A test of India's temperament

Technically, India’s batsmen form a superb unit, says Duncan Fletcher, writing in the Guardian. But, he asks, will they be able to stand up to the enormous mental pressure of the Pakistan semi-final. And just how effective are India’s part-time spinners going to be against a fellow Subcontinent side?

Judging by the manner of their victory against Australia, India have to be the favourites now, followed by Sri Lanka. The semi-final against Pakistan in Mohali, up near the border between the two countries, is going to be an incredible occasion, worthy of being the final … The most intriguing aspect is going to be seeing whether the Indian batsmen can stand up to the enormous mental strain the circumstances of the match will put them under…

Most of the Pakistani batsmen would struggle to get a place in that Indian top seven. That does not mean you can count them out … Unlike the Australians and English, they are going to be used to batting in these conditions against the Indian style of bowling. Mahendra Singh Dhoni may not be able to get away quite so easily with using all those part time spinners to fill in the overs.