Filed under India vs England

If you're asking for 1 (or 2) word explanation of England bowlers, I'll use 'Persistent' for Mathew Hoggard, 'Heavy balls' for Andrew Flintoff, 'steep bounce' for Steven Harmisogn, 'outswinging' for Liam Plunkett, 'truly talented' for Madhusudhan Singh (aka Monty) Panesar. And I'll carefully use the words 'county bull' for newcommer left arm seamer Ryan Sidebottom.

But you need to know more than that about English bowling, don't you? Specially when Indian cricket team will be touring n playing at total of 3 tests a 2020 & 7 ODIs. moreso when you are an Indian yourself..

Lets start with two S's I haven't mentioned so far ~ Simon Jones & Sajid Mehmood. One could reverse swing the ball in, other could touch 90 miles per hour.. both are injured and not expected to trouble Indians. Neither will Ashley Giles - the left arm (negative line) bowler.

But Monty Panesar will. This turban talent kicked off his International career against India in India little over an year ago, under English tag, but now have cemented his place in both forms of the game. Batsmen around the World have been guilty of 'trying to cut' Panesar's deliveries, who bowls a tight line out-side-off consistently. I'm amazed at the number of bowleds Monty gets. He can turn the ball alright, but rarely does or need to.

I've already written quite a bit about Liam Plunkett & Steve Harmison, so please be kind to consult Itsonlycricket player profiles. Lets come straight to Andrew Flintoff, who's been ordered to return as full time all-rounder, or don't return at all. Flintoff recently was criticized by his own Captain Michael Vaughan, but controversies apart - Freddie can bowl nearly 90 kmph fast deliveries, & extract loads of bounce. He also is a master of taking the ball away from left handed batsmen while bowling around the wicket.

Mathew Hoggard is a persistent man. He'll take the new ball, run a long run up to bowl a dubbly-dobbly overpitched ball. Hoggard himself doesn't know which way the ball will swing, so opening batsmen always all into his trap. Mathew is also a hard working bowler with 130 km/hr bowling speed, & bowls long spell to break partnerships in test match cricket.

Ryan Sidebottom is new to International test cricket, but he has been playing English County cricket since 2000. 335 first class wickets at an average of 24.77 for Sidebottom proves his skills with ball, specially in English conditions. He can swing the ball into the right handers, & also make it leave them. When in good bowling form - Ryan Sidebottom is natural fighter for any opposition.

Monty Panesar is the last man, but the most important one. He made his debut against India, & now India in England 2007 series comes at a time when Panesar has established himself completely. His flight, in-dip in air & turn away from righties is simply remarkable. I know Indian batsman are good in playing spin, but Panesar will have his question on his home conditions.

History of India vs England..

India in England 2007 - the itinerary

Scrutinizing English bowling artillery

Indian squad for Ireland, Scotland & England tours

Tricks & Flaws, against & of England test match batting

Monty Panesar ~ an Indian gift to England, now a threat

Starcricket to telecast India's warm up matches

Listen live running commentary of India vs England matches

Tickets, Telecast & Timing ~ India-England cricket series 2007

India earns the draw of substance, series 0-0.