***Official*** England in India

[Tom Halsey]

How I'd love for Cook and Bell to put on a big 2nd wicket partnership now...

 

[marc71178]

4.30 isn’t it?, I like the build up though, toss and pitch report et cetera gets you in the mood.

For tomorrow, the half hour will be introducing the England team to the general public...

 

[chalky]

4.30 isn’t it?, I like the build up though, toss and pitch report et cetera gets you in the mood. Anyone know what Sky’s team is, Botham, Hussain and who else?

Sky secure rights for England-India series

Cricinfo staff

February 24, 2006
"Sky's production team, which has been on standby all week, will fly out to India this weekend and will be followed by the commentary team which includes Mike Atherton, Ian Botham, David Gower and Nasser Hussain"

Atherton will be a pleasant addition for me.

 

[aussie]

Right, which Brits are joining me on the 4am shift, then?

i'll make an effort, after all its Freddie's first game as captain of england..

 

[Scaly piscine]

Sky secure rights for England-India series

Cricinfo staff

February 24, 2006
"Sky's production team, which has been on standby all week, will fly out to India this weekend and will be followed by the commentary team which includes Mike Atherton, Ian Botham, David Gower and Nasser Hussain"

Atherton will be a pleasant addition for me.

Like to nod off when watching cricket do you?

I guess it's reassuring to know that someone who was the worst England captain in history can make plenty of money in the world giving his 'expertise' and generally contradicting everything he'd done as captain when he commentates on an England game.

 

[TT Boy]

Like to nod off when watching cricket do you?

I guess it's reassuring to know that someone who was the worst England captain in history can make plenty of money in the world giving his 'expertise' and generally contradicting everything he'd done as captain when he commentates on an England game.

I’m inclined to agree.

 

[steds]

I have the ability to sleep right through the noise of my alarm, so I'm going to be up all night.

My predictions are:

If England bat first they will be bowled out for under 250.

If India bat first they will reach 300 today for the loss of 5 wickets.
Harmison and Blackwell will bowl 25+ overs each and Flintoff less than 20.

 

[Kweek]

Athers was a good cricketer imo, he was just unlucky to live in a wrong era for english cricket.

 

[Sanz]

If England bat first they will be bowled out for under 250.

Even Bangladesh can do that..And no i dont think England will do that bad. They still have a very good team and I expect them to make 350 against this Indian attack.

 

[Scaly piscine]

Athers was a good cricketer imo, he was just unlucky to live in a wrong era for english cricket.

'a wrong era' he was partially responsible for, he destroyed the confidence of countless players with the ridiculous selections and awful captaincy.

Nasser managed a lot better with the same or less talent to choose from.

 

[dontcloseyoureyes]

How long until this game actually starts?

 

[Mr Mxyzptlk]

If India bat first they will reach 300 today for the loss of 5 wickets.
Harmison and Blackwell will bowl 25+ overs each and Flintoff less than 20.

You think Flintoff will go easy on himself? I would've thought him to be wanting to make something happen for his team and potentially bowl his arms off as a result. An armless Flintoff is less potent.

Granted, an armless Flintoff is still the best allrounder in the world.

 

[sirjeremy11]

You think Flintoff will go easy on himself? I would've thought him to be wanting to make something happen for his team and potentially bowl his arms off as a result. An armless Flintoff is less potent.

Granted, an armless Flintoff is still the best allrounder in the world.

One legged Cairns did quite well for a while.

 

[kvemuri]

My expectations are so low anything slightly above an abject captitulation would be a moral victory in my book!

I'm tipping England to win the toss & a big 2nd wicket partnership from Cook & Bell. The scene's set for someone to be a hero!

You know, if the opponent weren't India, I would say "in your dreams". But I am still wary of this English team whatever anyone might have to say, granted losing Tresco and Jones were pretty big blows.

 

[sirjeremy11]

Fine weather forecast for the next 5 days in Nagpur. Maybe for the rest of the year...

 

[SJS]

I'm tipping England to win the toss & a big 2nd wicket partnership from Cook & Bell.

Big meaning 47 runs right ?

Kidding

 

[SJS]

I would love to see three spinners play but I doubt if India will do that. Not in this test at least. Dravid's news conference didnt sound like he was going to play Chawla.

 

[kvemuri]

I would love to see three spinners play but I doubt if India will do that. Not in this test at least. Dravid's news conference didnt sound like he was going to play Chawla.

Well Chawla can if Bhajji is replaced

 

[sirjeremy11]

Depleted England win toss and bat - good luck England. We love an underdog!

 

[sirjeremy11]

England team:
AJ Strauss, AN Cook, IR Bell, KP Pietersen, PD Collingwood,
*A Flintoff, +GO Jones, ID Blackwell, MJ Hoggard, MS Panesar,
SJ Harmison.

India team:
W Jaffer, V Sehwag, *R Dravid, SR Tendulkar, VVS Laxman,
+MS Dhoni, M Kaif, IK Pathan, A Kumble, Harbhajan Singh,
S Sreesanth.