Home advantage should be utilized
The first Test starts in the dry city of Ahmedabad from today and the moment one lands in the city and checks in at the hotel, one senses an atmosphere of international cricket. It is abuzz with journalists, supporters and ICC officials at the lobby and one can make out that a lot of people concerned with the game are waiting for the series to kick-off in this beautiful advanced city of Gujarat.
Looking around the city on my way from the airport I was amazed at the development and improvement in all aspects, it already had a terrific name in terms of development and now must be up with the best in terms of cleanliness and facilities. As I walked through the hotel gate I bumped into the match referee Roshan Mahanama and got to know that the wicket has not been watered for 3 days and listening to that neither of us were surprised.
India are playing at home and using the home conditions to their advantage is very important. It is also very warm here so by the time day four and five comes the surface will be without water for 8 days. So expecting turn and to be honest a pretty sharp turn during the course of the Test will not be a surprise.
Also India’s recent record at the Motera has not been very good, so a dryish wicket will not be a bad option to start this 4-Test series. India have lost to South Africa twice here and just managed to save the Test against New Zealand last time and I can bet you that these thoughts never go away from the captain’s or players’ mind throughout their careers.
In all these games the new ball hurt India badly on Day 1 and the dry conditions will take away the minimum moisture which remains on the first day of the pitch.
India will look to go in with Ashwin and Ojha and I will be surprised if Harbhajan gets a game.
England on the other side will be in a dilemma as to whether they use Samit Patel as their second spinner with Swann or play Monty Panesar and I can bet you they will be making a mistake to leave Monty out in this game.
The toss once again will be crucial as it has been in the sub-continent always. Both the sides will close their eyes and bat on this pitch and may be to England batting first is a bit more important than to India.
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