England v India 1st Test

[Dayvo]

I seem to recall that England played two fairly decent spinners - one who was world class and the other at the time test class

Yes, but in the first Test, Andy Flower didn't pick Monty as he prefered a pace attack, FFS. Needless to say we lost the Test, Monty was later picked and England won the next two to take the series 2-1 with the last Test drawn.

 

[User482]

I seem to recall that England played two fairly decent spinners - one who was world class and the other at the time test class

Yes, we were able to match India with our spin attack but for me the key difference was Cook & Pietersen making big first innings scores.

 

[User482]

Was that one of those rare instances of Pietersen making a score that counted?

http://www.espncricinfo.com/india-v-england-2012/engine/match/565807.html

 

[nickyboy]

Yes, we were able to match India with our spin attack but for me the key difference was Cook & Pietersen making big first innings scores.

You're right. In this series the difference is not particularly the spin attack. In fact it's not the bowling generally. It's the batting that's making the difference.

Ashwin/Jadeja are a better spin duo than Rashid/Ali (please don't get me started on Batty) and they exert more pressure. But poor shot selection has been England's undoing

 

[jarlrmai]

Trott and Cook both in form and players suited to the occasion helped, arguably the most "Indian" England side to tour India.

 

[rich p]

I'm not excusing England's batting, by any means, but it's not that easy for our batsmen to get experience against top class spin on a turning pitch.
I suspect that there are county batsmen who rarely, if ever, see a bunsen.

 

[psmiffy]

I'm not excusing England's batting, by any means, but it's not that easy for our batsmen to get experience against top class spin on a turning pitch.
I suspect that there are county batsmen who rarely, if ever, see a bunsen.

Ditto - Plus - although Ashwin was on the up 4 years ago he is a better bowler now - watching Ashwin and Jadeja bowl yesterday they are not a level above the English spinners - but several levels - every ball was bowled with purpose and intent - no respite for the English batsmen - bearing in mind that it was relatively good batting track - between their subtle variations and the natural variation from the pitch it was a good as exhibition of spin bowling as I have watched for ages

 

[Pro Tour Punditry]

Is there not supposed to be a red cross on this?

 

[Dayvo]

Is there not supposed to be a red cross on this?

No, I think it's Andrew Strauss offering surrender before the next Test slaughter.