As the clock ticks by, our Indian cricket team prepares itself for the battle against England for the Npower Test Series. The first of the three tests commences on July 19th. So, for the next three-four weeks, cricketing fans across the country will be glued to their television sets.
Unfortunately, our Tellywood stars don't have such luxury, as often they are required to work round the clock. However, they may not be able to catch all the action, but their hearts and prayers lie with the Men in Blue.
We at Tellychakkar caught up with few cricket fanatics in Tellywood and asked them about India's chances in this test series against England.
Salil Ankola. Injury cut short the career of this talented cricketer. Since then, Salil has switched to acting and has excelled in his new profession. However, his heart still beats for India when he talks about our team's prospects in England.
Can India beat England in the test series? Yes. I'm confident that trio of Tendulkar, Ganguly and Dravid will do really well. We also have the right bowlers in Sreesanth and Zaheer. Plus, we don't have Greg Chappell. So, I'm pretty confident that we'll win this time.
Are you happy with the squad chosen? Ours is a country of one billion people and the selectors have to pick a squad of only 15. So, you can never make everyone happy. Though, I feel Pathan would have been a good choice. From what I've heard, he's been bowling well in the nets. His bowling would have been more than handful in English conditions. Apart from him, I don't think anyone should feel left out.
What will be your ideal combination? In England, conditions differ from venue to venue. However, with the kind of batsmen at our disposal, we should boost our bowling. Play six batsman and five bowlers. Drop Laxman or Dhoni. If Laxman's ready to open then drop the latter. My three seamers would be Zaheer, Sreesanth, and RP.Singh. Both Kumble and Powar should play.
Strategy for success: At Lord's, 'Win the toss and bowl'. The wicket does something in the first two days. Thereafter it becomes good for batting. The other venues, Nottingham and Oval are batter's paradise. So, it wouldn't matter whether you bat first or second. Above all, let Sreesanth be Sreesanth.
Your Indian player of the series: It has to be Sachin. He's in great form and I expect him to score at least two hundreds in the series.
Biggest threat to India: Monty Panesar. He's simply an outstanding bowler. Indian batsman should guard going defensive against him.
Manish Goel
A cricket enthusiast, who often swings his ballah (bat) on the sets, Goel just can't have enough of cricket.
Can India beat England in the test series? After the World Cup debacle, our boys have to redeem themselves. There's pressure on them to perform. So, I'm sure they will play well. However, I must confess that this pressure can also work against them but I still expect India to win.
Are you happy with the squad chosen? All my favourites are in the side. So, I couldn't be happier. However, Pathan's exclusion baffles me. He didn't play a game in the World Cup and got sacked. I'm very much a Sehwag fan but he simply didn't merit a place in the side.
What will be your ideal combination? Play six batsman and five bowlers. Don't drop Laxman but rest him. I wouldn't drop Jaffer as both of us have the same trainer ((Vijay Alva) at gym. Let the youngsters get a chance. My fast bowlers will be Zaheer, Sreesanth and RP.Singh. If the wicket is fast, then play four seamers. Kumble is going to be my trump card.
Strategy for success: Bowling first will be the key to success. Often, wickets in England offer help to bowlers in the opening days. I'm confident that our batsman will score the runs in both innings. Also Flintoff and Harmison's absence will only help our cause.
Your Indian player of the series: I'd like Yuvraj to shine but I'm not so sure whether he'll make it to the final X1. So, I'll pick Dhoni.
Biggest threat to India: It has to Monty Panesar.
Yash Tonk
Like his good friend Salil Ankola, Yash too is a keen cricket follower and simply adores Sachin .
Can India beat England in the test series? We will beat them. The recent win against South Africa has boosted our morale. Also, Sachin and Sourav are in great from. Hence, there's no reason why we can't win in England.
Are you happy with the squad chosen? In the current circumstances, I reckon we've got a balanced squad. Perhaps, the only one who'll feel left out is Mohammad Kaif. He's a good player, has proved himself in the past. He hasn't been given enough chances.
What will be your ideal combination? Batting is our strength. So, we must play seven batsmen. My bowling line-up will be; Zaheer, Sreesanth, RP.Singh and Kumble.
Strategy for success: No strategy as such. But our batsmen will simply have to fire if we are to win. I'm not worried about the bowling as our bowlers usually do well in England.
You Indian player of the series: Sachin, Sachin and Sachin!
Biggest threat to India: Kevin Pietersen. He always does well against the big opposition.
Rohit Roy
Not only is he an avid cricket fan, but Rohit confesses to being a sportsman himself. Not long ago, the handsome actor was seen in Extraaa Innings chatting with the likes of Navjot Sidhu, Tony Grieg and Geoffrey Boycott.
Can India beat England in the test series? We should beat them. We have a very balanced side. Also, in Harmison absence, the battle is already half won.
Are you happy with the squad chosen? Well, it is a good squad. Questions are always raised when any Indian side is picked. Our selectors are smarter than we think. I'm sure they must have looked into all options before finalizing this squad. I don't think anyone should feel disappointed. Although, I'd like to add that Sachin, Sourav and Rahul have chickened out by making themselves unavailable for the Twenty20 World Cup.
What will be your ideal combination? Play six batsman and five bowlers. I'll drop Jaffer and ask Sourav to open. Play four seamers and a spinner.
Strategy for success: It's pointless talking about strategies. Commenting on it is like walking on a tight rope. All 11 players have to play to their potential. Target the weakness of the opposition.
You Indian player of the series: My mind says Sachin but my heart lies with Sourav.
Biggest threat to India: Kevin Pietersen. Though, he may have not done well against West Indies, he'd like to make amends now.
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