16 August,2011 09:21 AM IST | | Debasish Datta
Contrary to stats, Vaughan & Boycott warn India to brace up another green top
The Kennington Oval here is widely regarded as the best batting surface in the UK.
In 2007, Rahul Dravid's Indians posted a mammoth 664 in their first innings. Previously too India's batsmen enjoyed the North London venue. In 1990, Ravi Shastri's 187 took India to 606-9 declared; in 2002, Dravid's 217 helped India pile on 508.
The venue has witnessed 36 draws in 93 Tests - a significantly higher ratio than Lord's, Trent Bridge, Headingley and Edgbaston. In fact, India have drawn 7 out of 10 Tests here.
Even as India's star-studded batting line-up is hoping to make amends for the disastrous tour thus far, former England greats
Michael Vaughan and Geoffrey Boycott have warned the visitors against an easier outing, asking MS Dhoni and Co to expect a shade of grass in the fourth and final Test that gets underway on Thursday.u00a0
"I haven't been there recently (so I am not sure how the surface will behave). I've been hearing that the pitch has quickened up a little. If there's some grass, and if India play the same bowlers, England will look to deliver the knockout blow and go for 4-0," Boycott told MiD DAY yesterday.
Just as Boycott wondered if India's batsmen would enjoy The Oval surface, Vaughan intervened, "Don't expect anything different. I was there recently (during a one-dayer against Sri Lanka), and spotted some grass. I don't find any reason the curator won't prepare a quick surface. The only bad news for England is that James Anderson is doubtful, but that won't mean any reprieve for India," he told MiD DAY.
Boycott felt that England won't breathe easy till they win the series 4-0, "The celebrations have been subtle, and they won't celebrate properly till there's a whitewash. This England side is going for the kill. India will need to play out of their skins."
Meanwhile, the Indians, who reached here from Birmingham yesterday afternoon, decided to stay away from practice for another day. There will be a two-day session that begins today leading into the first day of the Test.
They had a lengthy team meeting at Birmingham on Sunday. Skipper MS Dhoni ordered that it will now be a one-match series, and there was all to play for. There were some encouraging words being spoken. The teammates were reminded that Sachin Tendulkar could get to his 100th international hundred at the same venue where he played his 100th Test matchu00a0-- during the tour of 2002.
Tendulkar has a special connection with England.
His first Test century and 100th Test could culminate with his 100th Test century at a venue where his highest score is 82.
