Grounds for optimism in India?
Home advantage is always a huge thing in Test cricket, but nowhere India lead the three-Test series 1-0 going into the final match at Mumbai, where England will have to pick their game up if they're to avoid a series defeat. Let's take a look at what's in
Simon Cambers
27-Feb-2006
India lead the three-Test series 1-0 going into the final match at Mumbai, where England will have to pick their game up if they're to avoid a series defeat. Let's take a look at what's in store for them in Mumbai:
WANKHEDE STADIUM, MUMBAI
India should be pretty confident on this ground having won nine and lost just five of their 20 Tests. The home side have won their past two Tests here - the latter against Australia when they bowled the world's top side out for just 93 in the final innings.
India should be pretty confident on this ground having won nine and lost just five of their 20 Tests. The home side have won their past two Tests here - the latter against Australia when they bowled the world's top side out for just 93 in the final innings.
With a runs-per-wicket average of just over 29, this is one of the lower-scoring grounds, and for once the toss could matter here. Of the 14 results, nine have been won by the side batting first, with the deteriorating pitch tougher to bat on in the fourth innings.
That should play into India's hands, with Anil Kumble and Habhajan Singh a class above anything England have to offer in the spin department, as we have already seen.
Please note that odds are correct at time of publication and are subject to change.
Simon Cambers is Cricinfo's betting correspondent