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Home , Adil Rashid, Andrew Flintoff, Anil Kumble, Gautam Gambhir, Geoff Miller, Graeme Swann

INDIAv Looking ahead to the Test and ODI series 2008

India will FIXTURES ODIs prove to be 1. Nov 14, Rajkot 2. Nov 17, Indore the making 3. Nov 20 Kanpur 4. Nov 23, Mangalore 5. Nov 26, of skipper 6. Nov 29, Guwahati KP,says Lloyd 7. Nov 2,

An Indian winter could be the making of England TESTS . 1. Dec 11-15, That’s the view of former England coach , who was impressed by the brilliant batsman’s showing during the summer when he replaced Michael 2. Dec 19-23, Vaughan and as skipper of the Te st and One-Day International teams respectively. KP took his team to aTest win in his only five-day game so far,and was then at the helm as England stormed to a4-0 ODI series win against the Proteas. But taking ateam to –who have just beaten –isamong the toughest challenges for any international captain, and that’s why Lloyd believes England fans will know more about Pietersen the skipper after the seven ODIs and two Te sts. Lloyd said: “Making him captain has been abrave decision and should be commended. “But he is not going to be judged as acaptain by winning the last Te st of ahome series that has already been lost. “He’s going to be judged at times when his bowlers are tired and they cannot get awicket. “When it is hot and Sachin Te ndulkar is 130 . That’s when the measure of him will show.”

P2-3: Prior in for keeps? P4-7: The squads P8: Super Sach still scoring INSIDE

FOLLOW ENGLAND’S TOUR OF INDIA AT ECB.CO.UK ENGLAND FEATURE ecb.co.uk Prior warning to

The wheel will have come full circle in the past year for if –as expected –hedons the wicketkeeping gloves for England’s Te st tour of India. Although national selector has insisted both Prior and TimAmbrose will start the trip on alevel pegging, it is anticipated that the former will regain his place 12 months after his previous appearance. Prior was axed at the end of the 1-0 defeat to last December,but a summer’s rehabilitation with Sussex allowed him to fulfil his goal of awinter tour –after returning to the one-day side against . Now he hopes to prove to coach and captain Kevin Pietersen that England do have a wicketkeeper to compare averages 89. To keep improving is dropped chances, almost exclusively off with the best. the way forward for me. With the left-armer , were the “One of the things keeping, 80% of the time Ikept root of Prior’s problems in 2007. Mooresy actually said to really well, and Iwas really happy. So former England wicketkeeper Alec me, when Ispoketohim “I pretty much thought it was as Stewart’s technical pointers were after being left out, was that well as Icould keep and have kept required in pre-season 2008 and, with Ididn’t have to go back to the in my career. Unfortunately the the re-positioning of the slips, Prior’s drawing board and start all other 20% of the time Ilet confidence grew. again,” said Prior. myself down horribly. “It was not until the end of Sri Lanka “I have aTest average of “Toget more that Irealised the problem was that Ihad just over 40 as akeeper and consistent with the either got to move wider or get my first you have to be pretty happy wicketkeeping is a closer to me,” he added. with that. key. Ihave to “Because Iamquite positive in the way “I saw astat recently makesure that Iplay cricket, Ialways try to get my first which Itook notice of: 80%, which is slip wider,thinking, ‘I’ll cover that’ and when not good sometimesIasked too much of myself. has the gloves he averages enough, is “When IspoketoAlec, we went to the 42 in Te st matches, 95-100.” A indoor school, lined some stumps up and without the gloves he clutch of he asked me where, ideally, my first slip would be. “He then did the same thing as if he was the keeper and his first slip always “One of the things Mooresy actually stood afoot tighter to him. “He showed me that you want to minimise your margin for error as much said to me, when Ispoke to him after as possible. “Asmuch as it being atechnical thing it might be because Iwas operating right being left out, was that Ididn’thave to on the tip. “Most of the catches Idropped hit me on the end of the fingertips. go back to the drawing board.” “I moved as well as Icould, and it says to me Ishouldn’t have been going for it.”

2–FOLLOWENGLAND’S TOUR OF INDIA AT ECB.CO.UK ecb.co.uk ENGLAND FEATURE

England in India selectors OVERALL RECORD TESTS PLAYED: 49 WON: 11 LOST:13DRAWN:25

ONE-DAY INTERNATIONALS BATTLE OF THE KEEPERS PLAYED: 29 WON: 13 LOST:16TIED: 0

Tim Ambrose Matt Prior RECENT TOURS 2006 Captains: Dravid (IND) Flintoff (ENG) TESTS ...... India1England1Drawn 1 ODIs...... India 5England 1

2001/02 Captains: Ganguly (IND) Hussain (ENG) TESTS...... India 1England 0Drawn 2 ODIs...... India 3England 3

1993 Captains:Azharuddin (IND) Gooch (ENG) BORN: 1/12/1982, BORN: 26/2/1982, Newcastle (Aus) (SA) TESTS...... India 3England 0 COUNTY: COUNTY: Sussex ODIs...... India 3England 3 HEIGHT: 5ft 7in HEIGHT: 5ft 11in TESTS: Played 10 TESTS: Played 10 1984/85 Runs 371, Ave24.73 Runs 562, Ave40.14 Captains: Gavaskar (IND) Gower (ENG) Catches 30 Stumpings 0 Catches 28 Stumpings 0 TESTS...... India 1England 2Drawn 2 ODIs: Played 5 ODIs: Played 28 ODIs ...... India 1England 4 Runs 10, Ave2.5 Runs 590, Ave23.60 Catches 3Stumpings 0 Catches 37 Stumpings 3 Can England end Indianhoodoo?

Forall England’s progress since By Sam Cornes match-winning displays to date have reincarnation as acredible cricketing come at home, not on the drier surfaces nation adecade ago, there remains one On the subcontinent, India are of Asia. unconquered opponent. imperious and no country other than the They will also be faced with a India represents the final frontier for a mighty Australia has defeated them in a formidable Indian line-up despite resurgence which began in ateam led Te st series on home soil since 2000. the retirement of . by , was taken further by England shared the last series Fellow veterans , VVS ’s victory-hungry group between the two countries, gaining a Laxman and Sachin Te ndulkar all have and is now in the hands of Kevin 1-1 draw despite an injury and illness something to prove as anew generation Pietersen. crisis striking hard. pressurise those in possession of the While Hussain directed series Ta king 20 in Indian conditions top six places. victories in and Sri Lanka is something which England have Although Te ndulkar’s career batting among his achievements as captain, and struggled to do on their previous three return against England is better than Vaughan preceded 2005 Ashes glory tours, so the pressure will be on Monty against any other major nation –he with history-altering away victories in Panesar to thrive in helpful conditions. averages 62.31 –hemustered only 83 West Indies and South Africa, there has While no-one can doubt he is runs in the draw on home soil some been no such against the Indians. England’s most potent spin threat, his two-and-a-half years ago.

FOLLOWENGLAND’S TOUR OF INDIA AT ECB.CO.UK –3 ENGLAND SQUAD ecb.co.uk

TimAmbrose (26)

To ok advantage of the axefalling on Matt Prior for last winter’s trip to New Zealand, but failed to build on amaiden KevinPietersen(28) Te st hundred there and looked alittle short of confidence England’s best batsman by the second half of now has the added the 2008 summer. responsibility of captaincy in all three forms of the game –but rather than it be aburden, he appears to have thrived on the added pressure. A James Anderson (26) and avictory in his maiden Te st in charge Has enjoyed a at against South rejuvenation as an Africa –the country of his international bowler, birth –was followed by a overcoming some thumping 4-0 victory in self-doubt to prosper the one-day series. KP with 42 wickets in will hope to better his nine Te sts this year. relatively modest The talented productivity with the seamer’s ability to bat on the 2006 swing the ball is a India tour. vital component of England’s attack.

Ian Bell (26) StuartBroad (22) (23)

One of afew With three half- Notchedseven Te st England players to centuries to his hundreds before his firmly establish name already,the 23rd birthday,afeat themselves in all Notts youngster bettered only by Sir formats of the game. promises to develop Donald Bradman and Bell is still striving into an international Sachin Te ndulkar, to hit important tons, all-rounder.Tall and including one on but his temperament capable of extracting debut in .A has seen him bounce, he first technically-correct opening the the eye in left-hander,Cook in alimited-overs domestic limited- still looks at his best anchor role. overs cricket. in the Te st arena.

Ravi Bopara (23) Paul Collingwood (32) (30)

Aconfident top- Dropped after more Led England to a1-1 order batsman who than two years in the draw on the last tour can also chip in with side last summer,he of India, and has some handy medium- returned with asixth returned to the pace. Capable of Te st match hundred ranks following four explosive shots –as after deciding to quit ankle operations. demonstrated by an the England one-day ‘Freddie’ was named unbeaten 201 off captaincy. Colly is a man of the series in 138 balls in a ‘finisher’ who bats England’s ODI win Friends Provident well with the tail as over South Africa, Tr ophy match against well as after looking good Leicestershire. useful medium-pace. with ball and bat.

4–FOLLOWENGLAND’S TOUR OF INDIA AT ECB.CO.UK ecb.co.uk ENGLAND SQUAD

Monty Panesar (26) (30) Has made steady progress as England’s first- choice spinner since being given his head in India on the previous trip, high- lighting his potential as amatchwinner on anumber of Recalled for the occasions on his way final Te st of the to 114 victims. summer,the former No.1 bowler in the world was also persuaded to come (23) out of one-day retirement against The Notts all- South Africa. He rounder has not restored the pace looked out of his England’s attack depth in his short had been missing in international career. victory over the His slow left-arm Proteas and will brought him five for spearhead the 41, and he also attack on the contributed 31 with subcontinent. the bat in England’s third ODI against South Africa.

Matt Prior (26) Ryan Sidebottom (30) (29)

Expected to be first Aprolific second life Returned to the one- choice behind the as an international day side almost stumps, Prior’s cricketer has eight years after his ability with the bat delivered 76 wickets debut. Ye ttomake has never been in in 17 Te sts, but his Te st bow despite question. His injury niggles meant this being his third improvement behind he was sidelined at tour and was chosen the stumps – the end of the as the second combined with summer.The left- spinner ahead of maturity –could arm seamer is still Yo rkshire leg-spinner improve his claims England’s most due to for aTest recall. consistent performer. his experience.

Owais Shah (30) (31) (23)

Astylish batsman, After an impressive Enjoyed agood start Shah now seems set start to his to his ODI career, for arun in the international career, hitting 50 off 52 team. Captain Kevin the left-handed balls on his debut Pietersen is aknown opener is now against India at The fan –particularly in looking to build on Oval. Atalented all- limited-overs cricket his two hundreds in rounder,but yet to –and has challenged his last 23 Te sts. really establish his Shah to makethe The talent is there, role in the side – one day No.3 spot now Strauss is and Andrew Flintoff’s his own. desperate to apply it return could limit his out in the middle. chances.

FOLLOWENGLAND’S TOUR OF INDIA AT ECB.CO.UK –5 INDIA SQUAD ecb.co.uk

Rahul Dravid (35)

His nickname of ‘The Wall’ refers to his consistency,and the tough prospect he offers bowlers. However,the former captain has been on apoor of form this year and will need to improve MS Dhoni(27) quickly against England’s attack. An aggressive batsman, Dhoni rose to prominence as aleader after steering India to triumph at the (27) Tw enty20 World Cup in South Africa in 2007. He Widely regarded as was shortly later handed India’s best player of the captaincy mantle spin, the left-hand for the one-dayteam. The batsman is the wicketkeeper-batsman perfect foil for has now taken over as opening partner skipper of the Te st team Sehwag. Aggressive, following ’s Gambhir uses his recent retirement. feet well, is strong on the off side and is asafe close-in fielder.

Praveen Kumar (22) (25) (25)

Delivering from a Good performances Ahard hitting right short run-up, the in the IPL brought handed batsman and 22-year-old paceman the Delhi leg-spinner right-arm offbreak relies more on guile back into contention. bowler.Following his than speed. Played a His moment of glory showing in the IPL vital role in India’s came in the second and other Tw enty20 CB Series triumph in Te st of the competitions, he was Australia and Border-Gavaskar selected for the claimed afour- series against Indian ODI team and haul in the Australia where he made his debut inaugural match of pickedafive-for on against Pakistan in the Asia Cup. debut. June.

VVS Laxman (34) (22) (21)

Noted for his superb The talented left-arm The aggressive timing and the ability spinner made his left-hand batsman to hit against the debut during the has struggled to spin, Laxman is well tri-series in cement his place in known for the skillful earlier the team, but finally use of his supple this year,forcing his delivered to potential wrists, which allow way into the in the Asia Cup, him to flick through team following a where he slammed the leg side. Scored fairly successful two centuries. Backs arecent double performance with up his batting with hundred against in some truly electric Australia. the IPL. .

6–FOLLOWENGLAND’S TOUR OF INDIA AT ECB.CO.UK ecb.co.uk INDIA SQUAD

Zaheer Khan (30) SachinSachin TeTendulkarndulkar (35)(35)

Arguably the world’s best batsmanofhis era, Te ndulkar’s considerable array of strokes has recently been restricted due to age and injury.Has a penchant to accumulate runs in hundreds, is quick between the wickets and bowls amixed variety of off- The spearhead of India's attack, breaks and Zaheer has gone from strength to leg-breaks. strength following along period out in the wilderness due to injury.Comes into the series following highly successful performances against Australia and for the Royal Challengers in the IPL.Bowls at afair pace, swings the ball both ways and generates reverse swing as well. Hits the ball long too.

Virender Sehwag(29) (21) RP Singh (22)

Audaciousstrokeplay The classy middle- Afive-wicket haul usually marks order batsman made against England at Sehwag’s stay at his mark at the Lord’s ranks highly the crease. Great Tw enty20 World Cup in the 22-year-old hand-to-eye co-ordi- and followed it up left-arm seamer’s list nation makes up for with decent of achievements. His minimal footwork. performances in Sri stock ball is the one The kind of batsman Lanka. He then that comes into the who brings up a scored acentury in right-handers, but he triple century in Te st the tour match can swing the ball cricketwith asix! against Australia. either way.

Ishant Sharma (20) (28) (26)

Forms apotent His performances on The left-handed new-ball bowling the field makeas batsman’s ability to combination with much news as thump the ball long . The his antics off it. The was showcased at 20-year-old from 28-year-old off- the Tw enty20 World Delhi is quick, spinner rarely flights Cup where he moves the ball off the ball, but can spin slammed England’s the seam and it along way.Uses for six also generates the ‘’ quite sixes in an over.Has conventional and effectively and is a the potential to reverse swing. handy batsman destroy any attack. down the order.

FOLLOWENGLAND’S TOUR OF INDIA AT ECB.CO.UK –7 INDIA FEATURE ecb.co.uk Recordman Sachin carries on scoring

Having survived calls for his retirement last year,Sachin Te ndulkar underlined his SirDonaldBradman once greatness by claiming ’s Te st runs world record last month. remarked that Tendulkar Retired West Indies captain Lara accumulated an astounding 11,953 runs “reminds me of myself” during his illustrious career, and his great contemporary career because it has taken best batsman in history,once Te ndulkar has now raised the me almost 19 years to get remarked that Te ndulkar bar even higher. there and the “reminds me of The 35-year-old’s place in journey has been myself”–and the history books was already fantastic.” FACTFILE there are few assured but now he has yet Thanks to his 1973: Born April 24, accolades greater one more record ability to score than that. after almost two runs with apparent Mumbai. decades of ease on any pitch 1989: Makes Test added: “He is well- phenomenal and in any part of and ODI debut. mannered, polite achievement. the world, 1990: Scores maiden and has handled Te ndulkar Te ndulkar now Test century against the publicity well said: “It is proudly holds four England. in India, where definitely major batting they are mad on the 1996: Becomes India records and is captain for four years. cricket. biggest undoubtedly a “He has kept his record master of all forms 1997: Named private life from of my of the game. Wisden Cricketer of his public life.” The diminutive the Year. And it is not just batsman currently 2003: Named Player batting legends holds the record of the Tournament at that have recog- for the most the World Cup. nised Te ndulkar's hundreds in both 2008: Becomes the natural gifts. the Te st and ODI highest run scorer in , formats, although the Australian king STATS he will be rested , passing of spin, said last for the first three Brian Lara. year Te ndulkar TESTS: games of this would sit pretty at Played: 153 winter’s ODI series. the top of his greatest Runs: 12,152 Te ndulkar’s fluid strokes cricketers list, ahead of the Ave: 54.25 and prodigious ability to likes of Lara and compatriot 100s/50s: 39/51 score runs in all RickyPonting. ODIs conditions prompted Te ndulkar may be entering Played: 417 West Indies great Sir the final chapter of his VivRichards to call formidable career,but it will Runs: 16,361 him “99.5% most definitely takeaneffort 44.33 Ave: perfect”. Sir of gigantic proportions for 42/89 100s/50s: Donald Bradman, anyone to even come close to 2008) (*to Nov 5, the man widely wresting this latest record regarded as the away from him.

8–FOLLOWENGLAND’S TOUR OF INDIA AT ECB.CO.UK