Trent Bridge has been predominantly known as fast bowler paradise. The wickets tumbling at the Nottingham venue makes it the second toughest wicket in the World to bat on for the batsmen. England will be happy that Anderson, the fourth highest wicket taker on the ground is leading their pack, while India’s hope lie on Tendulkar for whom Trent Bridge is not less than second home.
Second Test Preview: Can Nottingham Be the Bridge towards Victory!!
Indian Test Record at Trent Bridge
While the teams fight for probably one of the most desired victory for different reasons, the contest between players is reduced to Tendulkar versus Anderson contest, specially in the absence of Zaheer Khan, who holds a good record of 12 wickets in 2 matches on the pacer-friendly venue. Even English fans may pray for Sachin’s century, although they may want Anderson to rock the Indian batsmen to lead England to another victory.
Tendulkar’s Best Venue for 100 International Centuries
Tendulkar is the fourth best Overseas Batsmen at Trent Bridge. His aggregate of 469 runs in 6 innings of 3 tests comes behind only three batsmen on this venue. Viv Richards (567 runs in 6 innings of 4 tests), Bradman (526 runs in 8 innings of 4 tests) and Australian McCabe (477 runs in 6 innings of 3 tests) who played during 1930-38 are the thrree leading scorer here.
But, considering the past record of 4 good knocks in 5 innings Tendulkar is set to be the best overseas batsmen at Trent Bridge. He just needs 99 runs to become the best overseas batsmen at Trent Bridge, while the entire world awaits his 100th century probably more than he does.
Anderson is Unplayable at Trent Bridge
He has the best average among all bowlers who have taken more than 20 wickets at Trent Bridge. Considering the support the pitch provides to the bowlers and the destructive form he is in, as evident at Lord’s, he is expected to beat the star-studded Indians again. After the 11th 5-wicket haul at Lord’s Anderson is the most dangerous bowler to face at Trent Bridge now.
Anderson is the fourth highest wicket taker on this ground. He has grabbed 28 wickets in just 4 tests, just one short of the legendary Warne who grabbed 29 wickets in 4 tests. England’s Bedser with 41 wickets in 6 tests and Trueman with 32 wickets in 5 tests lead the tally. He has already recorded a 10-wicket haul and four 5-wickets haul on this ground.
Tendulkar Vs Anderson Winner To Take The Game
It would not be exaggeration to assume that the winner of the contest between the two best performers at Trent Bridge would lead their respective team to victory, unless a draw is enforced.
Among Indian batsmen, besides Sachin, Dravid also has a century against his name on this ground, while Laxman has scored a half-century in his last inning here. Even Harbhajan’s willow earned him a half-century on this ground. On the other hand none of the current English batsmen have been successful on this ground. But India’s answer to Anderson, Zaheer Khan is ruled out of the match. That may help English batsmen fear less against other Indian bowlers.
Considering the last 10-years history of venue, Anderson is the deciding player of the game. The contest will be worth the money as in the last 10-years when Trent Bridge has favored the bowlers only, Indian batsmen have made merry in their last three matches on this ground, two of those matches were played in 2002 and 2007.
Leave a Reply