England won another one sided match today in what must go down as one of the most disappointing test series of recent times, to clinch a 4-0 whitewash over India
India had reached 262-3, with Amit Mishra (84) and Sachin Tendulkar (91) joining forces in a 144 run partnership for the 4th wicket. Once Mishra had been dismissed, Tendulkar followed soon after, lbw to Tim Bresnan, and the final 7 wickets went down for a meagre 21 runs to lose by an innings and 8 runs. Graeme Swann finished with 9 wickets for the match (6 in the second innings) after an uncharacteristically quiet series in the first 3 matches . It was an utterly pitiful surrender totally in keeping with the uniform woeful performances offered up by India over the course of the series, to leave the plentiful Indian supporters at the Oval for the final day's play despondent once more.
India reached 300 only once over the course of the series, and Praveen Kumar and Rahul Dravid apart - who made 3 centuries during the series in a reminder of his enduring class and character - the Indian players might well consider donating their match fees to charity, so feeble have their efforts been.
England have of course performed well, but they are a functional, professional side rather than an inspirational and wonderfully talented one and test cricket is heading towards the doldrums unless teams like India give greater respect to test match series by properly preparing for foreign tours.
None of the test matches in the series have been close, with all 4 victories being extremely comfortable, with a couple being hammerings.
From England's perspective, Stuart Broad can be pleased with his efforts in taking 20 wickets in the series and making useful contributions with the bat to bring an end to suggestions that he should be dropped. Kevin Pietersen returned to top form with 2 sizeable centuries at Lord's and the Oval, and Alastair Cook and Ian Bell continued their recent glut of run scoring with a double century apiece in the series. All of the players contributed at one point or another (Bresnan and Anderson also bowled impressively), but these were the standout performers.
It is to be hoped that the one day series to begin shortly is at least a contest to sate the appetite of fans of good cricketing contests the world over.
Nick Rogerson
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