da betcris： Nothing compares to the Eden Gardens
Erapalli Prasanna21-Jan-2002Nothing compares to the Eden Gardens! It is a most compelling experiencefor any cricketer to play in front of more than hundred thousandspectators in Kolkata. The excitement in the stadium is particularlyhigh during a day-night one-dayer and Saturday proved no different.I felt that the two teams were evenly matched for the first encounter ofthe six-match ODI series. The pitch at Eden Gardens though was a big letdown; the ball kept low and that definitely is not good for one-daycricket.
© CricInfoFrom the English point of view, the pitch did not suit their bowlingattack, allowing the Indian batsman to drive the ball off the frontfoot. Ganguly and Tendulkar took full advantage of this factor and setthe pace, and this helped Dinesh Mongia to play a good knock in hiscomeback match.The other factor that impressed me a great deal was the Indian planningin this match, which was based on partnerships. Full marks to the thinktank. The Indian team’s batting was well thought of and rightly paced.For once, the batting came off, and by the time the lower order batsmenstarted arriving, the team had already put up 200 runs on the board.The initial English batting was very good despite the odds being againstthem but their middle order caved in, allowing India to run away withthe match. The Indian fielding was below par to start with, but as thematch progressed they gained in confidence.Trescothick showed tremendous character and determination to defy theIndian attack and score a blistering 121. England had a chance till heand Flintoff were together.
© CricInfoIt was interesting to see Ganguly bring on Anil Kumble to bowl atFlintoff; the Englishman was all at sea against Kumble in the Tests. Itis to Flintoff’s credit that he came through the test and showed enoughsigns that he will be a force to reckon with by the time the seriesends.As far as the Indian batting goes, VVS Laxman disappointed again. Sehwagwas not at his usual best and struggled a lot. It was Badani’s inningsin the middle order, which really helped the Indian cause.On the whole the match was evenly contested and the deciding factor wasthat the rub of the green was in India’s favour. The toss did give Indiathe advantage but I am not too sure whether England would have battedfirst had they won the toss. Dame luck might not have favoured theEnglishmen at Eden Gardens but I am sure that this side will giveIndians a run for their money in the coming matches.