[nkrishnap]

Originally Posted by NPV

Apparently the selectors mentioned that he hasn't got a place in the playing XI on a continuous basis
Come on, he needs to play at least 20 tests on the trot to prove his talent with a double/triple century

To prove in 1 match, ditch the other 19 matches what a funda by the selectors.

[landcruiser123]

Originally Posted by Eddy

Jadeja is almost certain to play after his five wicket hall in the Duleep trophy final yesterday. Pujara scored an unbeaten double ton at a strike rate of 70+.

Will be interesting to see the final playing 11 now

In Asian conditions, two spinners will play. So, Jadeja will play alongside Ashwin.

Kumble recently told that Pujara is a very important player in the Indian side. He also mentioned that Pujara is the ideal player for no 3 spot.

I think Rohit will sit, Rahul might play at no 3 if he's replacing Pujara.

[hemanth.anand]

So the 500th Indian Test has begun and India is Batting!

The final 11 looks much better with Dhawan Out. It would have looked even better with Talent Sharma out. A 3rd Quickie Bhuvi or A third spinner Amit Mishra in place of him would've been preferable IMO. Anyway, let's take out one by one

500 Matches and SRT was part of 200 of them...Amazing record in itself!

[Eddy]

I am disappointed that AIR is not covering this match. Radio commentary is a good stress buster while driving.

[hemanth.anand]

Some Records I looked at on espncricinfo website:

India have played 500 Matches in 84 Years (and SRT was part of 200 of them in 24 Years!)

India is now the 4th country to have played 500 or more tests with WI slightly ahead 517. England is 24 away from 1000 Tests!

India is however 5th in terms of Win/Loss Ratio(0.821). Srilanka is 4th in this respect(0.847) with around 250 tests
England is second in terms of Win loss Ratio(1.232) and Australia Sits on Top at 1.763

India has the highest percentage of Draws among all teams at 42.4%

[Eddy]

Looks like Kiwis are not the pushovers they were assumed to be. I hope they continue and this is a hard fought series

Btw, talent failed again yesterday

[nkrishnap]

Originally Posted by Eddy

Looks like Kiwis are not the pushovers they were assumed to be. I hope they continue and this is a hard fought series

Btw, talent failed again yesterday

Talent just tried a shot and as always as the shot can go wrong and it went wrong It is more often than not in the case of talent.

[vamsi.kona]

Good win for India and good fight by Kiwi's, especially it being first test in the series.

[PPS]

Gambhir recalled for the remainder of the test series against New Zealand in place of injured KL Rahul!
Not sure if this is a stop-gap arrangement & wonder how Shikhar Dhawan must be feeling since he's been in woeful form off late.

http://www.espncricinfo.com/india-v-...y/1059400.html

[Eddy]

What surprised me most was that Yuvraj was also called for the fitness test. I hope he is not ahead of Manish Pandey in the pecking order. Maybe he will play the ODIs.

[hemanth.anand]

Originally Posted by PPS

Gambhir recalled for the remainder of the test series against New Zealand in place of injured KL Rahul!
Not sure if this is a stop-gap arrangement & wonder how Shikhar Dhawan must be feeling since he's been in woeful form off late.

But still Dhawan has been picked into the playing XI ahead of Gambhir because the latter has not played test cricket for 2 years!
Ah! as I write this, Dhawan is already out in his usual "chopped the ball onto the wickets" style . His woeful form continues

[Eddy]

And talent has............ I don't need to say more, do I ?

[pratyush6]

Really good and engrossing Test Match Cricket going on this one. I hope the Kiwis put up a better fight!

[PPS]

Originally Posted by Eddy

And talent has............ I don't need to say more, do I ?

Timely knock from Rohit when the team was in a tricky situation. I guess he's confirmed his place in the team for the next half a dozen tests atleast!

[landcruiser123]

Rohit has played well today. I still think he won't be reliable on tough tracks.
All his ODI scores have come on good batting wickets.

Rahane was the most disappointing today.