Story India goes to England for real test

[ashu2411]

The BCCI today arranged a press meeting and announced that Indian team will go to England after returning from Sharjah for a full tour where they will play 3 test matches against England followed by a four-nation one-day tournamet featuring South Africa, New Zealand, England and India.

The ECB has confirmend the tour and all the tour dates will be announced soon. The practise matches will also be decided after discussion between the two boards.

 

[sohail]

Awesome!! This is gonna be a cracker of a series! i'll be looking forward to this

 

[ashu2411]

Awesome!! This is gonna be a cracker of a series! i'll be looking forward to this

thanks for your support. I hope this story stands with your expectations.

 

[Cricketman]

oh yeah this is going to rule. Loved the Sahara cup, i hope india wins

 

[ashu2411]

oh yeah this is going to rule. Loved the Sahara cup, i hope india wins

I am sure it was Sharjah Cup and not Sahara Cup. But thanks and keep posting as I will start tour matches soon along with Sharjah Cup final.

 

[ashu2411]

BCCI after a long discussion with ECB has finally reached the decision over tour dates. India will be flying to England on Jan 11,2006. India will then play two four day practise matches with Essex and Surrey each before playing England for three test matches. The one-day tournament dates are yet to be confirmed. So here is the full tour details:

ARRIVAL

Indian Team Arrival at London Indernational Airport - Jan 11

PRACTISE MATCHES

First Practise Match - India vs Surrey at Leeds 4 day Match - Jan 15-18

Second Practise Match - India vs Essex at Southampton - Jan 22-25

TEST SERIES

First Test Match - India vs England at Nottingham - Jan 31 - Feb 4

Second Test Match - India vs England at Lord's - Feb 8- 12

Third Test Match - India vs England at Chester Lee Street - Feb 16-20

ONE-DAY TOURNAMENT

Four Nation one-day Tournament - Dates and venues yet to confirm

 

[James_W]

Why not arrive at Heathrow, makes much more sense.

Only joking, can't wait for another fantastic story mate!

 

[muhammad13]

good luvck

 

[ramesh1986]

This should be a tough challenge for India.

 

[Cricketman]

I am sure it was Sharjah Cup and not Sahara Cup. But thanks and keep posting as I will start tour matches soon along with Sharjah Cup final.

Sorry typo lol

 

[ashu2411]

Michael Vaughan talks to media about upcoming series with India.

About loss in Pakistan:

We were definitely beaten in all forms of game by Pakistan in that series. We were not able to perform at our full potential and Pakistan team was much better prepared then us. Many believe that we were complacent after wining the Ashes which led to or downfall in pakistan but I think we lost because of lack of preparation and loosing key sessions.

About upcoming series with India:

This will a very tough and challenging tournament for both teams but we definitely have an edge with playing in the home conditions.

About England team:

Our players are definitely short of some confidence after a bitter loss to Pakistan but this is a new series and we are playing at home. So we will definitely come out of it and give our best to beat India.

About Indian team:

Indian team has surely emerged as a very competitive team in just very few months. They are world ranked number 2 which definitely shows how tough and good as a team they are.

About Indian team weaknesses:

Indian team has a great batting lineup with some of the greatest batsmen in world but its always been some prone to short and fast bowling which we definitely will try to exploit. We will be doing thoro studies of their batting style and will take full advantage of their any weakness.

Moreover their bowling is a bit inexperienced so if we put them under pressure then we will definitely gain some advantage.

Strategies in the series:

Our main strategy will be to bat with our full potential and the bowl the right line to Indian batsmen. Winning and performing well in crucial stages will definitely make us victorious.

About your injury:

I am now fully fit and available for selection.

 

[ashu2411]

16 men Indian Team was announced today for the tour. There were many surprised selections in the India team. First of all Saurabh Ganguly retained his place in team. Venu and Raina are also included in the touring team and Karthik has been dropped as India decided to go with only two spinners. All the medium pacers were almost expected. The Indian management also declared that they should be ready for a surprised opening pair in test matches. Here is the team that will leave for England on 12th January:

V Sehwag
G Gambhir
VVS Laxman
s Tendulkar
S Ganguly
R Dravid(C)
Y Singh
M Dhoni(WK)
V Rao
S Raina
I Pathan
A Kumble
H Singh
RP Singh
A Agarkar
Z Khan

 

[ashu2411]

Indian team today arrived at London International Airport to receive warm welcome from England crowd. The star-led Indian team will play two practise matches before playing against England in a three test match series. All the Indian players went straight to their hotels to take rest and get ready for practise session tomorrow to prepare for their first practise match against Surrey.

 

[ashu2411]

Welcome to Leeds Cricket Ground where India is playing their first practise match against Surrey.

The news from middle is that Surrey have won the toss and asked India to bat first. The pitch looks very green and its overcast condition with temperature being very low. This is going to be a tough ask for Indian batsmen and their true test in these trying conditions.

 

[ashu2411]

Here are the two teams for this match. indian team is pretty much expected with Yuvraj loosing his place to Gambhir in team. India definitely wanted to go with specialist openers in this match. Harbhajan also find a place in the match but from his county side Surrey.