Wow.

[undyingking]

Just wow. That was the only time I've ever cheered on seeing England beaten. Sachin Tendulkar has just scored the winning runs and simultaneously completed his (41st) century. An amazing performance from him and from India, achieving the 4th highest score ever to win a Test.

It would be churlish to complain about England's shortcomings just at the moment, although the scorecard will be obvious testimony to them. They can hold their heads up with some pride. They've taken part in one of the most wonderfully dramatic Tests, and have not disgraced themselves while being beaten by a clearly better team. Strauss's two centuries, only the second time such a feat has ended up on the losing side. Collingwood's re-establishment of his form -- when they were batting together, it really looked like England were favourites to win. The game was only tilted away from them by Sehwag's whirlwind of inspiration last night, but it was won for India by this nerveless stand between Tendulkar and Yuvraj Singh (who played nobly to deny himself a century so his partner could get his).

Comments

[mr-malk.livejournal.com]

I was on site at a customer office when the final nails were hammered in, but I was listening up until the tea interval on my way there. It was quite incredible, and as you say, one cannot begrudge India the win, accomplished in such a fashion. The atmosphere in the crowd sounded amazing over the radio. Heartening, especially given that so much is written about the falling popularity of the Test format in the Subcontinent.

I can't be wonder what difference it might have made if Adil Rashid had been picked for the side, but perhaps that's churlish. Monty didn't seem to impress anyone much, but when Swann was at the crease, I felt that there was the possibility of something happening, although he was certainly not cheap.

Great match though.

[undyingking.livejournal.com]

Mm, it would be great if Rashid gets the nod for the second match, but I fear they may have been just teasing us in taking him along -- playing two spinners with only one Test's experience between them would surely be seen as too risky for a notionally must-win game.

Panesar seems to be trying hard to live up to Warne's comment about him not having played thirty-odd Tests, but having played the same Test thirty-odd times. Infuriating that someone who appears to have all the natural gifts is incapable of using them constructively.