Indian bowlers toil against Derbyshire

DERBY: Indian bowlers were made to toil on the first day of their practice match against second division Derbyshire here on Tuesday. After winning the toss, the hosts elected to bat and made a good start.

Paceman Pankaj Singh got an early wicket but Ben Slater stitched important partnerships — first with Chesney Hughes and then with Billy Godleman. Godleman made 67 after Slater was dismissed for 54.

The Indians were given a brief respite as Ravindra Jadeja picked two quick wickets but then Wes Durston and Harvey Hosein hammered them and took Derbyshire to 326/5 at the end of the day’s play.

BRIEF SCORES

Derbyshire 326/5 (W Durston 95, H Hosein batting 53, B godleman 67, R Jadeja 2/27 ) INDIA, ENGLAND INK FIVE-TEST DEAL India and England, who have normallyengaged in three or four-Test rubbers prior to the upcoming best-of-five series from July 9, have inked an agreement to stick to this format in future contests too, according to Cricket Board Secretary Sanjay Patel.

“It will be a five-Test series (at home and away) against England and four-match rubbers against Australia.”

ON ZAK'S FUTURE & INDIA ATTACK A LOT OF CREDIT GOES TO ZAHEER FOR INDIA’S SUCCESS IN THE LAST DECADE. HE WAS A WICKET-TAKING BOWLER. BUT I THINK HE HAS TO CALL IT A DAY. HE IS NO LONGER YOUNG. HE IS NOT 18 ANYMORE I BELIEVE IN THE BOWLING (ATTACK TOURING ENGLAND) AND NOT WORRIED ABOUT IT. (BUT) YOU HAVE TO BOWL UP, MAKE THE BOWLER PLAY STRAIGHT, NOT USE THE CUT SHOT