Written by Joe Man.
Let’s give credit where it’s due this India team, they are extremely good!
In my lifetime, I’ve seen two great cricketing teams. First, there was the West Indies of the 80’s. Afterwards came the Aussies of the Warne and McGrath era. I think we are now witnessing the process of this current Indian team of the Kohli era, stepping into that realm. Although it’s true they are currently playing an England team that are struggling in many areas, but the signs of greatness are everywhere.
Anyone who witnessed the final test in Brisbane against the Aussies last year would agree with this bold claim.
The Indian team had received such a battering from the Australian bowlers over the series that they had the whole bowling attack out injured, plus three batsmen missing. One of these being no other than Virat Kohli himself.
Still needing 328 on the final day, they still found a way to win. Every player that came into the team performed with an energy and confidence that’s found wanting in the current English squad.
A lot of this you feel is coming to the players through management and their captain. You see it in Rishabh Pant. He has clearly been told to go out and attack with the full backing of the team if it all goes wrong. The whole team plays like a well-oiled machine.
Englands batsmen in contrast, other than perhaps Joe Root, look terrified. It just seems as if it’s a matter of time until they are out. The difference in Root’s whole body language compared to the others is obvious. He looks energetic and happy to be playing the game. He is the sole member of this team eminating any sort of confidence.
Bairstow, Butler and Moeen Ali could use that same backing to go out and just play their way. I think Dawid Malan is a good move. He is number one in the T20 rankings and, at the very least, deserves a chance.
Most of the Indian players play all formats so there is every reason to pick a player who is in form.
England Cricket need a bit of what Gareth Southgate has brought to the national footbalk team. Take away the fear of failure and make them a team confident in their owm abilities.
Michael Vaughan commented that in 2005 they all new the Aussies were a better team. But that didn’t mean getting stuck in as a strong unit couldn’t get the job done.
At this stage, India have England exactly where they want them. They have beaten them at Lord’s and got into their heads. India play a very aggressive game these days. It needs to be met with equal aggression from the hosts. Unfortunately, it has been met with anger instead, something, as we witnessed, did not work out well in the second test.
If it was my call, (probably just as well it isn’t) I’d send out Bairstow and Roy to open at Headingly and put it straight back on to the Indian attack!
Could it work out any worse than playing defensively until the inevitable happens?
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