India’s football skills have improved at least

England’s greater resolve and determination ensured there were no twists and turns on the final day of the series and they did not let India into the game at all by keeping them on the field for the entire last day.

It was like rubbing salt into the wounds, for Indian supporters were hoping that the bowlers would be able to get a few early wickets and give India an outside chance to win the Test and thus level the series. Unfortunately, the approach and work ethic was once again lamentable as the players went through the motions in the training session before the game began and thereafter because as soon as Jonathan Trott and Ian Bell batted through the first hour, the India players’ shoulders dropped and England knew they were through.

Modern-day training methods mean that the players play a sport that is different and then get down to practising their cricketing skills. But, because the team actually enters the ground barely 45 minutes before the first ball is bowled and then play football, there is not much time left for practising the cricketing skills so essential to the game that follows. Under the present coach Duncan Fletcher and his support staff, it does look as if the football skills of the players have got better, but that cannot be said of their cricket. The fact that the coach is unable to crack the whip and get the players to get to the ground early is a sign that he has little control over them. All that is asked of the players is to give it that little bit extra on the five days of the Test match, but if they are not able or willing to do so then there has to be some action taken, else Indian cricket supporters will continue to be disappointed, like they were in this series. If India cannot do well at home, then where else can they win?

In contrast, the preparation of the England team has been thorough and meticulous, with stints in Dubai and three warm-up matches before the first Test. It has been a wholehearted effort from all, including the superstar players and certainties in the team. In a team game there will always be some whose contributions will not be as much as others, but it is their effort level that sustains the whole team and that is what has been seen with England.

Take, for example, Jonathan Trott. In the first Test at Ahmedabad he looked lost and had no clue how to play the turning ball. However, by the Kolkata Test he had applied himself and found a method and almost got a century. He went one better and got his ton in the final innings, and his partnership with Ian Bell, another player who has struggled, took the game away from India.

The next series is two months away, but unless strong steps are taken it will be the same story, with plenty of anticipation and expectations at the start of the series — and huge disappointment in the end.