English bowlers read the pitch well

It is really hard for the fast bowlers to come out and bowl in the conditions that the subcontinent presents, but that doesn’t mean that we can undermine the roles. The pacers should take the conditions as a challenge and give it their best.

The English seamers on the Day one of the third Test match showed us how to make full use of the conditions. There was reverse swing on the offer and the English seamers made best use of it.

Jimmy Anderson bowled beautifully and he can be really dangerous when the ball is doing a bit. Steven Finn might not have the wickets in the column, but I think he made a huge difference to the English bowling attack. He provided the ideal support to Anderson.

It was a good overall performance by the English bowlers. Once again, they read the wicket pretty well. The wicket at Eden Gardens provided assistance to both — seam and slow bowlers. It was all about understanding the conditions and performing well as a unit. The seamers and the spinners, both the departments stepped up and what this has done is put England in a commanding position.

Graeme Swann and Monty Panesar have formed a lethal combination. Two quality spinners bowling well in tandem have set this England team apart. Losing the toss in India is generally a setback for the skippers, but it seems working very well for England skipper, Alistair Cook, and he will be thanking his bowlers. The ball will do a bit on the second morning as well and England will hope to keep the first day’s good work going and get India out quickly.

The England bowlers were again on top, but I think the Indian batsmen should have applied themselves better. Prior to this Test, there were many people questioning Sachin Tendulkar’s place in the Indian side. Had he not been around, the Indian side would have been all out by now. Every cricketer goes through tough phases and I think he should be backed to do well at this point of time. He played well for his 76 and did the rebuilding job. Rather than questioning his place in the side, they should look answers for the bigger question — Who will replace him? Is there a replacement ready? Indians have failed collectively as a unit in the last few innings, so why blame an individual?

— Professional Management Group