The
summer of cricket just rolls on. It is India's tour of England
which begins with the first of three test matches this Thursday.
Both the teams have star performers in their ranks and the
tour will be a test of skill for many of them.
Here's
a look at a few of the Indian players who can make a lasting
impression with their performances in the test series:
| Rahul Dravid |
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| The Indian skipper has been
their most consistent player on foreign tours over the
last decade. With his outstanding temperament and strong
technique, he makes the opposition toil hard for his wicket.
India’s last tour of England in 2002 was a prolific
one for him three consecutive centuries, the last of which
was 217 at The Oval. Being the captain and having no coach
in the dressing room would be an extra burden on his shoulders.
However, the Rahul Dravid that we have seen over the years,
he should come out of this challenge stronger than ever. |
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| Sachin Tendulkar |
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| India’s master blaster
has been under heavy criticism recently for his poor string
of scores and critics even called for his retirement.
Just as always, Tendulkar let his bat do the talking and
his 171 against England Lions should be an indication
of things to come. Even today he gives the opposition
lots to worry about and England will have their work cut
out if he carries this momentum forward. |
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| Saurav Ganguly |
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| Ever since his much-publicised
spat with Greg Chappell, Ganguly has been determined to
prove that he still has a lot of cricket left in him.
His renewed passion for the game on return has served
himself and his team opulence of good. On the 2002 tour,
Dravid flourished under his leadership. Now he has promised
to return the favour with a flurry of runs under Dravid’s
captaincy. |
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| Anil Kumble |
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| India’s most seasoned
campaigner is still ominous with his fast leg breaks.
Persistence and ability to bowl long spells has been his
formula for success over the years. The formula should
bring him success seamer-friendly pitches. India would
heavily rely on him if they are to win their first test
series in England. |
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| Dinesh Karthik |
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| Playing mostly as a specialist
batsman, Karthik is likely to get the nod ahead of MS
Dhoni due to the latter’s drop in form. With a tenacious
approach to batting, he could well be the answer to India’s
opening problems in seaming conditions. Moreover, he shows
exuberance on the field which could be essential in being
successful in the longer version of the game. |
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