Ahmedabad Test, Day 3, Lunch
Wednesday, December 13, 2001

England's approach this morning was not surprising - they are masters at playing within their limitations. Ashley Giles doesn't make claims to be the greatest left-arm spinner in the world and he straightaway got stuck into a defensive line from over the wicket. Matthew Hoggard bowled very effectively to a strong off-side field. Without trying to intimidate the opposition, they went about their jobs efficiently.

You could tell a lot of homework had gone into their field placements and the line of attack. Giles and Hoggard stuck so steadfastly to their line that it made scoring difficult even for Sachin Tendulkar. Hoggard even hit the perfect length, inviting Tendulkar to drive towards a packed square-on-the-off-side field. There was no respite for Tendulkar. His attitude seemed to be to just see it through with minimal risk and wait for the clasp to eventually loosen. But he is not a natural grafter and I don't know how long he can curb himself.

Rahul Dravid got out to a good ball. Hoggard is able to slant it into the right-hander and then get it to straighten off the pitch. That's how he had Tendulkar out in Mohali, and he did it here to Dravid.

Sourav Ganguly should really thank his stars that he is the captain. He is a complete shambles at the moment and all he can do is hope to come out of it very soon.

A lot rests on the shoulders of VVS Laxman now. He is capable of scoring a lot of runs while keeping the ball on the ground which the men to follow cannot. This partnership will be decisive.

Sanjay Manjrekar, mainstay of the Indian batting in the late '80s and early '90s, was talking to Rahul Bhattacharya.

More Sanjay Manjrekar
Day 2, Close: Das disappoints

© Wisden CricInfo Ltd