Reflections on Final Day of First Test

By learning from their mistakes of the 1st innings, the batsmen from both sides ensured that this match ended in a draw. The players only have three days to reflect on the pros and cons of this contest before the second test starts on Thursday.

David Lloyd suggested that Panesar was Flintoff's choice. If so it was an inspired one. He bowled 58 overs in the match, more than any other England bowler. He took three wickets, more than any other spinner in the match and had an impressive economy rate of 2.26. His three victims were all quality batsmen: Tendulkar, Kaif and Dravid. However, if Panesar was Flintoff's choice, Blackwell clearly wasn't. He only bowled 19 overs in the match, less than any other England bowler, with the exception of Bell. Blackwell was wicket-less with an economy rate of 3.74.

The selectors will have to wrestle with the age old problem of whether to select a bowler when the captain clearly has no faith in his ability. It will be very difficult for Blackwell to prove himself to his captain if he is always last to get his hands on the ball and is only tried as a last resort. With Udal waiting in the wings I venture that Blackwell will have to wait a little longer for another opportunity to take his first test wicket.