Sport Blogger

The Indian pace trio pulled off a Robin Hood-esque spectacle on the opening day of the first test in Nottingham, bagging three wickets apiece. Whether or not they had an inkling of Nottingham being known as the Robin Hood county had little to do with their renewed performance, after a largely sporadic effort in the first test.

Sreesanth or rather Sree ‘Shaanth’ was the pick of the bowlers, completely bamboozling the opposition with his disciplined bowling. What was noteworthy during his bowling effort was the realization to stick within his limits, consistently pitching the ball fuller and letting the pitch do the rest. It was really a sight lo and behold, not to notice him losing his cool or performing his usual on-field antics due to frustration the entire day. It was almost as if he was on a leash and at his best behaviour, trying hard to please the principal of a college after serving a suspension notice. The principal in this case being MS Dhoni who appeared to be really pleased with Sreesanth’s effort through the day.

Not far to be left behind, Praveen Kumar carried forward his incessant pegging, seldom giving an inch to the opposition. Kumar dried up one end with his precision bowling, in turn applying additional pressure on the English batsman, majority of whom were victims of not giving due respect to the seaming and swinging ball. 

After having England on the mat at one stage for 120-8, Broad and Swann staged a fantastic partnership taking attack to the pacers. Broad especially seemed to have come out with a clear brief from coach Andy Flower, play his natural game and try to give each ball the kitchen sink treatment, or so it seemed. The entertaining partnership which added precious runs to the England kitty came to an abrupt end when Swann gloved an unplayable delivery that rose like a cobra, into the waiting hands of the second slip.

Thanks to the resplendent knock by Broad, England did manage to avoid posting an embarrassing total. The day at large was dominated by the Men In Blue who have gotten into the habit of staging a magnificent comeback, time and again after a not-so-great start to the series.