Even though England have lost Vaughan, Trescothick and Jones before the Nagpur Test, the tourists have a pace battery that can trouble the in-form Indian batsmen.
The two keep motivating players and are also an integral component in Pakistan's scheme of things in one-day cricket. Their indisposition eliminated the motivation factor and badly disturbed the team combination.
The biggest advantage the Indians had was the former Australian captain's ability of being an excellent reader and analyser of the game as compared to Woolmer, who lacked the hardcore experience of match pressures.
India was a better team and there is no shame in losing to a side that displayed thorough professionalism and commitment in all the departments with such consistency.
When Dravid was keeping wickets, the Indians had the luxury of including an additional all-rounder or a specialist bowler. But that advantage is gone with Dhoni keeping wickets and Dravid playing as a specialist batsman.
History might not forgive Dravid for his poor captaincy and unsporting attitude. After all, we have still not forgotten the act of the Chappells, have we?
It is a mind boggling decision to drop someone of the experience of Ganguly who not only has scored over 10,000 one-day runs but is better equipped to handle the enormous pressure.
We hear a green-top wicket is awaiting the teams in Karachi. I am sure there would be butterflies in the bellies of the batsmen while the seamers must be smiling ear-to-ear.
