Test Matches at Lords 2

Having previously written of the curse of 'flat' pitches and their effect on fast bowlers, I must now applaud all those concerned with the first test match against India at Lords. It was, unless you support India, a perfect test match in that it finished in the last session of the final, fifth day with England emerging as worthy victors.
Much of the credit for this win must go to Pieterson for his double century, Prior for both his good keeping throughout the match and a fine century in England's second innings and a great display of swing bowling from James Anderson. Oh! and by the way, another factor will be the Indian Captain who, having won the toss, put England into bat first. Wrong! He might not have fancied facing England's bowlers on that first morning but to my mind it is almost never right not to have first use of the wicket.

The crowd on the last day was almost unprecedented and demonstrates that it is possible for five day test matches to be a success although one must remember this game was against India who have a huge following in the UK. Nevertheless, it was a great match and well done to all concerned, particularly those who prepared a great wicket that gave opportunities for those good enough to take advantage.