India’s batsmen must get runs for bowlers to defend

and spin.

It is the batting which appears more vulnerable. The original gameplan was predicated on the belief that the top order was rich in talent, and now experienced enough to provide the runs needed by bowlers to succeed in England. The ODI series has exposed chinks.

While MS Dhoni copped most of the blame for India’s poor show, others – barring Virat Kohli who played superbly right through – impressed only sporadically. In fact, the inconsistency of Rohit, Dhawan, Rahul and Raina was a bigger factor in India’s stumble than a struggling Dhoni.

It is pertinent to remember that on the last two tours, India were routed 0-4 (2011) and 1-3 (2014) essentially because batsmen – several of them formidable names -- floundered against the swing and seam of Anderson and Broad. Thwarting them is the big challenge this time too.

Between them, Anderson (540) and Broad (417) have 917 wickets. Of these, 603 (Anderson 344, Broad 259) have come in England. Even though they are nearing the end of their careers -- and this promises to be a warm summer which may not be of much assistance-- their skill and experience pose a severe test.

India’s top order batsmen are exciting and accomplished, but their best has come in the subcontinent. In England particularly, these same players – including Kohli – have struggled. Their form leading into the Tests this time doesn’t appear all that robust.

Of course, ambition and motivation can’t be underestimated. Pressure can bring out the best in players. Kohli has been mentally preparing for this tour for long. He has a point to prove to the world, and more importantly to himself. Likewise others.

But clearly the main batsmen need to find rhythm early and runs consistently -- less than 350 in an innings would be below par -- for India to win. As the 2011 and 2014 series’ showed, if this does not happen, things start to go downhill rapidly. Then, even a 19-member squad would appear meagre!