The much-anticipated test series between India and England is barely a day away and the excitement surrounding it has been sky high indeed. India, despite being crushed by England in their last three test series’, begin as the favorites thanks to an energetic brand of cricket displayed. Under Virat Kohli, the Indians have found an efficient leader, who leads by example and is the perfect definition of a team player. With the form displayed by spin twins R. Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja, the series could well go on to become a nightmare for England.
England have fond memories of their previous tour to India when Alastair Cook stole the show with 562 runs to his name in the four-match series. Cook was splendid in 2012, as he went on to rake up three centuries in that series to lead from the front. This time around, though, things look a tad cumbersome for England, who are bound to miss a few individuals.
England’s tour of 2008 was a special one as well. After tragedy struck in the form of the 26/11 terror attacks in Mumbai, England returned home, raising question marks over the remaining test series. Nevertheless, like true ambassadors of the game, they returned to complete the tour as a two match test series was on cards. The first outing at Chennai, till date, stands out as one of the most memorable tests for India.
The game had gone England’s way for quite a while, as the Kevin Pietersen-led side, set India a massive target of 387 with four sessions to play. On a wearing fifth day pitch, very few would have backed India to do well.
Opener Virender Sehwag though, was in a completely different mood, as he set about doing something extraordinary. Unflustered by the massive target, Sehwag exploded right at the start, to dent England’s hopes of pegging India down. The Nawab of Najafgarh counterattacked viciously and was ruthless towards Graeme Swann, who was perceived as a threat. Sehwag was so ferocious at the top that England soon had to avert to a defensive mindset where the field was spread and that allowed the Indian batsmen to settle down.
After Sehwag’s 68-ball 83 that set the tone, it was time for Sachin Tendulkar to take over on the fifth day. The Little Master was constructive as always, as he went on to score a famous century that sealed the chase for India. Tendulkar took on Swann like an artist at work, as he found gaps with precision. He was ably supported by Yuvraj Singh, who remained unbeaten on 85.
The win was special not just for being the record chase in India, but as a dedication to the victims of the terror attack. In the post match presentation, Tendulkar went on to dedicate the victory to those affected by the attacks.
Below, is the video of Sehwag’s magical innings right at the top, that set the foundation for a famous Indian victory.