Sellsy's Monday Supplement

Ok, I said last week that the Test series between India and England would be a close series by two evenly matched sides, on the evidence of England’s first innings batting performance I could not be further from the truth, but didn’t they do well in the second innings, when it was to late.

One thing I did predict it would be trial by spin, and hey, who took the most wickets in the match, spinners, and England just can’t play spin, Alastair Cook a little bit of an exception there I think. It was proved last winter against Pakistan, and it is beginning to be proved again in India.

Questions have also been asked about why Monty Panesar wasn’t playing? Especially in the sub-continent where pitches are well suited for spin bowlers. Monty may off helped Graeme Swann out a little, but please look at Swann’s figures, he did take five wickets in the first innings, but went for nearly 150. I would Expect Monty would of gone for more runs, as the Indian batsmen are just so used to playing spin. I still think India would off hit over 450 if Monty was in the side, and the way England batted in the first innings I still think they would off lost, and it just proves a point about who can play spin the better.

Leaving Broad out would have been a better option, as he is just not match fit. Playing an extra batsman in perhaps Jonny Bairstow and Monty in may off given a better balance, but now it is all if’s and buts.

However next Test, England will need to gamble, Ian bell is flying home, Bairstow in, or will it be Eoin Morgan. Just drop Samit Patel and send him on the same plane home with Bell. Jimmy Anderson and Tim Bresnan as the seamers, with Monty coming in as a replacement for Patel. Which leaves another batting space if England just drop Broad. Are you still with me on this? In fact whole sale changes, press the panic button, but they have to gamble in this next Test or they could be two down with two to play.

Ok, enough about that. Well played Cookie, and well played Nick Compton. Somerset are proud of you Nick the way you applied yourself in the second innings, a great opening partnership of 123 with the skipper, just wished the other batsmen followed suit.

The next Test I on Friday, can’t wait, another early start, the things I do for English cricket eh?

Right, time for skittles an a pint of Thatchers or two!