Powar146;s presence could have made difference

A 2-0 margin would definitely have been better, and I think the Indian team could have won the last Test at the Oval with one extra bowler 8212; spinner Ramesh Powar. If with seven batsmen they could make 664, I feel with one less they could have still made 600. Powar would have utilised the turn on the pitch. Sachin Tendulkar was turning the ball a mile with his off breaks, and Kevin Pietersen too was able to turn the ball. India certainly missed a second spinner.

The present team was better of then our outfit in 1971 is the opening partnerships between Kaarthick and Wasim Jaffer. Harking back to our triumph in 1971 I must say that when we set out to the West Indies we were considered the weakest team and even when we won people said it was a flash in the pan.

Talking about the present, this team needs to improve its fielding. But I am happy to see it being openly aggressive and not averse to giving back to the rivals. The victory was very important especially for the five seniors who are unlikely to be around when India visit England next. They should be preserved and not used in Twenty20 events and against minor opposition like Zimbabwe which are ideal to field youngsters with an eye on the future. The seniors need to be used against stronger teams like Australia, Pakistan, South Africa and England.