There is no word called momentum in cricket.
I have never believed in that and it was once again proved in Southampton that it is about that day and that particular Test match.
India were outstanding in the second Test at Lord’s, but England completely dominated all five days of the Test, which finished on Thursday.
Once again, it was on show that winning the toss is so important in Test cricket.
India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni batted first in tough conditions at Lord’s, while his England counterpart Alastair Cook did the same at Southampton, and it just goes to show that runs on board in the first innings sets games up.
However, all those who will be criticising the Indian team must remember that it might not take too long for an Indian turnaround as well. As much as England will be delighted with their performance at the Ageas Bowl, their first win in ten Test matches, the Indians will know that this is not the same England of 2011 and very much a beatable side.
We have heard since we picked up a cricket bat that this game is a great leveller and what a Test match the hugely criticised Cook had.
I really liked the way he spoke to former England captain Mike Atherton after the Test at Lord’s, where he said that he was determined to turn it around instead of reeling under pressure.
And I must say, it was a very determined effort. He made changes in his technique, went a lot more forward to the medium pace of India. What had surprised me that, someone with so many runs and success behind him took so much time to do it.
Having played with champion batsmen of my era, I have actually seen them making adjustments on the morning of Test matches and Alastair Cook, having played for such a long period, should start developing that habit a lot more in the days to come.
England’s star bowler Jimmy Anderson, meanwhile, was once again outstanding.
He is close to playing 100 Test matches, which is remarkable for any fast bowler.
He is probably at his peak as far his bowling skill is concerned.
As for the losers, India will have to look back at their mistakes in the Test match very closely. India’s strength is in their batting and it is time for three of the top four to fire.
Cheteshwar Pujara and Virat Kohli have gone to England with very good reputations.
There is a remarkable belief among the English people that these are high-quality players and, as much as they understand that anyone can fail, the two will have to come out in the next two Test matches with the same belief others have in them.
I was not at all happy with the way they played Moeen Ali. As much as Moeen is a far improved bowler than the one we saw at Trent Bridge in the first Test, it is time for the Indian batters to attack him a bit more. He doesn’t have variation, but his strength is accuracy and the Indian batters will have to find way to put him offline.
His 15 wickets so far in the series are remarkable numbers but, having seen Indian batsmen handle Murali Muralitharan, Shane Warne, and Graeme Swann in the past , I don’t think it is tough ask.
Yes, there were a few attacking shots played which found the fielders, but one must remember that strength can also create downfall.
But to put that shot completely inside the cupboard will be a massive mistake.
India will have to do some thinking with their squad and combinations, but they should not do that until they see the pitch in Manchester.
—— The author is a former captain of India
