NATWEST SERIES, The Oval:
India 317-8 (49.4 overs) beat England 316-6 (50 overs) by two wickets
Robin Uthappa hit the winning runs in a thrilling finish at the Oval as India beat England in the sixth one-day match to take the series to a decider.
Uthappa (47 not out) steered India to the target of 317 with two wickets and two balls left after Sachin Tendulkar put on 150 with Sourav Ganguly.
Earlier, Owais Shah hit 107 not out with Kevin Pietersen and debutant Luke Wright both recording half-centuries.
Dimitri Mascarenhas blasted five successive sixes in the final over.
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Blimey, what a sizzler, my brain is attempting to make a speedy exit route through my ear trying to make sense of all that. Thank you to everyone who emailed in, you've kept me entertained - hope the feeling's mutual. Over and out.
"I've fallen off the edge of my seat."
Scotty, Southampton
Absolutely brilliant batting from Uthappa (47 off 33 balls, eight fours) to level the series at 3-3 going into the final match at Lord's. I'm in pieces here.
FOUR! 317-8 Uthappa smashes a low toss for a wonderful straight drive past mid-off for a four. INDIA WIN BY TWO WICKETS!
FOUR! 313-8 Uthappa chips a four over Monty, who IS fielding at short fine leg. Four runs off three balls.
50th over: India 309-6 WICKET Zaheer run out 0 A straight drive sees Uthappa pick up two but the second ball is driven straight back to Stuart Broad, who casually flicks off the bails at the non-striker's end with Zaheer half-way down the wicket.
49th over: India 307-6 WICKET Agarkar run out 1 Streaky edge from Uthappa, who finds the third man boundary off the first ball of Anderson's over. Good fielding from Luke Wright keeps Uthappa down to a single. Agarkar nurdles a single and Uthappa has yet another massive slice of fortune with an inside edge that evades the diving Prior for four. A misfield from Monty sees Uthappa pick up another two runs. He mows Anderson down the pitch and Agarkar turns for the second, but Uthappa's having none of it. A direct hit from Anderson sees Agarkar run out by a foot.
48th over: India 294-6 WICKET! Dhoni bowled Broad 35 Broad comes back into the attack and his first ball is a juicy full toss which Dhoni can only smear to Ian Bell at long on for a single. Uthappa tries to step outside his off stump to chip over short fine leg, but completely misses the ball. More full tosses from Broad, but neither batsman can get him away for anything more than a single. And Broad gets his man with the final ball of the over, Dhoni attempting to sweep a blockhole ball, which clips the off peg, much to Broad's delight. Silly shot from the Indian stumper.
47th over: India 290-5 Brilliant diving stop from Mascarenhas on the third man boundary saves a precious run as Dhoni picks up three off Anderson. Uthappa collects four courtesy of a thick outside edge past the sprawling Prior to fine third man. The Indian fans in the ground are going absolutely ballistic thanks to an needless overthrow from substitute fielder Jon Lewis, as the duo collect two runs. Dhoni then adds a ridiculously flukey boundary attempting to sweep Anderson down to fine leg, but somehow manages to get the thickest of edges as the ball sails high over Prior's head for a one-bounce four. Good over for India, albeit a tad fortunate.
46th over: India 275-5 Horrid full-toss on leg stump from Colly and Uthappa gratefully flicks it around for four to the deep square boundary. But the England captain concedes just two more runs from the over thanks to a brace of yorker-length deliveries.
45th over: India 269-5 Really good over from the returning James Anderson, who digs in a couple of yorkers to pin Dhoni on the crease and prevent him from adding to his score. The run-rate is getting higher and higher, almost 10-an-over now - and don't the Indians know it. Both Uthappa and Dhoni are throwing the bat but cannot make real contact. However Dhoni nicks a boundary thanks to a misfield from Pietersen on the deep long on boundary. To be fair to KP, the ball takes a bad bobble off the pitch and sails between his legs, much to his embarrassment.
44th over: India 261-5 Colly's back into the attack and he invites Uthappa to tuck into a rank half-tracker on middle stump for four. Dhoni picks up a couple with an ungainly flick to long on, before nudging a single through mid-off. I think I've lost all blood supply to my legs, I can't feel me hands, this commentary business is like a deep-fried pizza for my health. Eight from that over, bear in mind the pacemen are waiting in the wings.
43rd over: India 253-5 Mascarenhas continues his excellent spell, ensuring Dhoni cannot extend his arms, although he undoes his good work with a ball down leg side which evades keeper Prior for five wides. He stretches out his left arm to prevent a single. Top spell from the all-rounder, who might be paying a little visit to South Africa in the next few days after his performance today.
42nd over: India 245-5 Uthappa helps himself to a boundary as Monty strays on leg stump. Dhoni gets in on the act with a deliberate thick edge down to the third man boundary. Good over for India, they'll need a few hefty hits to get within sniffing distance of England's total.
41st over: India 233-5 WICKET! Gambhir c Panesar b Mascarenhas 47 Great catch from Monty, who comes rushing in from the long on boundary to pouch a mistimed Gambhir mow, much to the delight of the England faithful. Not the ideal shot to play in this situation, not that Monty gives a stuff. In comes Robin Uthappa at a really crucial stage. Just three off that over.
40th over: India 232-4 Gambhir floats an airy drive off Panesar to long on, but picks up a couple for his endeavours. Three singles accompany the double. Surely impending Dhoni theatrics to come?
39th over: India 227-4 Mascarenhas keeps Dhoni under wraps, the Indian keeper failing to pierce the infield, despite his belligerent off drives. Top over from the six plunderer.
38th over: India 225-4 Gambhir skips down the wicket and hits a fluent off drive off Shah for four. Dhoni plays a shocking drive, getting his front foot nowhere near the ball, but manages to find safety and takes a comfortable single. Lots of you asking why Luke Wright hasn't been given a bowl. To quote Manuel from Fawlty Towers, "I know naaaaathin'".
37th over: India 218-4 Nice tight lines from captain Colly, the Indian batsman can only squeeze two runs from the over. Surely some fireworks from Mr Dhoni - he's never gonna die wondering...
36th over: India 216-4 WICKET! Dravid c Collingwood b Shah 4 Eat your words Mr Tufnell, it's most definitely Owais's day. Dravid attempts to tinkle a leg-side ball to fine leg but only succeeds in mishiting a leading edge into the diving hands of captain Colly. If Dravid had left that it would have been a wide. Mahendra Singh Dhoni shuffles to the crease, locks flowing under his helmet.
"What's Owais doing bowling?"
Former Middlesex and England spinner Phil Tufnell on TMS
35th over: India 209-3 WICKET! Yuvraj Singh c and b Mascarenhas 18 Mascarenhas takes a sharp return catch as Yuvraj checks a drive, the momentum back in England's favour. Singh's dismissal brings skipper Rahul Dravid to the crease. Good over from the Hampshire all-rounder, who concedes just four runs from that over. India 212-3
34th over: India 208-2 Shah's second over is a lot better than his first. Collingwood makes a great stop at cover to keep the over tally down to four.
33rd over: India 204-2 Gambhir shuffles through for two runs before launching into an on drive on-the-up over mid-on for four off Colly. Wouldn't say he got that out of the screws, but there was enough willow to sail over Monty's head. A leading edge gets everyone excited, but the ball loops over Collingwood's head for a safe single. Eight from that over.
"Tendulkar clearly has a plan to set the world record for the most times out in the nineties in one season. At my club, we call that jug avoidance."
Mike Hicks
32nd over: India 196-2 Centurion Owais Shah is called into the attack, although his first ball - a rank half-tracker which almost misses the pitch - might as well have been bowled by a 100-year-old. It's Bertie Bassett heaven as it's allsorts from Shah, who beats Singh with a lovely tweaker outside off stump before another rank wide long-hop is called wide. He's lucky to get away with four from that over.
31st over: India 192-2 The standard of running between the wickets has improved with Gambhir and Yuvraj at the crease. The pair add six from that Colly over.
30th over: India 186-2 Monty drops short and Yuvraj rocks on to the back foot for hefty once-bounce boundary thanks to a fluent pull shot. He picks up two more well-judged runs before nicking the strike with a single. It's all set up very nicely for a right old ding-dong finish.
29th over: India 179-2 Nothing of real note from that Collingwood over, Yuvraj collects two with a leg-side flick. Three more runs from the over .
28th over: India 174-2 Gambhir skips down the pitch and hits Panesar for the sweetest straight six you'll ever see. More runs, this time byes, as Matt Prior fails to pouch a Monty turner.
27th over: India 163-2 Tendulkar can't get up the steps to the pavilion, which shows just how much discomfort he had when he was batting. Gambhir plays a lovely straight drive past bowler Collingwood for four, before doubling up with a well-judged two.
26th over: India 156-2 WICKET! Tendulkar ct Collingwood b Panesar 94 Tendulkar attempts to smash Monty over extra cover with an aerial drive, but cannot quite clear Paul Collingwood, who takes a tidy catch at shortish cover. Monty puts his hands together in prayer-like fashion to celebrate the departure of the Little Master, who once again fails short of yet another landmark ton. Two left-handers at the crease as Yuvraj Singh joins Gambhir at the crease.
25th over: India 155-1 Colly brings himself back on for a few Terry Rundlers. Gambhir desperately wants a single to get off the mark but Tendulkar is about as mobile as a comatosed mullet. Gautam finally gets his wish with a run, but Tendulkar is in pain. The physio is back and we could well see the return of Sourav as a runner. Not the ideal choice...
24th over: India 154-1 Awesome timing and footwork from Tendulkar, who extends his arms to marmalise (copyright Dirs) the ball through the covers for four off Panesar. But Tendulkar is struggling with cramp, he's not looking comfortable at all, although he is 94 not out.
23rd over: India 150-1 WICKET! Ganguly ct Pietersen b Broad 53Ganguly tries to clear mid-off with another drive, but manages to find the safe hands of Kevin Pietersen, who launches the ball miles into the sky. I've always wondered about this - has there ever been an incident where an aerial ball, thrown up in celebration after a catch, has managed to hit someone on the head on its way down to Earth? More left-handed antics with Gautam Gambhir at the crease, who plays out the rest of the over. Wicket maiden for Broad. Ind 150-1
22nd over: India 150-0 Ganguly mistimes an aerial drive, but the ball drops safely in front of long off for two. Tendulkar continues the onslaught with a tremendous thwack off the back foot to the point boundary to bring up the 150 for India.
21st over: India 143-0 Stuart Broad undoes his earlier good work by handing Tendulkar a juicy short ball outside off stump, which he thumps to the point boundary. Broad's previous four balls had Tendulkar jumping around with a set of probing short deliveries. But he's down on his backside at the end of the over with cramp. The Indian physio contorts Tendulkar's aching body through a series of very painful-looking stretches, it's enough to make one wince in horror.
20th over: India 139-0 The third and final powerplay is signalled and Tendulkar takes full advantage, making room for himself by shuffling to the leg side to smash Panesar through cover for yet another wonderful boundary. He picks up a single with a tidy flick off his pads. These two are making batting look easier than winning Big Brother.
19th over: India 134-0 Ganguly smotes Mascarenhas straight back over his head for yet another imperious four. He then picks up a single to collect his 71st international one-day half-century. I can't help but think this could be something very special here.
18th over: India 126-0 Good over from Monty, who's getting bounce and turn. One ball just evades Tendulkar's off bail after he belatedly decides to withdraw from playing a leg-side swipe.
"I gave my ticket away for this game because of a training course at work. I am gutted!"
Anish Gajree
My mate Graeme is getting gently sozzled in one of the many hospitality boxes at The Oval in the name of "entertaining" a client. I hate him.
17th over: India 124-0 Oh dear, comedy fielding by Monty and Broady on the leg-side boundary. Neither commit to the dive to preserve number one's health, the result of which is the ball bobbling over the ropes for four to Tendulkar, who then paddles a fine sweep off Mascarenhas to evade the diving Monty (not pretty) for another four. A single adds another run to the total.
"In hindsight, if England had to choose before the Test and ODI series which one to win if they'd had to choose, which one do you think it would be?"
Ashley, Kent
16th over: India 115-0 It's Montytime, like Ganguly cares. He plays a lovely late cut, which really should have been cut off by Stuart Broad, for four. To be fair to the lad, he's got a fair distance to travel, unlike Romesh Powar, who could make a Hobbit look like Luol Deng. Drinks.
15th over: India 109-0 Ganguly is clearly not happy about playing second fiddle here - he launches the forlorn Anderson straight back over his head for four before dispatching him for another four with a beautiful pull shot on the back foot. It's brutal, but utterly beautiful to watch.
14th over: India 100-0 Oh my giddy aunt, Tendulkar thumps Mascarenhas straight back over his head - on the up - for the mightiest of mighty sixes. He follows that up with a cut/drive through cover for another authoratitive four. Vicious, just utter carnage. A single brings the century up at the end of the over, the opening pair's second consecutive ton stand. Tendulkar is on 64.
13th over: India 84-0 Captain Colly to the rescue with his mixed bag of slower balls and off cutters. Yet more boundary trebles from Tendulkar, who a) smashes a buffet half-tracker with whipped cream on top to mid-wicket, b) straight drives way over Pietersen's head at mid-on before c) a thick outside edge which runs down to third man after a misfield from James Anderson. The final boundary brings up his 83rd international one-day 50.
12th over: India 71-0 Tendulkar attempts to paddle Mascarenhas around the corner to a straightish delivery, but manages to miss the ball completely. Luckily for him the ball was a little too high for a possible lbw appeal. However no such issues two balls later as Tendulkar guides the ball past fine leg, who is up in the inner circle, for four.
"I feel I must apologise for India's excellent start. During the lunch interval a friend of mine remarked 'this is one is pretty much unlosable, isn't it?'. I think we all know who's to blame. Fear not, he has been taken outside and shot before being given as a sacrifice to appease the cricketing gods, but it will probably all be in vain."
Matt Maltby, London
11th over: India 66-0 Blimey, whatever Broad said in the last over has seriously fired up Ganguly. He opens his stance and mows the ball high into the long on boundary for a imperious six. Amazing what a verbal joust can do to get the blood racing. More high elbows from Tendulkar sees a few more singles added to the Indian tally. Good job Zaheer Khan wasn't at the crease, he probably would've quite literally exploded after his antics earlier in the summer.
"Oh, I am so jealous. The way you describe Tendulkar, and here I am stuck in the office."
Carole in the office in Maidenhead
10th over: India 57-0 Mascarenhas comes on to replace Anderson and his dibbly-dobblies wobble around without any real intent, but still manages to restrict the Indian duo to two singles.
9th over: India 55-0 Ganguly gets in on the act, shuffling a couple of paces down the pitch to smear Stuart Broad for a boundary to Dimitri Mascarenhas corner. Ganguly tries to do the same again but Broad digs deep to prevent the same result with the final ball of the over. Hello! Some polemics - Broad has said something that has incensed Ganguly, so much so that umpire Aleem Dar has to step in to have a word with Broad. The TV replays show Mr Ganguly isn't complimenting the big bowler on his liberal use of Viz's Profanisaurus.
8th over: India 50-0 Genius. The only word to describe Sachin Tendulkar in this form. He hits three consecutive fours - the first through mid-off and the next two through mid-on and mid-wicket. The third is a thing of utter beauty - a good ball on off stump which is worked through onto the leg side, Anderson looks incredulous. Sir Vivian Richards, Mohammed Azharuddin or Mark Waugh are the possibly only other batsmen who would be able to replicate that stroke. A single off the last ball brings up the 50.
7th over: India 37-0 Beautiful off drive from Tendulkar off Broad looks certain to race to the boundary, but a brilliant diving stop from James Anderson saves three runs. Nottinghamshire's latest signing digs in a short ball which Ganguly wisely decides to pull out of, prompting Broad to have the odd word about something, possibly about the quality of lunches at Trent Bridge. Just the single from the over.
6th over: India 36-0 Productive over for India as Tendulkar picks up a boundary off Anderson with the finest of finest leg glances, while Ganguly plays a trademark cover drive for four. The leash, which was tightened in the last two overs, has suddenly slackened. Promising start by the Indian duo.
5th over: India 25-0 England adopt the short stuff tactic to Tendulkar, one of the recurring themes from this summer. But it doesn't seem to faze the genius, who just waves out of the way with total indifference. Tendulkar steals a single with the last ball of the over. Just two from that over. Despite bashing away like a chimp with a typewriter, my hands are absolutely freezing. I'm also stationed right under the air conditioning unit which my colleague has informed me was set on "Norwich in December" mode.
"I was at school with Louis Thomas Eugene de Savoie Carignan de Soissons - struck us as fairly ludicrous."
APS
4th over: India 23-0 Nice retort from Anderson, who concedes just the one run from his second over. The radar is back in the zone.
"I once briefly worked with an American chap with the marvellous name of 'Randy Breeding'.
MCP, London
3rd over: India 22-0 Tendulkar plays one of those dreamy flicks off his pads which races to the square leg boundary, he takes five paces down the pitch before deciding fine leg won't be able to reach the ball. Unless fine leg is Tyson Gay, you've no worries Sachin. Another leg-side flick and more runs for Tendulkar. Good over for India, who pick up 11 tres useful runs.
2nd over: India 11-0 James Anderson makes an untidy start with a leg-side wide to Ganguly. The former Indian captain plays what looks like an innocent prod through point, but it races to the boundary for the easiest four you could ever wish to see. Not the best start for the Burnley Express.
"I've got a friend whose parents chose the names Justin and Anthony to match his surname of Hurry. All his certificates read Justin A Hurry which i think is hilarious!"
Neil
1st over: India 4-0 Indian openers Sourav Ganguly and Sachin Tendulkar stroll out to the middle and the left-handed Ganguly eases a lovely checked straight drive off Stuart Broad to the long on boundary. James Anderson saves a run with a well-time slide on the boundary to save two runs. Despite their abundant talent, Tendulkar and Ganguly have all the speed of an asthmatic ant with heavy shopping (copyright E Blackadder). Ganguly tucks a leg-side delivery to Monty Panesar, who receives a cheer on a par with Dimitri Mascarenhas's fifth six, at fine leg for two.
"Regarding Luke Wright, (re 33rd over), I know a couple of the boys from Sussex CCC and I have been out with him on a couple of occasions in Brighton and can confirm he is devastating with the ladies."
AJ, The City
"I've got a friend called Petrus Corollus Jorrit Schrauwers does anyone know anyone with quite such a ludicrous name?
Paul Mason, Reading
That really is a tremendous name - the one that springs immediately to my mind is Celtic's favourite Dutchman Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink, while some of the South African Rugby World Cup squad also sport some preposterous names. Mind you, this coming from a man who has three vowels in his surname. The words kettle, pot, black spring to mind...
I've also had an email through from Barry Singleton with the subject heading "Pranej", which is an absurd name.
"That last over makes the England selectors look even more stupid for playing Lewis instead of Dimi last time out."
Sarah, Canterbury
ENGLAND INNINGS - 316-6, 50 OVERS
50th over - 316-6: Unbelievable scenes! Mascarenhas has just smashed five consecutive sixes from the final over of the innings from Yuvraj Singh. This after a dot ball from the first delivery of the over. The first six was actually caught by Chawla at long leg, but the leg spinner tumbled over the boundary rope, much to his despair after taking a great catch. The next four were slightly less dubious, all launched high into the leg-side boundary. Brilliant effort from England after a stalled start - India, it's over to you...
49th over - 286-6: Sachin Tendulkar gets the nod from Dravid - and every single England fan - and Shah tonks a straight four for a brilliant ton. More clubbing sees the Middlesex man pick up another four, this time going over long on. Really though, you shouldn't be turning to a new bowler when the bish-bosh is on, not clever thinking from Mr Dravid.
48th over - 274-6: No real options for Dravid, who is forced to turn to Yuvraj Singh. The left-armer is not doing himself - or India - any favours bowling wides. Shah has another let-off when a top-edged sweep is parried by Uthappa, but he picks up two more runs as he moves closer to a well-deserved ton. Another indifferent over for India.
47th over - 265-6: Really intelligent batting from Shah, who opens the face of the bat to run a Zaheer delivery down to fine third man for four. He does the same again the very next ball and picks up two more, no thanks to Chawla's sprawling dive. Shah is now into the 90s. Seven runs from that over - Zaheer's final. Will be interesting to see who Dravid goes to in the final over given that he only has two front-line seamers, one of whom is leaking runs like a green backpacker in the Delhi streets.
That's three times I've looked on the BBC Website today, coinciding with three wickets failing. And my little boy, named Freddie, is feeling a bit under the weather today. Could I be of Indian descent?
Karl, Norfolk
46th over - 258-6: More woe for Agarkar as Shah lays into his buffet bowling thanks to two consecutive fours to the mid-wicket boundary. Good running sees the tally to 13 from a very indifferent Agarkar over.
45th over - 243-6: WICKET! Wright run out 50
Wright calls for a quick single to mid-on, where Robin Uthappa picks up and hits the sticks with a brilliant throw. Umpire Hartley (wisely) decides to go to third umpire Ian Gould, who confirms the Sussex man was just out of his ground. The 22-year-old walks off to massive cheers from The Oval crowd, they absolutely lapped his innings up. Dimi Mascarenhas could've joined Wright in the pavilion as he charges down for a single which Shah had no intention of running. Eng 245-6
44th over - 242-5: 'Cool Hands' picks up a single off Agarkar for a brilliant 50 on debut, it looks as if he has been doing this for years. Shah then a) drives powerfully down the pitch for four before b) opening his shoulders and smashing the forlorn Agarkar for a huge six over deep mid-wicket. "That's Owais, a huh, ahuh, I like it, a huh a huh..."
43rd over - 228-5: Zaheer Khan is back - and bowls one of the best overs you will see at this stage. Three balls thud into Dhoni's gloves, while Shah has to dig out two yorkers. Wright picks up a single off the last ball, but quality bowling from the left-armer.
"I played against Luke Wright four or five years ago, he was predominantly an opening bowler tearing through our top order on his way to a 'fifer', this boy could be very special, so who needs Freddie ?"
Chugga, Lincoln
"Should Mr Wright be known as 'Cool Hands Luke'?"
The Cookie Wooky
42nd over - 226-5: No nonsense captaincy from Dravid, who brings back Sourav Ganguly to replace Ajit Agarkar. Like Shah cares as he paddles a strange sweep round the corner for four. He plays the same shot again to reach his 50 from 62 balls. More licks, this time over extra cover for a big ol' six off a full-toss. He helps himself to two more runs at deep square leg then chips into a massive gap on the leg side. A hefty 15 from that over.
41st over - 211-5: A on-field conference involving Dravid, the portly Powar and Tendulkar (among others) - I can only imagine the gist of the chat was something along the lines of "You get him out then". Shah has a massive let-off when umpire Hartley dismisses a caught behind shout when replays show the ball came off the back of the Middlesex man's bat via his midriff into Dhoni's gloves. And to add insult to injury Shah smears the next ball for four to long off. Wright then gets down on one knee to launch Powar over mid-wicket for a one-bounce four. Yet another eventful over, thoroughly entertaining.
"Can you confirm that if Luke comes in to bat at 7, are Chewie and Han at 8 and 9 for England?"
David Coucman, Macclesfield
40th over - 202-5: Dravid makes a bowling change and brings back a slice of seam with Ajit Agarkar. Luke Wright couldn't give a full toss and smashes the jug-eared seamer over the mid-wicket boundary for four. He was onto his back foot so quickly to get into position to play that shot, he's bound to be useful on the dancefloor. Definitely keep your missus away... Seven runs from that over.
39th over - 195-5: Shah spanks Chawla's first ball to the extra cover boundary for four. A quick single brings up the duo's 50-partnership. And Mr Wright celebrates the milestone with yet another boundary from a cut shot before caressing the very next delivery to the extra cover boundary. Productive over for England with 13 runs. Now then, what's Wrighty going to be like in the final 10? Fireworks time methinks.
38th over - 182-5: A bottom-handed straight drive races to the boundary off the last ball from Powar's over. Another good over for England as 10 runs are added to the total. Who needs Flintoff when you've got the Wright Stuff? Apologies, that was terrible.
37th over - 172-5: Wright moves onto 21 latching onto a mis-directed top spinner from Chawla for four. He then creams a straight drive to mid-off as Chawla "attempts" to get his left hand near the ball. If he did get his hand anywhere near that, he would've been picking up his digits off the floor. Good running from the England pair, who are ticking the scoreboard along with singles.
36th over - 164-5: Powar keeps it tight once more, two singles and nothing more from the England duo.
Far too many people with not much to do at work - the anagrams of my name are raining in.
35th over - 162-5: Chawla is back into the attack and continues where he left off, not giving anything more than a single away. Sachin Tendulkar appeals for a catch at slip, but no-one else joins in as it was pretty clear the ball thudded into the front pad.
34th over - 159-5: Powar comes within a whisker of bowling Luke Wright from around the wicket, but the Sussex man skips down the pitch to drive a single to long on the very next ball. Six runs from the over.
"May I kindly suggest that you get your Crystal Ball fixed as you have put the 'curse' on both Belly and KP. Straight after you mention what may happen to their scores they're OUT!!!"
Tim W
33rd over - 153-5: Hello! Luke Wright smears a four through point before tonking a huge slog sweep six off Yuvraj, fair to say he's not short on confidence. Good over for England. For those not too familiar with Wright, he looks a bit like Aussie all-rounder Shane Watson with spiky blonde hair, the kind of bloke you'd be eyeing carefully if you let your missus out of sight during a night out cos she'd probably fall for his good-looking charms. Jealous? Moi?
32nd over - 139-5: Almost another calamity as Shah sets off for a non-existent single, but a poor throw from the covers is the only thing that saves his back. Mindless cricket from England when the cosh is very much on. More intelligent twirling from Powar.
31st over - 137-5 WICKET! Pietersen run out 50
A total shambles as Pietersen drives to the deep cover boundary and jogs off for what looks like an easy single. He then charges back for a second run - only to find Owais Shah firmly rooted at the crease at the striker's end. Pietersen just carries on, Yuvraj whips the bails off at the bowler's end and KP is run out by 22-yards. Safe to say no third umpire needed for that. What a situation for young Luke Wright to find himself in. Eng 138-5
30th over - 134-4: Pietersen's mince pies light up as a rare loopy half-tracker from Powar is promptly dispatched to the mid-wicket boundary. KP is definitely restrained, but a single sees the Hampshire man to his 15th one-day 50 off 80 balls. A platform for a big score?
"The umpire's decision is final on all matters and no appeal or challenge is permitted at any time or any later stage. However, the umpire is allowed to change his mind on any decision he has made in error but he must do so promptly and without undue delay.
"A prudent umpire will always take a moment or two to consider the facts before him. No shame is attached to an umpire changing his mind if, in the final analysis, the decision is a correct one."
Jonathan Agnew on TMS reading Law 27, appeals in the MCC laws of cricket.
29th over - 127-4: It's the middle overs, the bit where things get a little mundane. Witness the three singles from Shah and Pietersen off Yuvraj Singh, who comes in for the crafty Chawla.
28th over - 124-4: More tight stuff from Powar, a bit like his trousers. Three nurdled singles from that over.
27th over - 121-4: Really intelligent bowling from Chawla, who is mixing up top spinners, googlies and leggies at regular intervals, ensuring KP and Shah are very much unsure about what is coming next. Four runs off that over.
26th over - 116-4: Lucky escape for England as Shah calls for a quick single off Powar, but the throw is wide. Anything on target and he would have been run out by a foot at least. But he's still there, a bit like that annoying bloke in your cricket team who somehow manages to get selected despite doing absolutely nothing with either bat or ball. Shah is slightly more useful though.
More apologies, this time for the run-by-run scorecard - the techies are on the case. Again. I have been told it is fixed.
25th over - 112-4: Pietersen collects a couple with a cut off Chawla, while Shah adds a single. All a little bitty for England at the moment.
24th over - 108-4: Romesh Powar is into the attack and enticing Shah with his airy tweakers. Big news - Powar is not, I repeat NOT, bowling with his sunglasses. It's out there. Two singles from the over.
"Been trying to come up with a witty TMS anagram for Pranav Soneji but only have 'an apron jives' and 'proves a ninja' which are frankly rubbish! Surely someone can do better?"
Ed, London
You've got five vowels to play with, surely you can come up with something that rivals Monty Panesar's brilliant 'Tony Parmesan'?
23rd over - 106-4: Lovely over from Chawla, who completes a wily maiden. Pietersen's not keen to tuck into the 18-year-old. This lad is more than useful.
22nd over - 106-4: Shah brings up the England hundred with a lovely cover drive for four. The Colly incident has certainly raised the temperature of a few, with many emailing saying once an umpire says not out, the decision is final. But with all these cameras about, along with the big screen for all to see, spare a thought for Peter Hartley, who has more on his plate than a front row forward at an all-you-can eat buffet.
21st over - 99-4: Splendid gymnastics from Romesh Powar, who makes yet another diving stop, this time right on fine leg boundary, saving a run from a Pietersen sweep. Two more singles from the over.
"That's one of the most disgraceful things I've seen in cricket! How can Colly be out? The umpire never gave him out but changed his mind after seeing the big screen! He should appeal and be brought back to the crease."
Tony Payne
20th over - 94-4: Pietersen flicks a ball on leg stump around the corner for four down to the fine leg boundary, but KP is look a little guilty - the Collingwood run-out has definitely got to him. KP picks up a single, as does Shah as England push towards the ton. End of the last powerplay, Rahul Dravid must be delighted with all this.
19th over - 88-4: More twirly goodness from Chawla, who is a right bag of tricks. Both Shah and Pietersen play the teenager with plenty of respect. Intriguing stuff.
18th over - 83-4 WICKET! Collingwood run out 1 Pietersen calls for a tight single to substitute fielder Dinesh Karthik, who throws to Dhoni who whips off the bails with Collingwood at full stretch. Umpire Peter Hartley initially says not out, but calls for the third umpire after watching the replay on the big screen, which shows Collingwood is inches short. Third umpire Ian Gould confirms what the replays suggest, much to Collingwood's disgust. New batsman Owais Shah gets off the mark with a glorious boundary, but it's all happening at The Oval. Eng 87-4
17th over - 79-3 WICKET! Bell Bowled Chawla 49 Ian Bell gives his wicket on a platter attempting to mow Piyush Chawla to the deep mid-wicket boundary, but completely misses the ball - 'you miss I hit' says Chawla (probably). The Warwickshire man hangs his head as he trudges off the ground. Captain Paul Collingwood is the next man in and adds three leg byes to the total.
"The evil protagonist of James Patterson's novel 'Along came a Spider' is called Gary Soneji. Any relation? I think we should be told."
Peter, Cyprus
As far as I know, no Soneji in my family has ever been christened Gary. Well I hope not anyway.
16th over - 77-2: Bell moves on to 48 with a lovely square cut for four. He collects a single to move within a run of his half-ton. He thinks he has it but some tidy fielding in the covers ensures he'll have to wait until the next over.
15th over - 71-2: Piyush Chawla is into the action and has a massive leg before shout turned down by umpire Hartley against Ian Bell. The gingerhead then latches onto a short ball and spanks it over mid-wicket for four. But nice start from the leggie, who looks like the model student, the kind of bloke you would ask if you could borrow his notes because your hangover ensured you would have no chance in hell of making your 9am lecture.
14th over - 67-2: Really good running from the England pair, who are pushing for the tightest singles. However Ganguly almost beats Pietersen with a nice delivery which seams into the batsman. Dhoni fails to cling on behind the sticks and the pair add another single.
13th over - 64-2: Zaheer continues into his seventh over and has his head on his hands after an under edge from Bell evades the diving Dhoni and the chasing Sachin Tendulkar for four. No issues with Bell's the next boundary, which is slapped through cover point. Pietersen picks up a couple with a tickle to fine leg where our man Powar is lurking. And he fails to prevent the England pair from doubling up. Good over for England.
"Are sure that is a man sitting next to Brian May, and not his equally large haired wife Anita Dobson!"
Andy, Teynham
12th over - 52-2: Sourav Ganguly replaces Ajit Agarkar and manages to hit KayPee firmly in the crown jewels. Cries of "Ooooooooooaaaaaf" ring out from The Oval crowd as the replay is shown on the big screen. Good start from Ganguly, who concedes two singles from a useful over, which includes a genuine play and miss from Pietersen.
"Sorry to say that I am in the Philippines and I did not 'feel it' (re 8th over), I missed the Beastie Boys concert too - dash it all."
Chris, Philippines
11th over - 50-2: Pietersen brings up England's 50 with a single to third man. Two more singles from that over, which could've been more were it not for the gazelle-like fielding of the recalled Robin Uthappa.
10th over - 47-2: More flashing blade from Bell, who cuts a wide half-tracker to the point boundary before an on drive through mid-on. Sourav Ganguly WHAT ARE YOU DOING? He's chasing after that ball and gives up a full five yards before the ball crosses the boundary, even Romesh Powar could've cut that off with a burst of fifth gear. Far too many emails from people on Blackberries at The Oval. If there's one thing I hate it's that "Sent from my flippin' Wireless Blackberry thingy" spiel at the bottom of emails. Put the thing down and watch the cricket for Chrissakes.
"What are your thoughts on Bob Crow opening the batting for England? We're in desperate need of an easy striker."
Nick Fletcher
9th over - 39-2: Heart in mouth time for Pietersen, who plays across the line trying to swot Zaheer through mid-wicket, but umpire Peter Hartley isn't having any of it. Replays show the ball pitched outside leg stump, but it's not the kind of shot you want Pietersen to be playing at this sort of situation. Pietersen picks up a very quick single, along with Bell who guides yet another dab to third man. Another strangled appeal from the Indians as Zaheer raps Pietersen on the pads again, but once again the ball was pitched outside leg stump.
8th over - 37-2: I take it back - Romesh Powar has just made a brilliant left-handed diving save at mid-off from a Pietersen drive. They probably felt that in the Philippines. Tight over from Agarkar, a man whose ears make my mother break out into silly fits of giggles. 7th over - 36-2: Belly is looking as good as Angelina Jolie dipped in honey right now. He flicks an overpitched leg stump half-volley to the square leg boundary before nurdling a single with a dab to third man. KP gets in on the singles act too. Tremendous! Brian May is in da house sitting next to man with hair as big as his. Zaheer beats Bell with an absolute ripper.
"I was at the Beastie Boys gig last night too! It was jumping like Monty Panesar after seven Red Bulls, or something else vaguely cricket-related. Also, may I put a question out to all the cricket nerds out there? Has a team ever declared during a one-day innings?"
Joe, London
6th over - 30-2: Two consecutive crackerjack on drives from Pietersen of Agarkar, both of which race to the boundary. That will get KayPee's pulse racing. Agarkar learns his lesson and keeps the rest of the over outside off stump.
5th over - 22-2: Pietersen gets off the mark with a flick off his legs, while Belly adds a single to his tally. Tidy over from Zaheer.
Dear all - the techie wizards are on the case with the internet stream of TMS, so please bear with us while it gets fixed.
4th over: WICKET! Prior lbw b Agarkar 6 20-2
After picking up a four with a lovely flowing back-foot drive and a tickle for two, Prior is trapped in front. A lightning fast finger from umpire Aleem Dar sends Prior back to the pavilion, but Hawk-eye is showing the ball would've gone over middle stump. Poor start from England. Super fielding from Uthappa in the covers saves four runs as Bell crunches another confident-looking drive. Eng 20-2
3rd over - 14-1: Bell tickles a cheeky leg glance around the corner for another boundary. Not the best from Rahul Dravid, who has stuck quite possibly the slowest man in the history of international cricket at fine leg. Yep, you've guessed it, it's Powar. Again. Zaheer comes back with yet more probing stuff outside off stump. The left-armer goes up for an appeal after beating Bell with the final ball of the over.
2nd over - 10-1 : Bell is like a man who has the confidence of Casanova at a fair maiden convention and eases a cut for his second boundary of the day off Ajit Agarkar. He steals a single to mid-off after noticing the rotund Romesh Powar lurking without intent.
1st over: WICKET! Cook ct Dhoni b Khan O 0-1
Second ball of the day and Alastair Cook has nibbled a ball on a good length straight into the orange gloves of Dhoni. Goodnight Chelmsford. Ian Bell strolls to the wicket and The Shermanator caresses the ball to the cover boundary. Bell nicks a single and Khan beats Prior with a belter, the England stumper nudging outside off stump. Blimey, how's that for early morning entertainment? Eng 5-1
1014: Matt Prior and Alastair Cook stroll out to the middle to a half-full Oval. I can imagine the tube strike ain't helping matters. Mr Bob Crow, see what you've done?
"According to the Radio Times the highlights on Five tonight show that we are playing Italy at The Oval, so England should win this one."
John Lamper
"Hopefully he can be back - and pretty soon. We have to assess it over the next day or so."
England captain Paul Collingwood on Andrew Flintoff
"We're a formidable side when we get off to good start so we are confident we can do that today."
India captain Rahul Dravid
"Can I be the first to say, Pranav please concentrate on the cricket and not the mumblings of idiots."
David Couchman, Macclesfield
Corrrr, this commentary business is a fickle mistress. I'll do my best to entertain. Talking of entertainment, saw the Beastie Boys last night and was jumping around like Kriss-Kross after drinking a litre of neat Ki-Ora. If this one-dayer is anything like yesterday's gig, I'll be happier than a pink farm animal rolling around in muck.
0958: India have made one change from Sunday's match at Headingley, big-hitting opener Robin Uthappa comes in for the mixed bag that is Dinesh Karthik.
"So far young Pranav, I like the cut of your jib. You seem like a well-trousered young man and I'm sure you'll go far. Good luck with the rest of the day."
Ned, London
I'm touched Nedsy.
0950: News from the middle - England have won the toss and will bat first. Interesting to see where Luke Wright will bat. The England line-up is thus:
Collingwood, Cook, Prior, Bell, Pietersen, Shah, Wright, Mascarenhas, Broad, Panesar, Anderson
"I trust you are going to maintain the standard of irreverent, nay irrelevant, e-mail banter championed by your colleague Benders before he was disgracefully poached by those rugger people. Would you prefer to be addressed as 'Pranners' or perhaps 'Sonners'? There is a degree of TMS protocol to be observed."
Stephen Levette, London
The last man who called me 'Pranners' was last seen swimming with the fishes in Cape Cod, so let's give that a wide berth.
0945: Very much the B-Team in action now that Dirsy and Fordycey are gallivanting around France, a bit like when Ray Stubbs used to present Match of the Day when Gary Lineker was topping up his tan in the Bahamas or somewhere equally saucy. Be gentle with me.
0938: One man's ceiling is another man's floor as Paul Simon once sang, will be interesting to see what Luke Wright can offer at the top of the order. A bit of bish-bosh in the first 10 overs would be just the ticket.
"It's always a big blow when you miss two big all-rounders like Bopara and Flintoff."
5Live summariser Ashley Giles
0933: Apparently it's going to reach 24C in London, so ridiculously tropical summer weather as the seven-match series draws to a climax.
0929: No Flintoff, no Ravi Bopara, any England player who can bat and bowl a bit must be shifting uncomfortably in their seats right now. Mark Ealham probably won't need to worry too much though.
0920: The news everyone was expecting - talisman Freddie Flintoff will miss the game with yet more ankle issues. A depressing start to the day for England.
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