When it boiled down to the crunch, the Indians came good to turn the table on England and win the match comprehensively at Edgbaston.Indian fans spent the whole of Saturday evening discussing the weather forecast and what India would have to do, should the game be curtailed again by rain. After working out the permutations and combinations, the conclusion arrived was it was going to be a tight game, and it was vital India made early inroads into the England innings no sooner the match resumed.To their credit, the Indian bowlers stuck to an excellent line and length under overcast conditions, in which survival called for not only nerves of steel but high-quality batsmanship. But the Englishmen showed neither the temperament nor the skill and that, eventually, worked out very well for India. The batsmen allowed too many balls go unscored which piled the pressure on them - something which they found difficult to handle in the end.Full marks to the India bowlers, especially the under-rated SauravGanguly. He hit the seam, moved the ball around appreciably, and was not only economical but also got crucial wickets. Ganguly, in fact, has always proved to be a useful bowler whenever called upon to render his services. Unfortunately though, it has not been often enough.Losing wickets at regular intervals, and their inability to play shots, saw the Englishmen in deep trouble. Neil Fairbrother, ever the dangerman, simply lost his patience with wickets falling at the other end. Darren Gough and Angus Fraser did try to resurrect the innings but it was too late in the day, and their combined efforts ended when Venkatesh Prasad enticed Gough to hoick him into the hands of Anil Kumble in the deep.When Srinath bowled Alan Mullally, Indian spectators invaded the ground like a wave, brandishing the Indian tricolour. It was a spectacular scene and brought back memories of the '83 World Cup.The Indian team is having a great run since their loss to Zimbabwe. They have peaked at the right time, but should notget carried away, for the Super Six is an all too crucial stage. For their own good, they must continue to think positive, think in terms of winning each match on a day-to-day basis. By the way they are playing right now, it will take some effort from the other teams to get the better of them. Besides, the Indians have tremendous support in this country, the like of which possibly, only the Pakistanis can match.All in all, it was a great victory for Azhar and his boys. Well played, India.
