Cricket
England seems to have become more serious now about its cricket. The defeat handed out to the visiting India by the English cricketers discloses the sincerity attached to the English intent. They did display some resolve about their desire to stage a comeback to world cricket during the last World Cup. English boys have now won the Nat-West series in style when, after losing two quick wickets, they fought back gallantly in the last match.
An unbeaten 114-run stand between Kevin Pietersen and skipper Paul Collingwood helped England crush India at home and redeemed their past glory as the champions of cricket. Electing to bat first, India were bowled out for 187 in 47.3 overs and England recovered from early setbacks to post 188 for three in 36.2 overs to win the game with plenty to spare.
Defending a small total, India initially had raised the hopes of Indian supporters by removing both England openers Luke Wright and Matt Prior in the second over of the innings before even a run was scored off the bat. England were 11-2, all the runs having come in the form of extras. But Ian Bell and Pietersen put their heads down and took the score to 74 when the former was run out after being sent back by his partner. On the other hand, team India struggled to recover from the blows that came after Saurav Ganguly (15) and Gautam Gambhir (12) had both been dismissed by James Anderson, who bowled eight overs on the trot.
So, England, by clinching the series at home against India, have indeed staged a come back in its own turf of cricket world. But it is a long way for England to defeat Australians in the next World Cup if they suffer from pressure exerted by the opponents.
May be Australia is worried now about the quick recovery and elevation of the English team. Only future could show the real growing strength of the Englishmen in cricket. One can wait!
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