All Eyes on the Oval

As I started writing this post, a sense of deja vu struck me. On the eve of the last test, I was gripped with what would be going on in Dhoni's mind. He is a shrewd lad, despite all the criticism around his bland predictive moves on the field. I wondered which new move will he come out with. What new moves will he make at the onset. Drop Jadeja, bring in Ashwin? Drop Shikhar, bring in Gambhir? Or open with Pujara and Vijay and have both Ashwin and Jadeja play. Or reinstate Binny as the all rounder more for his promising batting abilities. Ironically, the same set of dilemnas still hold for the Captain and the coach on the eve of this match.

Ashwin has looked more reassured with his batting, but he is not in the team for his batting. Kohli is, but he is perhaps as some media reports suggest distracted from the game allegedly due to the presence of Ms Anushka Sharma. His lack of runs must be frustrating from within, and I hope he does not implode before the World Cup next year in Australia and New Zealand. I bet my money on Vijay and Pujara to fire in atleast one of the innings along with Rahane. The three have looked the best batsmen on this tour. If Dhoni gets Dhawan back (looks unlikely inspite of the brief stay of Gambhir at the crease in both innings of the last test) into the paying XI, then he must be thinking of an extra batsman. Bad Move. I still feel Pujara would make for a good opener. Vijay and Pujara open followed by Kohli and Rahane at 3 and 4 respectively. Slot 5 is a gamble. Naman Ojha? The lad has been shoved into the squad for some reason. He was in tremendous form against a dangerous Australia A side last month. Shikhar Dhawan? Yes. Shikhar is an attacking option and takes the attack to the opposition. If he manages to get past the initial hickups he may be an ideal fix. And finally Rohit. He has been touted as the talent to watch out by none other but Sachin Tendulkar, but does he inspire the confidence? True, he has a double hundred in One Dayers, and he can switch gears too. He has batted at 5 or 6 all his Test career for Team India. Dhoni ? Yes, if Binny plays. Jadeja should get one more chance. He has been the most prolific wicket taker for India in the recent past but has not batted consistently. Remember, he has multiple triple hundreds in First Class.

Talking of bowlers, Varun Aaron and Bhuvi lead the attack. If Ishant is fit he plays. (he plays even if he is half fit, chuckle !!) If he isnt, then Ishwar Pandey should get the nod. It is high time he gets a chance. A solid performer at the domestic level. Easy action, decent pace and very accurate.

But the obstacle to a positive result for Team India at the Oval shall also be hugely dependent on the way England approach the game. Would they start playing for a draw from Day 2? Cook is likely to retain the winning squad unless ofcourse if Broad doesnt take the field owing to his injury due to Varun Aaron's beamer from the last game. England might tinker with the opening slot or the position of a seamer. But it would be needless for a team combination that has dug its feet well into this tournament.

It is difficult to expect India to have a dramatic change in fortunes in the final series levelling duel. At best, they can expect to salvage a draw. But then this is Cricket !! Lets see which team comes out all guns blazing.