By Ian Botham
It is really hard for the fast bowlers to come out and bowl in the conditions that the subcontinent presents. But that doesn’t mean that we can undermine their roles. The pacers should take the conditions as a challenge and give it their best.
The English seamers on the Day 1 of the third Test showed us how to make full use of the conditions. There was reverse swing on offer and the English seamers made best use of it.
Jimmy Anderson bowled beautifully and he can be really dangerous when the ball is doing a bit. Steven Finn might not have wickets in the column, but I think he provided the ideal support to Anderson.
Losing the toss in India is generally a setback for the skippers, but it seems working very well for England skipper, Alastair Cook, and he will be thanking his bowlers.
The ball will do a bit on the second morning as well and England will hope to keep the first day’s good work going and get India out quickly.
The England bowlers were again on top, but I think the Indian batsmen should have done better.
Prior to this Test, there were many people questioning Sachin Tendulkar’s place in the side. Had he not been around, India would have been all out by now. He played well for his 76 and did the rebuilding job. Rather than questioning his place, they should look answers for the bigger question – who will replace him?
India have failed as a unit in the last few innings, so why blame an individual?