Hi Robert,
The inevitable has happened. The moment England was bowled out for a 198 in the first innings with so many days to spare and then Indias top order all coming good (with the decisons which we know were a mistake on part of the best umpire in the world) and the substantial score that they posted. As I mentioned the ball was swinging away on the day one itself and India did take the advantage of weather by letting England bat first. All the three pacers do swing the ball - they may not be super fast but they swing the ball both way and with a lot of accuracy. Yes - Sreesnth was the odd man odd - bowling all over the place and then acting like an idiot ( I think he must have got a mouthful from Dravid) and then loosing half his match fees. Kumble was not really effective was he? We did ( you too ) expected more from him but the way the English played him to the leg side did frustrate him.The jelly beans arguement had Zaheer almost knock off Pietersons head off and Sreesanth left no stone to try and do the same with that crazy beamer.
The match was firmly in Indias grasp on day 4 and in fact I say it in Zaheer Khans pocket. A seventy three run lead with one day to spare! The English still fought to the end and were rewarded with three wickets. But getting the 73 runs was never going to be a problem. However, I feel for England as the first match at Lords was for England to go one up in the series but the weather Gods decided otherwise and India drew the match by the skin of their teeth. This match however, they were totally outplayed and India did deserve to win.
Well, with all said and done - its India that is one up now and the last test next thursday will make it a National holiday in India!!!

or will go into the onedayers - quits and having salvaged their draw and loss. I really do not think either team played badly - its just that India won the toss and that made all the difference. (one last thing- did you notice the spinners on either side were most ineffective?).
I still envy you being right there watching the match live and I would have been over the clouds had I get the chance with Indias win. Well, lets see what the last test does for either team.
Do keep writing in as it will be really fun to exchange notes during the test and then the onedayers which will have a lot of things to talk about.
Lorraine - prepare yourself to be left alone as I imagine that is what Robert will be doing for five days come thursday.(this cricket!!!!

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Take care,
Ananth