Attack is the best form of defence

The setting is gloomy or so I hear. Dark clouds and dark smoke. England looks to avoid rioting while India looks to avoid being routed - 4-0 that is. Amid gloominess what you seek is the warmth of green. And Edgbaston seems to have obliged with the tinge of green extending to the square. Though not much is expected to remain tomorrow, intentions are clear. Finish India before they can rise. Topple India before they get a foothold. Opportunity to drive home the advantage.

But is not there something called equal opportunity? It certainly is not a bowling pitch when India bats and batting pitch when India bowls (That certainly seemed the case in Trent Bridge). India seemed neither confident nor spirited. However large hearted, you can't force yourself to be so all the time. India need to pursue desperation with confidence. A desperation to score runs and confidence to take twenty tickets.

It is an opportune moment to take advantage of England's hospitality. Green is the pitch and dark are the clouds but it is not you who is always batting. Attack is the best form of defence. India should use the opportunity to play five bowlers. Two right arm fast medium, one left arm fast medium, one right arm medium and one right arm leg spin - a recipe to let know intentions - ATTACK.

India have never won in Edgbaston. Neither had they in Perth before 2008 or in Durban before 2010. And Edgbaston does not revive nightmares such as those associated with Perth and Durban before 2008 and '10 respectively. Adversity is a bitter pill, but when befriended it is a catalyst for success.

From 'Nothing'ham

India have just felt that they are short of rest. Everyone from Ravi Shastri to Ravi Rampaul to Shri Shri Ravi Shankar would agree that you just cant keep plodding on at the highest level. So what drastic measure they take? To finish the second test in four days! Abhinav Mukund is being a Sadagoppan Ramesh wannabe swishing at things without moving his feet. Maybe he fancies a role in some Kollywood movie. Yuvraj and Raina do not want to damage the reputation of the next generation Indian batsmen. They duly got out to short balls. Dhoni still haunted by the "spirit of cricket" thought it wrong to offer a shot. Maybe he "saw" a wicket taking ball and thought it against the spirit to interfere with it. Sachin thought he better not make his 100th 100 in such circumstances. And Dravid and Laxman never got together. So there was no question of repeating the Kolkata magic.

So people, there are genuine reasons why India are 144/8 (at 2132 IST). Can someone please tell PK that it is against the spirit of the game to flat bat fast bowlers over their heads. Maybe he missed Dhoni's message or Dhoni delivered it in English. I wanted to write this once it is all over, but England seem to have their own gesture. Or maybe more match practice.

People reaching their homes (maybe after they have traversed a good 30 kms in 3 hours) and switching on their television would feel relieved. No need to worry about the match or follow it on cricinfo / office canteen the next day. For once India have been punctual!

PS : Having said all this, the author is ready to eat humble pie anytime in the near future. That is the beauty of sport which enchants you and may never believe that there was such a day!!