Four years and one day ago, on 10 Aug 2007, India piled on 664 first innings runs against England at the Oval. Yes, it's true. I saw the entire five days from the stands.
It is now payback time.
Anil Kumble registered his maiden test century in his 118th appearance in that outing. There were six other half centuries in the Indian innings. India were one up in the series and wanted to close the door on any possibility of an English comeback. Skipper Dravid did not declare and preferred to bat till the end.
India won the three test series 1-0, after barely achieving a draw at the Oval. Seven of the present Indian team played that match.
Strauss was there, and I suspect he remembers. Will he declare at the end of day three? Will he declare with a lead of 300? Or will he bat on?
More than half the current England side is new by comparison, younger and at the peak of their powers. The exact opposite is true of the Indian side.
In sport there is no shame in losing to a better opponent. But the relentless thrashing of the Indian test team that is on going at present is certainly disgraceful. The number one test team, represented by the richest and most adulated stars of the game, fresh from the euphoria of the "championship that matters" have been outplayed on each of 12 days of the series so far. Sorry, 11 days, Trent Bridge test was done and dusted in four days, wasn't it?
Just for the sake of some viewing pleasure, I hope India can put up a bit of a fight.
Goodnight from me, and goodnight from them!
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