Sixth ODI - India versus England, The Brit Oval

India win by two wickets and a ball to spare - England 316/6 India 317/8

Following the loss at Old Trafford, in course of a conversation with Sfx, I opined that it will be a huge test of character for India to bounce back after that loss.

The loss was huge as it set India back a long way in the 7 match series. It was also heartbreaking given that India had given it all and had still ended on the losing side. The manner of the loss was demoralizing in that India could not finish the game from being in a position where they could not lose.

In terms of holes, I had serious doubts if India could climb out of this one.

Then Headingley happened. Content in the knowledge that the series would be lost there, I was off, gallivanting around around the country.

I heard of the Headingley result first. Then I read about the game. Finally, I saw it. But that did nothing to convince me that India had turned a corner.

Until today, that is.

Set a humongous 317 to get by England, India kept its wickets and its nerve to take the series to the decider at Lords. And some effort it was too.

Barring a couple of overs when Gambhir could not get the ball of the square and Tendulkar was cramping up and later when Dhoni was all edges and no middle, India kept the momentum going.

India began the match well, faltered in the middle but did enough to ensure that the result went their way.

Questions though, remain. Of the middle and late over bowling, of the fielding and the captaincy. Yuvraj, Sachin, Yuvraj for the 48th, 49th and 50th overs ? This, when Ramesh Powar was yet to bowl his quota of overs. As was Agarkar. Where was the logic in that?

India showed character, the downside to which is that it took a rocket up their backside in the form of a prospective series defeat by England before they have started to show the kind of cricket they are capable of.

And are Ian Gould, Nigel Llong and Peter Hartley the best that the ECB can conjure for an International ODI series? Gould's decisions or lack of cost India Old Trafford. Peter Hartley's charity allowed Owais Shah to get to his maiden hundred. And Hartley nearly fluffed again when he nearly did not call for the third umpire in the Paul Collingwood run out incident.

Gripping series this may be, but shouldn't that be because of the contest between bat and ball?

And what about Paul Collingwood? I would love to see what the Match Referee has to say about his open show of dissent following his run out.

James Anderson got away with a shoulder barge at Headingley, maybe Mr Fat Arse will too.Which will be a travesty.