Ultimate Internet Sports Channel

GAYDON, UNITED KINGDOM – Aug 15, 2011: The England Cricket Team,led by Andrew Strauss, have scored an emphatic win against India in thenpower Test series, clinching the world number one spot in the ICC rankingsin the process.

The team have been supported by Jaguar since last year when it becamethe Official Vehicle supplier of the England Cricket Team. The partnershipsees England’s centrally contracted cricketers drive Jaguar’sXJ, XK or XF models.

Geoff Cousins, Managing Director, Jaguar Cars UK, commented: ‘I wouldlike to pass on my congratulations to the Team on their thrilling andwell-deserved win. We’re proud not only to be official vehicle suppliers tothe England Cricket Team but also to be able to encourage the nextgeneration of aspiring cricketers through the Jaguar Academy of Sport. Thiswin will undoubtedly help inspire a new generation of talented sports menand women – the Academy of Sport can help them take the nextstep.’

The focus of Jaguar’s support extends to a strategic partnership withthe ECB’s National Cricket Performance Centre. This association formspart of Jaguar’s long term commitment to British Sport under theumbrella of the ‘Jaguar Academy of Sport’ which aims torecognise celebrate and inspire the very best of British sporting talentand success. Sir Ian Botham is a patron of the Academy while Andrew Straussand Michael Vaughn are ambassadors.

   .. more …

England Cricket / Frank Gregan / 15 August 2011 / Leave a Comment

Frank Gregan rails against the powers of the third umpire and backs England to make it a clean sweep at the Oval…

There are some cushy jobs in professional sport. You know the kind of thing – image consultant for Maria Sharapova, trophy cleaner at Arsenal, run counter for Virender Sehwag (a king pair for one of the greatest batsmen in the world, Nostradamus would have struggled to see that coming!).

Seriously though, how taxing is it to be the third umpire during a Test match? The job description requires a simple one liner: “Ensure that correct decisions are made.” Opinions on the use of Hot Spot and Hawk-Eye are subjective but there was no excuse for the travesty of justice that occurred during the third Test when Andrew Strauss was dismissed in the first innings.

Strauss missed a sweep around his pads and was clean bowled by Amit Mishra. As he left the field, no doubt cursing under his breath at the poor shot selection that had cost him a century, the replay showed that Mishra had clearly overstepped the mark. There wasn’t a shred of doubt, no grey area whatsoever, it was a no-ball.

The third umpire, Australian Rod Tucker would have seen exactly the same images as everyone else (unless he had his feet up and was watching the golf!) but didn’t overturn the decision made on the field because the duties of the third umpire are about as clear as a dog’s used bath water. Apparently they do not include a review of a dismissal to ensure the ball was legal.

That’s ridiculous, given the resources available to the third umpire, and a one size fits all law needs to be introduced. Something along the lines of, ‘”The third umpire will check that every ball that causes a dismissal was legal before the outgoing batsman departs the field.” Simple!

Andrew Strauss took it on the chin and conducted himself admirably after the event. He could easily have got on his soapbox to rant about the injustice of it all but he chose not to.

That’s not to say that he wasn’t livid inside, at being denied a century during the Test in which he had skippered his country to victory and to the head of the world Test rankings. It would have been a fitting tribute to a man who has done a brilliant job as captain.

The old school brigade point to human error being part of the beauty of the game and subscribe to the ‘what goes around comes around’ theory. It doesn’t, the chances of Andrew Strauss ever being in that scenario again, leading from the front as his side become the number one Test team in the world, are slimmer than a health farm breakfast.

Strauss and his team have been magnificent but it’s difficult not to feel short-changed by the tourists’inept performances. They were to be this summer’s headline act and their arrival was anticipated with excitement. They’ve been dreadful and they deserve to be booed off the stage.

They have one more Test match in which to try and restore some pride. It gets underway on Thursday at the Oval and England have been so superior during the series that the [2.32] available looks an absolute steal.

The draw is priced at [2.34] with the Indians , who until very recently were regarded as the best team in the world, a very big [7.0]. The long term weather forecast predicts showers on Sunday and Monday but England have been winning with that much in hand so a couple of rain breaks is unlikely to hinder them.

It would be fitting if Andrew Strauss could end the summer with a Test hundred. He’d probably have had one last week if the third umpire was employed correctly.

   .. more …

Ever since the fateful tour of the West Indies, when Andy Flower had to pick the pieces up from the fallout of Kevin Pietersen and then coach Peter Moores, England have been so well drilled and organized, the results are there for all to see.

What disappointed me though as the third test victory at Edgbaston approached, was the rather narrow minded opinion of one Geoffrey Boycott, who took the opportunity to have a dig at record breaking Alastair Cook.

Talk of kettle and pot sprung to mind, when Boycott, obviously either seeking a headline or just wanting to moan about anything, called Cook ‘too slow’ as the opener pushed on, during the third days play.

Here we had two full days play left against the previous number one ranked side, with the team on their way to 710-7 declared. Time was not a factor in England having to rush things.

So why on earth did Boycott and later Shane Warne decide to try and knock Cook’s confidence as the opener made his way to 294?

Thankfully, I never had the pleasure of watching Boycott bat, if anyone qualified for turning people off test cricket, it was him. The first cricketer to cure anyone in the crowd of insomnia.

Former players, who have clearly struggled in England teams in the past, still queue up to have a good old moan, because they can’t bring themselves to be happy that these set of players, are way better than themselves.

We now have certain quarters saying that England’s dominance in this series is “not good for cricket”. How ridiculous a statement and this has been said by a few commentators in the wake of England going three nil up, and on their way to that number spot.

I can’t recall these same ‘experts’ saying how ‘bad it was for cricket’, when England were losing 5-0 down under, in the forgotten series of 2006/07. Back then, they were all dribbling at the feet of Warne, Mcgrath and Co.

Mind you, in losing so heavily, there would have been plenty of English individuals for the commentators to pick fault with.

We should all rejoice at how this England team has performed and have started to dominate the best sides in the world, we have certainly had to put up with a lot of poor showings previous to this. You would think that everyone would be happy to be following and talking about a winning side for once.

Thankfully, these ex-players who pour scorn on such achievements, have one good thing about them…..the MUTE button!

My name is Michael Norwood and I have followed England cricket for many years, and been very fortunate to be on recent England tours to Australia x2, South Africa and the West Indies. The atmosphere an England tour abroad creates is something hard to put into words, but hopefully I can bring you just a taste of what following this great sport means to an England cricket fan.!

   .. more …

11:30am Sunday 14th August 2011

A MURDER investigation has been launched after an “amazing” young paramedic died after being attacked while on a night out.

Tributes were paid last night to former Southampton man James Hodgkinson, who died of his injuries nine days after he was assaulted in Nottingham city centre.

The Daily Echo understands the cricket devotee had been in the city after attending the Trent Bridge Test match between England and India on Saturday July 31.

Police in Nottingham confirmed that the incident happened at 2.16am the following morning outside Yates Wine Lodge in the city’s Long Row.

James was taken to Nottingham Queen Medical Centre but never recovered and died on Tuesday.

It is understood that James received head injuries and had been in a coma.

Nottinghamshire police have now launched a murder investigation.

No one has been arrested or charged in connection with the assault but police say they are not appealing for witnesses.

The exact circumstances of how James received his injuries are unclear as investigating detectives remain tight-lipped for “operational reasons”.

James, who used to live in Shirley , joined South Central Ambulance Service in October 2007 as a trainee technician until he left the city in January 2009 for London to further his career.

Read the full story only in the Daily Echo

   .. more …

David Cameron said the whole nation should be proud of the England cricket team after a crushing defeat of India propelled them to the top of the world Test rankings.

The Prime Minister said he watched the closing stages of the innings-and-242-run victory at Edgbaston from his sofa and lauded the “massive team effort”.

India, who arrived for the tour as the globe’s best side, lost that status in comprehensive style as they slumped to an unassailable 3-0 deficit in the four-match series.

“I congratulate the England cricket team on their fantastic achievement,” Mr Cameron said.

“Their performance in this Test – including England’s highest-ever innings score in a non-timeless Test and Alastair Cook’s magnificent 294 – against the team that has up to now been ranked number one in the world, is a tribute to their domination of the sport.

“It was a massive team effort, bowling India out twice for less than 250 and always being so sharp in the field.

“I watched the closing overs on the sofa at home and will remember the joy of the crowd at Edgbaston and England getting to number one in such style for a long time to come.

“The whole nation can be very proud of our team of world beaters.”

An already boisterous crowd of England fans, which had graciously applauded some late resistance from India’s batsmen, let out an enormous roar as their heroes clinched the final wicket.

Email to a friend

Print this page

   .. more …

Aug 13 2011

David Cameron said the whole nation should be proud of the England cricket team after a crushing defeat of India propelled them to the top of the world Test rankings.

The Prime Minister said he watched the closing stages of the innings-and-242-run victory at Edgbaston from his sofa and lauded the “massive team effort”.

India, who arrived for the tour as the globe’s best side, lost that status in comprehensive style as they slumped to an unassailable 3-0 deficit in the four-match series.

“I congratulate the England cricket team on their fantastic achievement,” Mr Cameron said.

“Their performance in this Test – including England’s highest-ever innings score in a non-timeless Test and Alastair Cook’s magnificent 294 – against the team that has up to now been ranked number one in the world, is a tribute to their domination of the sport.

“It was a massive team effort, bowling India out twice for less than 250 and always being so sharp in the field.

“I watched the closing overs on the sofa at home and will remember the joy of the crowd at Edgbaston and England getting to number one in such style for a long time to come.

“The whole nation can be very proud of our team of world beaters.”

An already boisterous crowd of England fans, which had graciously applauded some late resistance from India’s batsmen, let out an enormous roar as their heroes clinched the final wicket.

   .. more …

Batting, bowling and fielding may be the things that actually win matches, but everyone does that. Only England polish like they do. And in international sport, it is the little things that can make the difference. Sir Clive Woodward, coach of the World Cup-winning England rugby team, was the first to describe the manner in which “the incremental accretion of marginal gains” produces winners. In business as much as in sport, no detail is too small to help.

And the details are clear in everything the England players do: in the way the fields are set; in the way the bowlers know every weakness of the opposing batsmen; in the way, too, that the bowlers have improved their batting, knowing that their contributions with the willow can be decisive. When you compare today’s team – focused, energised, prepared – with the collective of shirkers, slackers and smokers who have represented the country at various points in the past, it is not hard to see why the class of 2011 is more successful.

None of that comes cheaply, mind. No team in the history of the game has had as much spent on its well-being as this England. Occasionally during Test matches the cameras catch sight of England’s support crew working on the sidelines. Usually such a view comes with a sneer from an old-timer like Ian Botham, wondering why so many coaches and analysts, dieticians and statisticians are needed to keep the England team going. Didn’t need ’em in our day, will be the refrain. But then, in their day, England were never the number one team in the world.

It began, this backroom revolution, when the Zimbabwean Duncan Fletcher (now, coincidentally in charge of India) became coach in 1999. A colonial, an outsider (he wasn’t even offered British citizenship until 2005), Fletcher recognised from his distanced position that nothing short of revolution was required to improve England. And that it would take time to remove the old adherence to the dilettante, the amateur, the disdain for trying too hard epitomised by the English game’s heroes, from Ted Dexter to David Gower.

He inherited a team at the very bottom of the world rankings, a side that included in its number few with Dexter or Gower’s abilities, but plenty with their approach: Phil Tufnell’s idea of training was to light up another Marlboro. Fletcher eased out the idlers, radicalised the preparation and fitness, increased hugely the spend on sports science and analysis. Unashamedly aping many of the ways of the world’s leading team, Australia, he appointed tough, uncompromising captains who shared his vision.

And, in a thoroughly un-British way, he had the support of the game’s governing body; they gave him everything he asked for, not least central contracts for players, which took them away from the back-breaking county circuit and made their principal job playing for their country. No longer was there a procession of 20 or more players in and out of the Test side in a summer – now there was an elite.

But despite all that, despite winning back the Ashes in 2005, Fletcher never managed to take England beyond second in the chart of the world’s best. It took the accession of his fellow Zimbabwean Andy Flower for the summit to be reached.

When Flower was interviewed for the position of coach, he was asked what it would take to make the leap to the top. He said he needed to change the culture in the dressing room. England needed to be rid of what he described as “player power plc”, those individuals who saw their place in the national side as a route to financial improvement and whose presence, Flower reckoned, inhibited newcomers.

If it seemed like heresy to the average England fan, the retirement of Andrew Flintoff proved vital in establishing the Flower ethic. Freddie was the hangover (often literally) of the ways Flower defined as counter-productive. Now there were no heroes, there could be a team. Now there was nobody who might win it on their own – as Flintoff, at least in theory, could – everybody was obliged to contribute. Now there could be no more hiding behind someone else’s ego.

To put his vision into practice on the field, Flower chose his captain wisely. If Flower is the England CEO, Andrew Strauss is its managing director. Strauss is an unusual combination: a nice guy with a ruthless undertow. His players like him, respond positively to his ready smile and kindly appearance. But they also respect his tungsten interior. Together, the pair created an atmosphere of mutual support and high-fiving encouragement, but one that insisted on enormously high standards.

With these two at the helm, gradually England climbed the Test table, exploiting those marginal gains, shedding along the way traditional English weaknesses, like lower-order collapses and feeble capitulations. The victims had finally metamorphosed into the bullies.

But what even Flower would admit is this: none of this, the team ethic, the captaincy, the application of sports science, would have brought England to where they are without the raw material to work with. Above all, Flower has been blessed by happenstance delivering him a generation of talent unavailable to his predecessors, albeit some of it hailing from parts beyond these shores. Obdurate batsmen, swashbuckling all-rounders, a clever spinner, a battery of fast bowlers: he might have made them better, he might have forged them into a formidable unit, but these were some players to start with.

And that, ultimately, is the lesson of England’s march to cricket’s summit. In sport, as in any facet of life, the way you manage talent can be vital. But no amount of polishing, even by the driest of hands, will make base metal sparkle.

   .. more …

Geoff Berkeley

11 August.

ENGLAND sporting legend Michael Vaughan was in Bromsgrove on Tuesday (August 9) as part of his grassroots cricket project.

More than 60 children, aged between five and ten, got to be in the presence of the former England captain during the fun-filled event, which took place at South Bromsgrove High School.

The week-long ‘Michael Vaughan Cricket’, organised by Kings Camps which works alongside the star’s scheme, focused on fun, enjoyment and getting children ethused about the sport.

Michael, who retired from the game in 2009 after a successful career with both England and Yorkshire, told The Standard: “You just want them to hit things, whether that is with a tennis racket or a cricket bat.

“With five to eight-year-olds you can’t really fill them with too much technique and analysis, you just want them to know what cricket is, understand a little bit about it and hopefully enjoy the game.”

His scheme has been running for five years, with Bromsgrove becoming its 24th venue nationwide.

The 36-year-old, who thinks there are more opportunities now than ever for youngsters to get involved in cricket, said “This is the first time we have been to Bromsgrove, so this is a new venue for Michael Vaughan Cricket which has gone from strength to strength each year.”

He added: “The kids are enjoying it – I don’t think a lot know who I am, but in about 20 minutes, when I am signing a few autographs, they will probably realise it is me.”

The now commentator and pundit believes not just Twenty20 has helped the game in this country, but also the national side which he is confident will confirm themselves as the World number one test team at Edgbaston this weekend by securing the test series against India.

Meanwhile, a spokeswoman from Kings Camps, who has been working with Vaughan for six years, said: “They are really enjoying it and it is something very special for them.”

   .. more …

Having enjoyed live streaming of ICC cricket world cup and IPL series in past, the cricket fans are now searching for an opportunity to watch ongoing India vs England cricket series in live video streaming format. However many cricket fans are disappointed that so far as India is concerned, there’s no authentic live streaming going on for the cricket series of India vs England.

ESPN Star Sports that enjoys rights to telecast the matches on TV in India, Shri Lanka, Pakistan, Nepal and other neighboring countries, is not streaming the tournament live parallel for online audience.

If we discuss where to watch live India vs England, the first option for those in United States of America can watch it on several TV channels including Dish Network’s Willow TV. For those wanting to view the matches live online, Willow TV is only authentic option(not available in India however). This comes at a price of $14.99 per month. Willow’s YouTube channel is Sadly Willow TV’s YouTube service of live streaming of India vs England test match is not available in India, therefore the cricket fans are increasingly relying on unauthentic caterer such as in absence of authentic live streaming service in India and other countries, you want to satisfy with just getting live scores on your desktop(automatically updating without refreshing browser), you can straight away go to Espncricinfo’s this link or alternatively you can also connect to ESPNStar’s link.

Enjoy the ongoing test(no. 3) and all other matches of the series online.

   .. more …

Close 84-0. Not quite enough time to fit in another over and stumps is called. A fantastic day for England, who vindicated Strauss’ decision to bowl first by dismissing India for 224 in 62.2 overs. The England skipper (52*) and Cook (27*) then made serious inroads into the deficit and will return to the middle on day two trailing by only 140 with 10 wickets in hand. Thanks for your company/comments throughout the day and make sure you keep it here for reports and reaction from Edgbaston.

Over 25 Raina 1-0-1-0-0-0 84-0 – ‘Spin’ from both ends as Raina’s part-time offies get a run-out. No problem for Strauss or Cook, who collect a single apiece

England on track Umar Mir says: “England look right on track to becoming no1 test side in the world. india look well under par it will take a humongous india second innings to save them.” Yep, the pitch is flat, but do the India batsmen have the application?

Over 24 Mishra 0-0-1-0-0-0 82-0 – More turn for Mishra and another single for Strauss. Two overs left in the day. England 142 runs behind

81-0 – I just caught a glimpse of Jimmy Anderson pacing around on the England balcony with his pads on – a sight capable of striking fear into many an opposing player. He will be the next man in should Strauss or Cook depart in these closing overs. Cook nudges a single to leg first ball and Strauss copies him to bring up his 25th Test match 50 and his first since the fifth Ashes Test in Sydney back in January. He acknowledges the ground and will be keen to kick on from this start

Over 22 Mishra 4lb-0-0-0-0-1 79-0 – Prodigious turn for Mishra beats Cook and Dhoni down the leg-side and trickles to the boundary. These are soul-destroying late runs to concede for India. Cook ends the over by pushing to square-leg for a single

Over 21 Ishant 0-0-0-0-1-1 74-0 – England continue to make serene progress in the Second City. A single apiece for Strauss and Cook, who will be desperate to come back tomorrow and build on their promising start

Over 20 Mishra 4-0-4-1-1-1 72-0 – With seam failing to provide the breakthrough, Dhoni turns to leg-spinner Mishra. This is his 11th Test match and he has 40 wickets to-date. He starts with a short delivery which Strauss ruthlessly puts away through extra cover. The bowler overcompensated two balls later and Strauss drives an appetising half-volley to almost the same place. The England skipper then tucks a single to fine-leg and moves on to 46. Cook adds a single but the final ball offers some encouragement for the bowler, who gets one to turn sharply into Strauss. 11 off the over

Over 19 Ishant 0-1-0-2-0-0 61-0 – Kumar (0-27) looks like he has bowled his last over of the day as Ishant comes back into the attack. Amusement out in the middle as umpire Taufel – standing at square-leg – loses his hat and Raina retrieves. At least he managed to stop that, a harsh man would say. Cook then stands tall and whips two through midwicket, Tendulkar chased hard and did well to save an extra run

Over 18 Sreesanth 0-1lb-0-0-0-0 58-0 – Only a leg-bye off Sreesanth’s latest over. Half an hour left in the day. England trail by 166

Over 17 Kumar 0-0-4-0-1-0 57-0 – Not only is the batting and bowling ragged, now India’s fielding lets them down. Strauss cuts firmly towards Raina, who completely misses the ball and it races to the fence. Praveen sports a double tea-pot and Strauss and Cook punch gloves. The tourists need some inspiration before stumps

Over 16 Sreesanth 4-0-0-0-4-1 52-0 – Sree is back, and back offering more four-balls for Strauss, who clips his first delivery to the square-leg boundary. The 50 partnership is then brought up when Strauss seizes on a short, wide delivery and cuts imperiously to the cover fence. A single ends another productive over for England, who trail by 172

Over 15 Kumar 0-0-4-0-0-2 43-0 – Another hugely optimistic lbw appeal from Kumar is rightly turned down. This one is a better shout on second glance though, the ball just pitching outside leg. Cook then whips the next ball off his pads and away to the square-leg boundary. A well-ran two in the same region ends the over

Over 14 Ishant 0-0-0-0-0-0 37-0 – Cook and Strauss have gone into their shells somewhat. We have had 16 dots in a row now. The pitch is getting flatter and flatter and these two are trying to set the innings up for a run-filled day tomorrow

Over 13 Kumar 0-0-0-0-0-0 37-0 – Cook continues to be extremely watchful as we head into the last hour of the day. Praveen beats the edge and continues to do just enough with the ball to keep the batsmen honest. Maiden

Over 12 Ishant 0-1-0-0-0-0 37-0 – Cook is beaten all ends up outside off stump by a peach from Ishant, however he quickly gets off strike thanks to a good call from partner Strauss. Drinks at Edgbaston with England trailing by 187 runs

Over 11 Kumar 0-0-0-0-0-0 36-0 – Strauss is batting well outside his crease, hoping to negate the swing of Kumar. Back-to-back maidens for India but England remain in control

Over 10 Ishant 0-0-0-0-0-0 36-0 – A much better over from Ishant, who asks plenty of questions of Cook on and around off stump. The England left-hander is more than up to it though. Maiden

Over 9 Kumar 0-4-0-0-0-0 36-0 – Strauss strikes his fifth boundary and this is the best of the bunch. Not all that short from Kumar but Strauss picked the length early and swatted it over midwicket for four more. Some repair work to the bowler’s footholes follows, the India seamers are not enjoying themselves at the moment

Over 8 Ishant 4-0-4-0-0-0 32-0 – With not too many runs to play with, Dhoni brings Sreesanth out of the attack after a three-over burst and turns to Ishant. He is greeted into the attack with a boundary as Cook tucks him off his hip and away to the midwicket fence. It is very blustery at Edgbaston and the India bowlers may be struggling with their run-ups. Ishant strays down leg again and Cook gets some bat onto it and the ball trickles to the fine-leg fence. It should have been cut off but Praveen put in a rather feeble effort jogging round. A poor first over from the tall paceman

Over 7 Kumar 0-0-0-4-4-0 24-0 – A couple more boundaries for Strauss, one pure quality, one pure luck. First he cuts hard through gully along the floor, then Kumar gets one to leave him a fraction and he looks back as the ball flies through the slips and away to the fence. It just dropped short of second slip and that is a moral victory for the bowler. Little consolation, though, i’m sure

Over 6 Sreesanth 4-0-4-0-3-0 16-0 – Strauss is up and running with a trademark cut through backward point for four. Sree then comes round the wicket however Strauss picks him off his pads and away through midwicket for four more. Two top-class shots from the England skipper. Sree is too straight yet again and, despite a short midwicket now being in place, Strauss places it wide of the man and picks up three more. Expensive over from Sreesanth

Over 5 Kumar 2-0-0-0-0-2 5-0 – Cook nudges two through midwicket but has his heart in his mouth next ball when Praveen beats his bat and raps his pad. A huge lbw appeal follows, however the ball hit him outside off stump and umpire Davis rightly shakes his head. Another couple ends the over, Cook defending firmly through the covers and Strauss running hard

Over 4 Sreesanth 0-0-0-0-1-0 1-0 – After 22 consecutive dot balls, England are up and running. A fine diving stop from Gambhir at backward point denied Cook a boundary, however Strauss scampered through for a single

Over 3 Kumar 0-0-0-0-0-0 0-0 – Three successive maidens at Edgbaston. Strauss and Cook are taking a long look at Kumar and Sreesanth, both of whom are operating around 80mph. The pitch is rather slow and the batsmen know they have plenty of time to play themselves in

Over 2 Sreesanth 0-0-0-0-0-0 0-0 – After filling his boots in Australia, Cook has mustered scores of only 12, 1, 2 and 5 against India so far. He will be desperate for a big score here, which would surely set England on their way to victory. Sreesanth is far too wide early on and Cook leaves well alone

Over 1 Kumar 0-0-0-0-0-0 0-0 – Nervy start from Strauss, who is beaten outside off stump by a ball that just leaves him a fraction. An optimistic lbw appeal follows despite the ball pitching well outside leg stump. Decent start from Praveen

The reply Strauss and Cook are out in the middle, Praveen Kumar has the ball, here we go…

India 224 all out England will be absolutely delighted with that performance. The pitch is flat, outfield quick, and India are 100-150 short of what was required there. Broad (4-53), Bresnan (4-62) and Anderson (2-69) once again did the damage for the hosts and it’s now over to the batsmen…

224. India are all out! Anderson finishes the job thanks to a remarkable catch from Cook at silly point! Sharma drove firmly off the back foot, Cook turned away in preservation, but somehow trapped the ball between arm and chest. Ishant cannot believe it!

224-9 – WICKET! Doubt Strauss at my peril! The one remaining slip, the captain himself, takes the catch as Dhoni takes a wild heave at Broad. A vital 77 from the India skipper, but India still remain in big trouble. Sreesanth is the last man. Broad homing in on a five-for , but Sree survives

Over 61 Anderson 0-0-0-0-1-0 224-8 – Dhoni is protecting Ishant well here, allowing England only one delivery at him at a time. Not sure about Strauss’ tactics here, getting Dhoni out doesn’t even seem to be an option…

Over 60 Broad 6-0-0-0-1lb-0 223-8 – There are eight men on the boundary but none of them can do anything as Dhoni hooks Broad into the stands first ball. Fantastic shot! A leg-bye gives England only one ball at Ishant, however he keeps it out with ease

Over 59 Anderson 0-0-2lb-0-4-1 216-8 – Fine batting from Dhoni, who collects his boundary to fine-leg before stealing a single last ball. Anderson looks distinctly unimpressed with life. England must remain patient

Over 58 Broad 0-0-0-0-0-0 209-8 – Ishant continues to play French cricket, walking across his stumps and defending. He has plenty of company around the bat but survives a maiden from Broad. How long can he stick around a support his captain?

Over 57 Anderson 0-0-0-0-0-4 209-8 – Dhoni turns down yet more runs before placing the final ball through point and away to the boundary. Ishant on strike at the start of the next over though…

Evening session The players are back out. The pitch and outfield suggest a first-innings total of 300 is the absolute minimum. India have a lot of work to do to get there…

Tea 205-8. Four more wickets for England in the afternoon session, however India have fought back well from 111-7 to 205-8. While Dhoni 61* is still at the crease India have at least a chance of inching closer to 300. Bresnan (4-62) has been the pick of the bowlers. Sit tight for more updates from Edgbaston

Over 56 Bresnan 0-0-0-0-4-0 205-8 – England persist with the short-ball tactic to Ishant. If you can get Dravid, Tendulkar etc out aiming at the top of off, why not Ishant Sharma? Anyway, what do I know?! Bres gets his line wrong and Ishant flicks it off his thigh pad for four

201-8 – Jimmy returns and Dhoni is turning down runs. A single was on offer second ball but he refused, to the jeers of the crowd. The field is well back for the India skipper, who pulls the penultimate ball away to bring up the India 200. Sharma will be on strike at the start of the next over

195-8 – WICKET! Finally! Kumar has gone for a gutsy and much-needed knock of 26. Umpire Davis missed it again though and England were forced to review a caught behind after Praveen nicked a sharp bouncer from Bresnan. Four wickets for the England all-rounder and Ishant is the new man. That partnership was worth 84 off 84 balls! Bresnan beats Ishant first ball outside off stump but the India seamer survives the over

Over 53 Swann 1-0-6-0-0-0 190-7 – Kumar goes to his highest score (26*) in Test cricket with six over mid-on! Pietersen is right back on the fence but he just stood still and watched it sail into the stand. The partnership rolls along to 79…

Over 52 Bresnan 0-0-1lb-0-1-0 183-7 – Plenty of close company for Kumar as Bresnan focuses purely on hitting him around the ribs/throat area. As one of the readers rightly said, what about a yorker as a surprise ball?

181-7 – Dhoni goes to his 22nd Test 50 off 62 balls with a fizzing boundary off Swann through extra cover. He has hit seven fours and two sixes and given his side a chance of winning this Test in the process. Well played

Sting in the tail James Breen asks: “Whenever I bowled at a Tailender when I was younger and fitter it was always full and straight with varying pace (great example now is Junaid Khan of Lancs). Has this been the case today or has it been back of a length as seems to be the case nowadays with Bowling at the Tail?” It has been a bag of allsorts James. Not many yorkers though. It is easy to criticise the bowlers but the batting has been very impressive from these two

Over 50 Bresnan 0-2-6-0-1-0 177-7 – An overthrow from Anderson proves extremely costly as Dhoni walks down the pitch and dispatches Bresnan’s next delivery over midwicket for another huge six! England have become very ragged, but take nothing away from India, this is turning into a fine fightback

Over 49 Swann 0-1-4-4-0-0 168-7 – Kumar brings up the 50 partnership for the eighth wicket off only 54 balls with a fine blow back over Swann’s head. An even better shot follows next ball as he opens the face and crashes through extra cover. Not bad for a No.9… Plenty for Strauss and co to think about now

Over 48 Bresnan 1-0-0-1-0-0 159-7 – Tidy over from Bresnan, who restricts Dhoni and Kumar to a single apiece. He reverts back to a line and length that has served him well and almost finds Dhoni’s edge

Over 47 Swann 0-0-1-0-0-1 157-7 – Spin is introduced for the first time today with five men deployed on the boundary for Dhoni. The India captain is happy with a single though, giving Swann a chance to bamboozle Kumar. No joy as yet, however a good move from Strauss, I think…

Beware the tail David Kempton issues a warning to England, saying: “We have seen the huge difference a wagging tail can make to a match so far this series so England beware! Don’t chuck too many pies.” Yes, Broad and Swann turned the second Test at Trent Bridge completely on its head. India are building some momentum here, after slumping to 111-7…

Over 46 Bresnan 1-0-4-0-0-0 155-7 – Broad (3-47) takes a break as Bresnan returns. Sharp work from Pietersen on the leg-side boundary stops Dhoni coming back for a second first ball. Praveen can bat though, and shows his ability with a strong cut through the covers for four.

Over 45 Anderson 4-0-0-6-1-0 150-7 – Better length from Anderson, but Dhoni still finds the boundary courtesy of an edge along the floor through the diving slips. Nothing streaky about the next boundary! Dhoni absolutely whallops Anderson back over his head for an almighty six. That went miles! A single then brings up the India 150, the partnership between Dhoni and Kumar is now a useful 39…

Over 44 Broad 0-0-4-0-4-1 139-7 – The new attacking intent from India has rattled England’s bowlers somewhat. Their lengths are all over the place now and Dhoni puts two rank short balls from Broad away for boundaries either side of the wicket. Clever batting from the India skipper, who pinches a single last ball to keep strike

Over 43 Anderson 0-0-0-1-0-1 130-7 – Credit where it’s due, Kumar is being exceptionally brave here, taking blow after blow on the body. He eventually gets off strike in unconvincing fashion as the ball lobs in the vacant gully region. Dhoni keeps strike with a single off the last ball

Over 42 Broad 4-0-1-0-0-0 128-7 – Kumar gets in on the act, driving Broad on the up over mid-on for four. Anything in his half is going to go, or hit the stumps! A single brings Dhoni back on strike but he blocks out the over. Fascinating play unfolding here. Can England finish India off or will they get up past 200/250??

Fun in Brum David Win says: “in 40 years of watching Test cricket, I cannot remember a bowling attack that ever looked as though they were enjoying their work quite as much as our current crop! They look like they’re full of confidence, very assured and having LOTS of fun while doing it! Well done lads!”

Over 41 Anderson 0-0-4-0-4-0 123-7 – Slightly negative from Strauss, who spreads the field with Dhoni on strike, despite him not having many runs to his name. The India skipper drives Anderson back over the top and then rocks back and pulls hard through square-leg. He has no other choice but to play this way and this should be great to watch

115-7 WICKET! Nelson strikes for England! Broad finds Mishra’s edge with a full delivery and Prior does the rest. Simple stuff for England and India are in disarray. Kumar is the new man, fresh from a career-best knock of 25 at Trent Bridge… Broad has three wickets and will steam in again here… So close! Kumar drives powerfully towards mid off but it lands just short of Cook! Broad bangs the next ball in and Praveen wears it behind the shoulder. That looked painful! He cops another last ball and it bounces off his back and over Prior for a boundary. Nasty from Broad!

Over 39 Bresnan 4-0-0-0-1-0 110-6 Dhoni shuffles down the pitch to Bresnan and drives through extra cover for a boundary. Counter-attack on its way? A single brings Mishra back on strike and Bresnan finds some extra lift off the surface to beat his outside edge. Surely these two are India’s last hope of posting a competitive total?

Over 38 Broad 0-0-0-1lb-0-0 105-6 – An interesting play from Dhoni, who advances down to Broad before wearing a short ball straight on the left bicep. Owch! Broad is fuller next ball and just misses the outside edge. A leg-bye gets the India captain off strike before Broad unleashes some short stuff at Mishra, who ducks underneath well

Over 37 Bresnan 0-0-0-4-0-0 104-6 – Mishra gets off the mark with a little help from Bopara, who dives over a sweetly struck drive to mid-on. A decent over nevertheless from the burly Yorkshireman

Over 36 Broad 0-0-0-0-0-0 100-6 – You get the feeling Dhoni isn’t going to die wondering here. India have a long tail this Test and surely attack is the only form of defence now? He has a look at Broad first, playing out a testing maiden from the Nottinghamshire man

100-6 – Laxman brings up the India 100 with two eye-catching boundaries through the on-side, first through midwicket and then crisply through mid-on. WICKET! One shot too many from Laxman and India are in all sorts of bother now! Bresnan banged it in, Laxman went for the pull, however he could only top-edge it straight to Broad who took a smart low catch at fine leg. VVS made 30 off 41 balls. Mishra is the new batsman – he boasts a highest Test score of 50. He plays out the final two balls of the over

92-5 – WICKET! Anderson gets the wicket his performance today has deserved, clean bowling Raina through the gate! It was full, tailing in and Raina played all around it with an unconvincing drive. He walks off with another failure to his name, he made just four. Dhoni is in and boy do India need a captain’s knock here… The first ball is short and wide and Dhoni so nearly nicks it through to Prior. Plenty of chirp from the England slip cordon, who are reminding Dhoni of the situation his team are in. In his last seven Tests Dhoni averages just 14, England’s wicketkeeper Prior averages 70!

Over 33 Bresnan 4-0-0-4-0-0 92-4 – The first poor delivery Bresnan has bowled today gets the treatment from Laxman, who puts a wide, full delivery away through point. Bresnan is too full again later in the over and Laxman crisply drives through extra cover for another boundary, this one even easier on the eye. Bres comes back well with a ball which jags off the seam and past Laxman’s outside edge. Better over for India

Over 32 Anderson 0-0-0-2-0-0 84-4 – Raina works an inswinger through midwicket for a couple more. England are bowling a very attacking line and making Raina and Laxman play virtually every ball

Over 31 Bresnan 0-0-0-0-0-0 82-4 – It has now been 22 balls since the last run was scored off the bat, a sign of how much pressure India are under at present. Bres attacks the stumps and Laxman is forced to defend

Over 30 Anderson 0-0-0-0-0-0 82-4 – Jimmy asks Raina plenty of questions but the India No.6 holds firm, for now… The sun is trying to break through the clouds at Edgbaston, England’s bowlers will hope it doesn’t!

Over 29 Bresnan 0-0-0-0-0-4lb 82-4 – A fine over is ruined last ball when Bresnan fires into Laxman’s legs and the India batsman gets some pad on the ball past a diving Prior for four. It is now upto Laxman to steady the ship

Over 28 Anderson 0-1-0-0-0-0 78-4 – An early single for Laxman gives Anderson a chance to work Raina over. Operating from around the wicket, Jimmy angles the ball in a takes it away from the left-hander. He drives uppishly towards Morgan at gully but the ball bounces just short. So close!

Over 27 Bresnan 0-W-0-0-2-0 77-4 – Bresnan completes the over he started before lunch. New man Raina gets off the mark with a couple through midwicket. England have a short-leg and a leg-gully in place for the left-hander and he lobs one just in the gap. Short stuff on its way from now on me thinks…

Scott it in the bag Scott Cuthbert says: “Hi Joe, brilliant start by England, prediction India A/O 150 England to reply with 500 win in four days by innings (maybe 3) Tons from cook and bell, broad another 50.” A total of 500 on this surface would be very impressive!

Get in touch Just under 10 minutes until play resumes at Edgbaston. Will England rip through India, or will the tourists fight back after lunch? Get in touch by e-mailing Joe.drabble@bskyb.com or Tweet me @SkySportsDrabs

Strauss praise Collin Nunn says: The more I have watched this test series, the more it strikes me how good Strauss is at using our bowlers. They may not have the wow factor of old Aussie and West Indies attacks, but they are each very good against particular types of batsmen. Strauss and the management team are accutely aware of this and use them at just the right times. This Indian team may not be playing at its very best, but let’s face it they are all very experienced and world class batsmen. This is a real lesson in making the most of your strengths.” I couldn’t agree more Collin. I had my doubts about Strauss’ captaincy ahead of the Ashes, but he is proving me wrong Test by Test. Long may it continue!

Lunch 75-4! Strauss would have been wondering is he had made the right call to bowl first midway through that session, however three wickets in 39 deliveries have swung this Test well and truly in England’s favour. Sehwag, Gambhir, Tendulkar and Dravid are all back in the hutch and the ball is still moving both in the air and off the pitch. A fine performance, yet again, from England’s seamers, with Bresnan (2-13) and Broad (2-32) sharing the wickets

75-4 – WICKET! Huge wicket for England on the stroke of lunch! Dravid has gone courtesy of an absolute jaffa from Bresnan. It pitched, hit the seam and crashed into the top of off stump. Too good for Dravid, and it’s not often you say that! The Wall walks off with 22 to his name and the England players follow him – that is lunch!

Over 26 Anderson 2-0-0-0-0-0-0 75-3 – Wonderful timing from Laxam, who rolls his wrists and whips Anderson through square-leg, only a diving stop from Pietersen saves the boundary. Jimmy is back on target later in the over and beats Laxman with a peach outside off stump. One more over before lunch?

Over 25 Bresnan 0-4-1-0-0-0 73-3 – Laxman plays the returning Bresnan later than late and steers the ball through gully for four. VVS gets off strike next ball with a sharp single on the leg-side. I love the jumper Laxman bats in, apparently he nets in a coat. He must be the coldest man of all time!

Winning formula Roger Clarke asks: “Question – what do you do assuming England wrap up the series at Edgbaston??? We are no. 1 in the world – do we consolodate (and go for a 4-0 series win), or give youngsters a chance of test match cricket – notably replacements for Strauss, KP, Swann and Anderson (all of which are nearing the end of their careers)???”. No-brainer Roger, you keep with a winning team. There is no benefit in playing younger players for one Test. Stick with the winning formula!

Over 24 Anderson 0-0-1-2-0-0 68-3 – The wicket of Dravid is absolutely crucial now. With Raina and Dhoni in next – both of whom have struggled this series – India could be in danger of collapsing in a heap. Big responsibility on the Wall’s shoulders. He drives off the back foot for a couple to remind everyone he is still here

65-3 – WICKET! Tendulkar is OUT! Broad claims the prized scalp as Anderson is again involved – taking a regulation catch at third slip. Prodding forward tentatively, Tendulkar could only look back in horror as Anderson held well in the slip corden. Only one run for the Little Master. Laxman gets off the mark first ball with a boundary – but that doesn’t tell the true story. Broad went for the yorker, and Laxman just managed to get his bat down to keep it out and it flew to the fine-leg fence. England have their tails up here and this is proving a difficult time to bat now

Over 22 Anderson 0-0-0-0-0-1 60-2 – Canny move from Strauss as Bresnan, despite striking in his last over, is taken off and Anderson returns. Jimmy seems to have the measure of the ‘Little Master’ at present… Tendulkar wafts loosely at the first ball, a huge sign of nerves. Anderson beats him again, this time between bat and pad and so close to off stump. This is a great battle. Sachin gets off the mark last ball with a single to fine leg

Over 21 Broad 0-0-0-0-0-0 59-2 – Broad backs up mate Bresnan with a testing maiden to Dravid. ‘The Wall’ remains as solid as a rock though. Looks like Anderson will replace Bresnan to have a go at Sachin…

59-2 – WICKET! Gambhir calls Dravid through for a quick single but he’ll wish he hadn’t now! Bresnan pitches it up, Gambhir goes for the drive, but can only drag the ball back onto his stumps! England celebrate a much-needed scalp and Gambhir trudges off for a well-made 38. Tendulkar comes in with 30mins left till lunch… He keeps out the last ball of the over

Over 19 Broad 1-0-0-0-1-0 58-1 – Owch! Dravid cops a blow on his bottom hand as Broad gets one to bounce sharply. He is in clear distress but hobbles through for a single. Encouraging signs for the bowlers, still, but bat continues to dominate

Over 18 Bresnan 0-0-1-0-0-0 56-1 – Could be time for Swann pretty soon, you know. With his record against left-handers he will fancy his chances against Gambhir and this pitch could suit the slower bowlers. Only a Gambhir single to report as Bresnan keeps things tight

Over 17 Broad 0-1-0-2-0-0 55-1 – Not as much movement on offer for England’s bowlers and both batsmen pick up runs on the on-side. Can England find the breakthrough before lunch?

Over 16 Bresnan 0-0-0-0-0-1 52-1 – Cautious cricket from both sides at present. India know that if they come through this first session with only one wicket down batting will become much easier as the day progresses. Only one Gambhir run off Bresnan’s latest over

Over 15 Broad 0-0-0-4-0-0 51-1 – Broad is back and starts with an inch-perfect yorker which Dravid does well to dig out. Broad persists with a full length however Dravid is more than up to the challenge and leans forward and drives through the covers to bring up the India 50. The England bowler bounces back well, beating Dravid with a beauty which just leaves the right-hander last ball

Over 14 Bresnan 0-0-0-4-0-0 47-1 – Shot! Gambhir moves onto 34 with a cracking straight drive down the ground. A rueful grin from Bresnan who appreciates the class of that shot. Drinks called

Over 13 Anderson 0-0-1-0-0-0 43-1 – Gambhir takes a blow on the glove when Anderson, bowling his seventh over of the day, gets one to bounce a little higher than expected. The India batsman takes it well though a swiftly gets off strike

Over 12 Bresnan 1-1-0-0-0-0 42-1 – Dravid, who is on course for three centuries in as many Tests this series, breaks a run of 13 successive dot balls with a sharp single. Gambhir repeats the dose before The Wall calls for a new bat – a move which sparks plenty of chatter from England’s fielders

Over 11 Anderson 0-0-0-0-0-0 40-1 – Back-to-back maidens from England as Anderson gives Gambhir a stern working over before beating his flailing bat last ball. India are riding their look at the moment…

Over 10 Bresnan 0-0-0-0-0-0 40-1 – Broad (1-18) is handed an early breather as Bresnan comes into the attack. He so nearly gets the breakthrough, too, only a faint inside edge saving Dravid from an lbw dismissal. The Yorkshireman then caps a fine first over by beating the outside edge of Dravid’s flashing blade with the last ball. Great start

Over 9 Anderson 0-0-0-0-1-0 40-1 – A fascinating contest between Anderson and Dravid at present – two masters of their art. ‘The Wall’ is winning at present, although he is slightly fortunate to see and inside edge save the ball from crashing into his stumps. He picks up a single

Over 8 Broad 0-0-0-0-0-4 39-1 – After five probing deliveries, Broad offers up a juicy half-volley and Gambhir drives powerfully through extra cover for his sixth boundary. Frustration for the bowler as India continue to fight back well at Edgbaston

Over 7 Anderson 0-0-0-0-1-2 35-1 – Jimmy continues to mix up his out and inswingers to keep the batsmen guessing. No luck as yet for England’s strike bowler though and India keep the scoreboard ticking along at five-an-over

Over 6 Broad 4-0-0-4-0-0 32-1 – Broad, who has fond memories of Edgbaston having taken career-best figures of 8-52 here last season for Nottinghamshire, is driven for two sumptuous boundaries by Dravid. The first is punched down the ground and the second in similar fashion through extra cover. The Wall looks as solid as ever here…

Early inroads Fergal, from Chamonix says: “Noting that England hammered India in both tests so far while losing what were very important tosses I have to say I reckon India’s best chance of a test victory went with the last movement of that coin. Now India have a hole different kind of movement to worry about and the England seamers will make inroads into the Indian top order quite quicky….IMHO!”

Over 5 Anderson 0-1-0-0-0-0 24-1 – Dravid gets off the mark with a defensive push behind square on the off-side. Anderson is too wide to Gambhir thereafter, perhaps attempting to tempt him into a loose shot away from his body

Over 4 Broad 0-0-0-2-4-0 23-1 – Anguish for Broad as Gambhir edges just short of a diving Pietersen at fourth slip. The ball is hooping and Gambhir continues to go hard at the ball. The runs are flowing for the India opener though, and he clips carefully through midwicket for a couple before glancing off his thigh pad to the fine-leg fence. Gripping Test match cricket at the moment!

Over 3 Anderson 0-4-0-4-1-0 17-1 – More drama and swing in over number three. First England go up for a huge lbw appeal when Gambhir offers no stroke to a ball that nips back – correct decision from umpire Taufel. Gambhir then strokes a boundary through the covers before surviving a caught behind appeal – bat and pad, not ball. A second boundary of the over comes by the way of an edge through the slip cordon. Gautam has raced to 17 off 11 balls

8-1 – WICKET! Sehwag is out first ball! It’s a goldie! Broad gets his opening delivery to nip back, Sehwag attempts to leave it but can only glove straight to Prior. Umpire Steve Davis remarkably says not out, however England review immediately and the decision is reversed! Huge strike for England and Dravid is in. Broad is straight on the money to ‘The Wall’ but he sees out the rest of the over, despite a strong lbw appeal – he clearly hit it first. Great start from Broad

Over 1 Anderson 0-4-0-0-0-4 8-0 – India’s recognised opening partnership is back together and Anderson charges in to bowl the first over. There is swing straight away, although Gambhir is watchful and steers his first runs along the floor past third slip for a boundary. The carry is good, too, and Prior takes the ball comfortably above his waist. Anderson strays onto Gambhir’s pads last ball and the left-hander diverts it fine to the boundary. Fine start for India but plenty of encouragement for Anderson

Jerusalem England’s cricket anthem is blazing out on the tannoy and the players are making their way out onto the field. Here we go!!

New-look Edgbaston First things first – the ground looks fantastic. Huw Morris has likened the new concourse to that at the MCG. Is anyone making their way to Edgbaston over the next five days?

Batting power India’s top five of Sehwag, Gambhir, Dravid, Tendulkar and Laxman is frightening on paper, can they fire today? Sehwag has only played one first-class match since January though and failed to make double figures against Northants last week…

Get in touch So, what are your third Test predictions? Will England race 3-0 ahead or will India finally show some fight and turn things around? Send all your thoughts throughout the day to Joe.drabble@bskyb.com and Tweet me @SkySportsDrabs

Teams As we know, Ravi Bopara replaces Jonathan Trott in England’s only change from Trent Bridge. India welcome back openers Virender Sehwag and Gautam Gambhir and leg-spinner Amit Mishra in place of Abhinav Makund, Yuvraj Singh and Harbhajan Singh.

Toss England have won the toss and will BOWL first. Andrew Strauss wants to “exploit helpful overhead conditions” and is hoping for some early assistance from a greenish pitch. MS Dhoni admits he too, would have bowled first

Welcome Good morning everyone and welcome along to interactive coverage of day one of the third Test at Edgbaston. England are closing in on the No.1 Test ranking (in case you hadn’t heard) and a win in the Second City will make that happen for the first time in the history of this great game. Team news, pitch/weather updates all to come…

   .. more …