Once again, India’s bowlers failed to close out an innings which should have ended at least 80-100 runs earlier. Having a team at 240-odd for 7 wickets with only one recognized batsman remaining should imply that your bowlers need to finish it for less than 275. Maybe 300. Definitely not 400!

Granted, the pitch was playing easier, and the batsmen were playing with more application than the first day’s batsmen. But still, letting the tail wag so much has become a habit for Indians and I hope the new ‘guru’ Chappell is able to address this issue quickly.

On a positive note for India, the bowlers bowled quite well on the first day, not letting England take any advantage batting first. Also, on a positive note, it is good to see Jaffer get his 50. It will relieve a lot of pressure and let him play with a little more confidence and little less jitter.

Now it is up to India to grind the England bowlers out and make sure they don’t have to bat again - being 130-odd for 1 at the end of Day 2 gives them enough time and wickets to create some pressure in the England second innings.

If you notice, since I jinxed the team already in some past post (or maybe it was in some comments on someone’s blog), I am going all the way with the bravado!

Good luck India …