England's mission possible in India

Mahatma Gandhi once stated, “A small body of unquenchable faith in their mission can alter the course of history”. Well, these awe inspiring lines should be the punch line for the England cricket team when they tour to India. As their tour to “spin friendly” India is surely a mission that needs a lot of faith in their abilities to make it a mission possible.

England is going to visit India in later in October but their campaign is going to get underway on November 15 at Sardar Patel Stadium, Motera in Ahmedabad. India’s punch line for host-guest relationship; “atithi devo bhav (a guest is equal to God)”, would surely be not on the roster this time around (on field at least!). This competition is going to be fierce where England’s mission can surely have a vision attached to it.

The England squad with their dazzling batting display and some brilliance with the cherry in hand can surely change the outcome of the series in favour of them. Their squad boosting of the likes of Cook, Trott, Bell, Pietersen, Broad, Finn, and Swann can surely make a mark in this series. Matt Prior stated, “It’s very important for us (England) to perform well in India”. The following are the areas England can cash in favour of them:-

1) KP’S INCLUSION IN THE SQUAD MIGHT DO WONDERS TO ENGLAND

The return of the warrior?

Kevin Pietersen would be like that unassailable warrior who is coming to a war after a short spat with the administration. His inclusion in the England squad not only makes their batting a bit stable, but ensures that England gains strength mentally as well as emotionally. He has a point to prove and this series would make things on a brighter side. England’s cohesiveness would be on display for everyone because of this act.

2) ENGLAND’S BOWLING LOOKS LIKE A CAT WITH NO GLOVES ON

Can Graeme Swann be the trump card for England?

A famous quote states, “Gentleness can only be expected from the strong”. England’s bowling line up, with no qualms attached, defies the above stated line. Their bowling line consisting of the likes of Finn, Broad, Onions, Bresnan will make sure that the new ball does not go into waste and wickets are their main priority. The spin department headed by Graeme Swann would be a treat for spin friendly Indian fans. Swann stated, “As a spinner, it stands to a reason that when you go to the subcontinent, people are going to look to you & how you bowl”. He would surely leave no stone unturned to make his point dead right. Monty Panesar would look resurrect his position back to the playing eleven.

3) BATTING WOES MIGHT BE OVER FOR ENGLAND

Ian Bell will be raring to score on Indian pitches

Perplexing as it might sound for everyone, but of late, England has been found wanting in their batting department. South Africa was dominant in restricting England when it mattered the most. Ian Bell, who averages a mere 20 in India, would surely have a point to prove come November 15. Jonathan Trott, Alastair Cook, Kevin Pietersen & Eoin Morgan would surely like to make the most of these “batting” friendly conditions.

4) NEW FACES MIGHT HAVE A TASK FOR INDIA

Joe Root-England’s new poster boy?

A popular quote reads, “A journey of thousands miles begins with a single step”. Well, the news boys in the English camp would want to make sure that this thought is kept in mind. Joe Root from Yorkshire would want to make a mark when given an opportunity to bat. Nick Crompton from Somerset would want a replica of his domestic performance in 2011 season where he complied a total of 1010 runs. England would have a surprise element this time around for India.

Apart from the above mentioned points, England needs to be at the right frame at the right point of time. External problems will have to make way for internal cohesiveness and unity.

England should be well prepared to witness a slow-turner from India. Rather than following India’s strength, England should keep an eagle eye on their weakness. India’s unstable middle order, their opening woes and lack of internal cohesiveness might be a way forward for England in planning for this series.

India would be rearing for revenge of 4-0 debacle at the hand of England whereas England would be running against odds this series to make the results come their way. This series promises to be a cliff-hanger. If right attitude and above stated points are kept in mind, England’s mission “Impossible” will surely read “I am possible”.