Test previews / Andrew Hughes / 28 November 2007 / 2

betting.betfair.com's cricket maniac Andrew Hughes on why India will be in the driving seat in the 2nd Test

So from the relatively peaceful environs of the Feroz Shah Kotla in Delhi, the teams now head to febrile Kolkata, where against a backdrop of riots and civil disorder, Pakistan must gird their loins to attempt, if not the impossible, then certainly the unlikely. History tells us that to win a series from behind in India is a Herculean labour that perhaps only the mighty Australians at their most ambitious could accomplish.

But those who follow history closely should be wary of backing the draw in Kolkata. Although it is true that an astonishing 47% of matches here have ended in stalemate of the eight Tests played here since the 1980s, only one has failed to produce a winner. The high tempo of modern Test cricket is becoming noticeable even in India, the country where many a touring side has been ground into the dust. That is why I won't be tempted by the odds on a draw in the Second Test [2.64] and will be lumping on India at what I consider to be a generous [2.3] Based on what we saw in the First Test, I would back them as low as [2.0] to prevail again.

Though they never quite found first gear in Delhi, that sublime engine room of Dravid, Ganguly, Tendulkar and Laxman purred into life to pull their side clear at crucial moments. By contrast Pakistan's effort, stuttered and occasionally roared, but frequently stalled. Though they more than once worked their way into good positions, they lacked the consistency to see it through and their challenge ran out of steam altogether on the fourth day, allowing India to collect the spoils with a tidy six wicket victory.

It was another harsh lesson in the school of hard knocks for bottom of the class Shoaib Malik. With the weight of the world on his shoulders his demeanour has alternated between edgy nervousness and morose hopelessness. It cannot have helped his mood that for his opposite number, captaincy seems to be a simple, joyful business. Anil Kumble has deeper resources and a wealth of experience to draw upon but even so was surprising how quickly his quiet work ethic became manifest in the performance of his bowlers. He handled them with intelligence and they rewarded him by keeping tight lines, bowling to plans and extracting as much variation as flesh and blood could muster from such a dead track. And for his debut as captain, he was blessed with little bonuses, such as the return of a fully-functioning Munaf Patel, replete with pace and bounce and the continued blossoming of Sourav Ganguly's Kallis-like bowling.

And whilst everything was coming up roses for Kumble, Shoaib Malik watched his fleeting hopes turn to dust. Though Shoaib Akhtar twice tore into the Indian batting, he lacked the support bowlers who could widen the holes he punched in the Indian edifice. Operating in short coruscating spells he was fast, naturally, but with superb control, the model of a top class fast bowler. But the Indians always knew there was a break round the corner. See off Shoaib and then it was back to the innocuous Sami or workmanlike Kaneria. Although wrong-footed left armer Tanvir caused some problems in the first innings, once the Indians had adjusted to his method, the shock of the novelty ceased and Tanvir's impact lessened. Umar Gul is likely to replace Sami for the Second Test but it will be a tall order to make an instant impact on such a flat track.

With the news that Shoaib Malik has twisted his ankle, and Shoaib Akhtar has spent time in hospital due to fever, Pakistan's plans for the Second Test look to be in disarray. Expect them to crumble in Kolkata. And if you're looking for the man to lead the destruction, look no further than Sourav Ganguly. This is another glorious homecoming for the boy from Bengal and I will be backing him at [6.0] to be top scoring first innings batsman in front of his home crowd at the Coliseum of Indian cricket.

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(2)

1. gopal | 29 November 2007

   I wish Dada does Calcuttans and all India proud by scoring a ton!

2. Paul | 30 November 2007

   This is another highest quality article...

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