BANGALORE: When they embarked on the seven ODIs and two Tests tour of India, England might surely not have visualised the kind of situation they find themselves in. Down 0-3 and more importantly, the spark not yet evident for a fightback, something that they did in 2003 when they forced a 3-3 draw after being similarly down, the English think-tank is at its wits’ end in search of the same.
England’s batting has been quite disappointing with the top order not getting to big totals or chasing with ease and conviction. The bowlers, mainly of the faster variety, have struggled on pitches offering little help.
“It is a big game for us, and, in fact, from now on every game is a final for us. We need to put in a huge effort in Bangalore and we need contribution from everybody,’’ said the England coach Peter Moores. “We did not get some partnerships going in the last match. The one between Ravi Bopara and Ian Bell, was progressing well and we could have knocked off a few more runs, and it could have been handy considering the situation the game ended,’’ Moores said.
“I hope it could change (day-night match changing the dynamics of the game) but credit should be given to the Indian team. They have been playing exceptional cricket. But we have been enjoying the challenge of closing the gap, and hope we can come up with a good effort in Bangalore,’’ said Moores.