Michael Vaughan hit his fourth hundred of the summer, as he demolished India’s attack on an unforgiving surface. He consistently played through the arc between mid-on and mid-off against a one-dimensional attack. It was a brilliant exhibition of aggressive batting from a man who has often been characterised as a dour opener. The press has cast him in the same mould as his predecessor Michael Atherton, but any doubts about his ability to take the fight to the opposition have laid to rest this summer.Indian seamers found little favour in the pitch and their heads seemed to fall as the day wore on. The fielding wilted, as did the captain’s resolve on a difficult day for the visitors.Vaughan’s dominance was so complete and so relentless that his aggression did not cease even in closing overs.While praising Vaughan, let’s not forget the role that Trescothick played. Coming back from injury, the big left-hander took the initiative in the opening session. It was Trescothick who begun the blistering assault.There were times when the Indian skipper Saurav Ganguly should have dispensed with one of his run-saving fielders and brought in an extra catcher. Also, the under-rated Sanjay Bangar was underbowled. At times, India’s lack of a truly exceptional bowler was exposed. There were too many loose balls and the batsmen were seldom threatened. On this flat deck, England will be looking to do what India did to them at Leeds. A score of 600 seems more than likely and such a total would put India under the hammer. England have started this deciding match in great style. The Indian bowlers have their task cut out and it will a brave man to back them at this point. Thewicket.com
