Fourth Test, Day 1

England are 75-0 on a rain-delyaed first day of the final Test at the Oval. Strauss and Cook batted out a largely undisturbed morning in overcast conditions. India's bowlers, once again, lacked depth, accuracy, pace and any sting, swing or energy. Aside from Ishant Sharma producing some decent deliveries - one bouncer whacking Strauss on the helmet and breaking the peak - Cook and Strauss couldn't have had an easier bat on the first day of a Test. 

It is rather an anticlimax to what had looked like being a corker of a Test series on that first day at Lord's in the sunshine. Here were the top two teams in the world (technically 1 and 3 but who's counting?) competing for the the top spot in the top form of their sport - nothing could be more important; more competitive; more tense, right? In England's eyes, yes. The uber professional and slick unit that has become the England team, players, coaches, and backroom staff alike, have been nothing but the pinnacle of professionalism. India, on the contrary, have been a motley crew of old and young, training in kit that looked like it had come from 'the garage!' (thanks Freddy) and generally appearing fatigued and like they could care less about this series.

They have lost their number 1 ranking, can they at least regain some dignity and fight in the remaining Test or is a whitewash on the cards? Not seen since 1974.

I'll keep you blogged...