ENGLAND take on India in the second Test at Lord's today, looking to win the first two Tests of a summer for the first time since 1978. After an early inspection of a pristine pitch that will have had a last brush-up and shave, the only debate will be whether it is Peter Martin, who was omitted from the first Test squad, or Min Patel, the solitary specialist spinner, who goes this time.
Mike Atherton is reluctant to go into a game without a spinning option, but he conceded yesterday that there was little point in having one if he is merely there to defend. So the likeliest option, and the right one given the historical lack of wickets for English spinners at Lord's, is for a full battery of four seamers (five if Ronnie Irani's stuff is counted) and Graeme Hick to fill in a few overs if necessary.
After their win at Edgbaston, convincing in the end although not without its sticky moments, England will be looking to maintain the enthusiasm that was abundantly evident in Birmingham. But Atherton recognises the new-broom syndrome as well and the need therefore to string together a series of good performances. "We must not step off the gas now," he said after practice yesterday. "The Indians are down, and we have to capitalise on that. Everyone is confident but continuity is important."
He is certainly right about the state of the Indian team. Six years ago, when the sides last met at Lord's, England won by a massive margin of 247 runs, but not before Graham Gooch had produced innings of 333 and 123 not out, the most runs ever scored by a batsman in a single Test. Mohammad Azharuddin had countered with one of the most sublime centuries ever seen on the ground, and Kapil Dev had taken India one run past the follow-on by hitting Eddie Hemmings for four consecutive sixes with a myopic number eleven getting out next ball at the other end.
This is an Indian side in turmoil however, weakened before it arrived in England by the disciplinary action against Vinod Kambli, this was further undermined when Navjot Sidhu, the only experienced opener in the party, packed his bat and went home after the one day series. They are also suffering from inexperience and a lack of Test cricket.
Azharuddin, the captain, will probably struggle through; less certain is Manjrekar and Rahul Dravid stands by. Nayan Mongia will open the batting, Saurav Ganguly could bat at three and a decision will be taken this morning on whether to rely on three seamers and the spin of Kumble (a disappointment so far) or include Raju's left arm spin as well.
Guardian Service
