England v India – Only T20 International – Match Preview
The Only T20 International between http://www.senore.com/Cricket/India-c750 will take place at Old Trafford, Manchester on August 31, 2011.
Not long ago, the Indians were on the top of the World. With wins in almost every series, Mr Cool, http://www.senore.com/Cricket/MS-Dhoni-c2028, was the symbol of Indian Cricket.
In a fitting finale, he led the team to the http://www.senore.com/Cricket/ICC-World-Cup-2011-c100625 World Cup 2011 crown after hitting the winning six to bring the nation sheer jubilation.
Post World Cup era began with http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Gary-Kirsten-c58527 as the new coach. The lucrative fourth edition of the Indian Premier League took another toll on the Indian players, who were playing non-stop cricket.
This was followed by a tour of the Caribbean, where a young look team managed to grind out a series win.
With the return of many of the big guns, much was expected from the Men in Blue under tough England conditions. However, the joy soon changed into humiliation, as team India struggled to cope with the potent Poms bowling attack comprising the likes of Stuart
Broad, http://www.senore.com/Cricket/GP-Swann-c1501.
To add to their woes, injuries to key personnel did not help their cause.
The focus now turns to the Twenty20 arena, where both sides have been performing well. While English are the current World Twenty champions, their counterparts have mastered the art of playing in the shorter version, thanks to the IPL.
It will be interesting to note the changes for both teams and especially the Indians, who need to quickly bounce back from a dreadful Test series.
The injuries imply that they will be without the services of opener http://www.senore.com/Cricket/I-Sharma-c1566.
This might not be a cause of concern for Dhoni, considering its a T20 match; however, for the longer run (5 Limited over Internationals) it is certainly a big setback.
The team though welcomes the likes of http://www.senore.com/Cricket/RG-Sharma-c2309, who have excelled at this level. Both have a good enough technique, and can score at brisk rate.
The bowling depart looks a little depleted, with the absence of key members; however, http://www.senore.com/Cricket/P-Kumar-c2143, will be the two men, which have a good pedigree at this format.
For the English side, there will be changes, considering that many don’t play this format. The arm-band will be given to http://www.senore.com/Cricket/SCJ-Broad-c2465, who will look familiarize himself in his new role and ensure his team performs well.
The likes of http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Eoin-Joseph-Gerard-Morgan-c56032 will be the key for the hosts, who would look to give the batting line-up solidarity.
As for the bowling department, Broad will spearhead it, and will test the Indian youngsters with some bouncers upfront.
Swann will also hold the key as his slow bowling will always test the best in the business.
As for the conditions, the old Trafford pitch has lost some of the pace over the years.Having said that it will still offer bite and the English attack will make sure that they keep their opponents on their toes.
Having lost the Test Series 4-0, the alarm bells will be ringing in the Indian camp and their performances will be analyzed closely. They need to step and get counted and restore their pride before heading back home.
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