discussion and what have you, on like a forum.

 

[Jarquis]

flintoff11 andrew flintoff
It seems Fletcher has had a re think about pace bowlers @VaughanCricket he's got Ganguly opening the bowling !

 

[Woodster]

The Zaheer injury (or cramps) comes as no great surprise, he hardly looks like an ultra-fit athlete. He's had little cricket of late, and doesn't look a subscriber to the modern day eating disciplines. Doesn't look like he's done the hard yards and as a result niggles like this can become commonplace.

I do hope he recovers because he is a very talented operator and I do enjoy seeing top class bowling against top batsmen.

 

[Woodster]

It comes down to what depth a squad possesses as to how much certain players are missed. No doubt Sehwag's absence is a blow for India, but it's exaggerated because of the quality of player that comes in. I think this England side has the potential to cope with the loss of any player better than India can, especially in the seam bowling department. Maybe India have the edge should Harbhajan pull up, then they have useful replacements such as Mishra and Ojha.

 

[Howe_zat]

From an objective point of view, having fit players and depth to replace them is all part and parcel of having a top side.

From a cricket fan possessing a soul, however, Zaheer's injury is a colostomy bag full of ****tiness.

 

[Woodster]

From an objective point of view, having fit players and depth to replace them is all part and parcel of having a top side.

From a cricket fan possessing a soul, however, Zaheer's injury is a colostomy bag full of ****tiness.

It is a shame, especially to lose an integral figure in a four-man attack, if England bat well in this Test it could take quite a bit out of the remaining bowlers before the next Test starts in a week's time, that is providing Zaheer doesn't return.

 

[keeper]

Aye, it's a squad game nowadays.

Wonder what England would do if Swann was injured. Stick to the shape of the team and pick another spinner or dip into their depth of quality seamers and risk a four man pace attack?

 

[Bonnie Prince C]

Aye, it's a squad game nowadays.

Wonder what England would do if Swann was injured. Stick to the shape of the team and pick another spinner or dip into their depth of quality seamers and risk a four man pace attack?

I don't think England would do it but I honestly think 4 seamers would be the better choice against India, if Swann was injured. I don't think England possess another truely international standard spinner and I think the Indians would just end up taking them apart.

 

[silentstriker]

England v India: Zaheer Khan may miss most of series - Telegraph

 

[Goughy]

Taking wickets should qualify you for a Test place IMO. Simple as. It doesn't matter what you look like while doing it.

I agree. There comes a point when weight of wickets should make someone front of the line for selection.

What I am saying is that I dont believe his skillset projects to him having a successful Test career.

 

[keeper]

Shocker for India. That article makes him sound like the Michael Owen of the cricketing world.

Will India stick with this squad or draft someone in from home (or is there anyone in county cricket they can use)?

 

[centurymaker]

I agree. There comes a point when weight of wickets should make someone front of the line for selection.

What I am saying is that I dont believe his skillset projects to him having a successful Test career.

he's suited to these conditions and bowled quite well. On another day he would've picked up 2-3 wickets easily. it's just that needs to bowl a bit fuller.

 

[marc71178]

Shocker for India. That article makes him sound like the Michael Owen of the cricketing world.

Will India stick with this squad or draft someone in from home (or is there anyone in county cricket they can use)?

Bring back AA IMO.

 

[Neil Pickup]

On the subject of rain, I have never driven through heavier than hit Didcot at 5.30 this aftenoon. You could have got down the A34 on a kayak.

 

[keeper]

On the subject of rain, I have never driven through heavier than hit Didcot at 5.30 this aftenoon. You could have got down the A34 on a kayak.

And there'd still be HGV kayaks hogging the outside lane.

 

[Neil Pickup]

And there'd still be HGV kayaks hogging the outside lane.

Seeing as everyone was doing 20mph because we couldn't see, I don't think that would have mattered...

 

[Burgey]

Without Zaheer, India can't and won't win the series. It's too bad, I would have liked to see full strength sides against each other, but now no Sehwag and no Zaheer.

Didn't bother you when India toured here in 2004, I'll wager