Andrew Strauss' Englishmen may be relieved at not having to face an intimidating Kolkata crowd, but England-based former India stumper Farokh Engineer feels Mahendra Singh Dhoni's Indians have ducked a bullet too, considering the strong English pace attack
Andrew Strauss' Englishmen may be relieved at not having to face an intimidating Kolkata crowd, but England-based former India stumper Farokh Engineer feels Mahendra Singh Dhoni's Indians have ducked a bullet too, considering the strong English pace attack
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| Work in progress at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata earlier this month. PIC/AFP |
Would members of Andrew Strauss' team be heaving a sigh of relief after hearing the news about Kolkata losing the India vs England World Cup game? If viewed by cynical eyes, the answer could be in the affirmative considering England have not exactly relished playing in front of sub-continental crowds and conditions.
This theory did not attract approval from Farokh Engineer, the former India wicketkeeper-batsman, now settled in Lancashire. "True, India would have enjoyed the support of a very vociferous and knowledgeable crowd, but that would be neutralised by England's strong pace attack," said Engineer.
The International Cricket Council ruled out Eden Gardens as a venue for the India vs England tie on February 27
yesterday. Though several Indian victories have been achieved on turning Eden tracks, there have been times when the pacemen have not complained.
Pity the fansEngineer said a large number of English cricket fans would be disappointed considering the great atmosphere every big game at Eden witnesses. "I am sure a lot of people including those from the media would be extremely sad to miss out on this fixture. They love coming to Eden Gardens," said Engineer, who was part of two (1961-62 and 1972-73) out of three India's Test wins over England at the 77-year-old Test venue.
The last time England played a Test in the City of Joy was in 1992-93 whenu00a0 Mohd Azharuddin's team ended up winning. England don't have happy World Cup memories at Kolkata after they lost the 1987 final to Australia.
