Sliding from no. 1, England continue to struggle against spin in Asia. India got a very comfortable victory in Ahmadabad, taking 1-0 lead in the series. Match seems to be over on 4th but Cook and Prior gave some life to British hopes but all in vain on final day.
I would like to discuss player of the match first, 24 years old Cheteshwar Pujara, averages 71.25 in 6 matches he played, seems ready to fill Dravid's place in the team. He was introducing himself to International Cricket with every delightful shot he played. with 21 fours remained not out as India declares on 521 when he got his double Century(206).
England still finding the ways to how to tackle spin in Asia. They were pretty confident to face Indian spinners as there is no such mystery spinner in the squad like Saeed Ajmal. But the word "SPIN" is enough for English batters. What happened in the first innings was almost the replay of India vs England WCT20 match. England lost his 6 wickets on 80. Thanks to lower order, somehow they find some time on crease, but still they fell far behind to Indian total
"Alistair Cook innings - That's one of the finest innings I have seen by a visiting batsman on Indian soil" - Words by Sanjay Manjeraker sums up the perfomance of Alastair Cook in second innings. India was sensing victory on third day, but It was Cook who stood rock solid and gave glimpse of hope but fails in the end. He played a marathon innings(176) comprising of 556 Minutes and 374 balls. More importantly that innings was under huge pressure in India against India.
It will be injustice to forget Ojha's contribution with the bowl. picked 9 wickets in the match including two very important wickets of Cook and Prior on last day, If both of them stood their for few more time, result could have been different.
