Don't write off England, warns Vengsarkar
Anand Vasu - 16 November 2001

One of the most stylish batsmen India has produced, Dilip Balwant Vengsarkar is often rated higher than anyone else by people who watched him in his prime. Renowned for his balance at the wicket, Vengsarkar adopts a similar stance when looking forward to the forthcoming England tour of India. Having scored three hundreds against England at Lord's, Vengarkar is one of the ideal candidates to assess India's chances.

While the majority of former Indian cricketers are of the opinion that India will canter to victory, Vengsarkar plays it safe. Beware the underdog, warns the 'Colonel.' Mohali could throw up a few surprises, he says; perhaps memories of 1984 come flooding back. After winning the first Test at Mumbai, India went on to lose at Delhi and Chennai, going down 1-2 in the series.

Circumstances, however, are a bit different this time around, with many key English players pulling out in the wake of the disturbances in Afghanistan. Vengsarkar sees the absence of Andrew Caddick and Darren Gough as vital and wonders if that could cost England the first Test, and with it the series.

On the kind of approach that India should use against England: [ Listen ]

DV: It is not a question of what approach India should take (laughs). England face an uphill task here. They do not have any players who have played in India before. So what is more important, really, is how England are going to approach India.

Should England have recalled cricketers with more experience? Perhaps Phil Tufnell... [ Listen ]

DV: I do not know how much that kind of thing would have helped the English cause. He was here last time and, to be honest, he was not of much help. I think Darren Gough and Andrew Caddick would have been more than handy, especially on a wicket like Mohali. If they were here, things would have been very different. I really do not know how good the new bowling attack is.

On the fact that the Indians are not doing well in South Africa: [ Listen ]

DV: That does not really make such a big difference to the home series against England. When we play at home, things change. It has always been like that, at least for the last 10 years or so.

On the composition of the Indian team: [ Listen ]

DV: I do not think the Indian team will play five bowlers; two medium- pacers and two spinners is the most likely attack. Sourav Ganguly with his medium-pace, and Sachin Tendulkar and Virender Sehwag with their spin, can bowl a few overs if the variety is needed.

How he sees the series unfolding: [ Listen ]

DV: It will definitely be an interesting series. One thing I hate to do is predict outcomes when it comes to Test cricket. Do not forget that David Gower's team came to India and beat us 2-1, despite losing the first Test at Mumbai. If you look at it, anything can happen. I admit, at the moment India has a strong hold on the series, but it could go either way. It all depends on how the English prepare. Their best chance will be in Mohali, where there is something in the wicket for them. Ahmedabad traditionally turns a lot, Bangalore is generally flat, and they will find it hard at these venues. If they want to create an impression, their best chance will be in Mohali.

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