Normal 0 false false false EN-GB X-NONE X-NONE /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0cm; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi; mso-fareast-language:EN-US;} AN INDIAN TEA PARTY
These unofficial breaks during play are taking the absolute mickey. At one stage yesterday, the players took about 10 minutes for drinks and there was another break when I thought they were having an Indian tea party. MS Dhoni got a neck rub and I was half-expecting someone to bring out a brew and some sarnies! Get on with the flipping game! India are 2-1 down but they seemed to think it was 15 overs an hour maximum. Staggering.
On yer bike, lads: MS Dhoni (driving Yuvraj on a motorbike in 2008, left) and his team have been ambling around on day one like they were at a picnic, rather than playing in a Test match which they must winA RIGHT OLD FIFTIES THROW-BACK
What a grinder of a day. It was back to the 1950s when everyone scored at two runs an over and everything ended in a draw. The pitch is as dead as a doornail and it's not easy for the players or the spectators. India also set defensive fields and England's score of 199-5 might be worth a lot more than that. Paul Collingwood predicts this game will finish in three days as the pitch is as 'dry as a riverbed'. He might be right. Bore draws: It's like being back in the Fifties... Ted Dexter (far left) is poised to field the ball on the first day of the final Test at The Oval during India's tour of England IT WAS COOK'S CALL TO ROOT FOR JOEI believe Alastair Cook was a massive influence behind the selection of Joe Root. Just a reminder that Kevin Pietersen also came back into the team after Cook's intervention. The captain himself made his debut in India at 21, just like Root, and I think Cook thought "I will have the kid". Graeme Thorpe is a massive fan of Root's and he played splendidly. England obviously want him in the team and he is a significant selection.
NEW BOYS ARE BORN WINNERS
England have had a problem with the No 6 position, basically since Andrew Flintoff retired. Samit Patel will have been terribly disappointed to be left out but he has not done enough. However, what does Root's selection say to Jonny Bairstow and Eoin Morgan? The fact England have gone with a debutant when they are 2-1 up is a pretty decisive move. Nick Compton has also been given a new improved contract so they are obviously happy with him too. Caught out... in dungarees: Tiny-tot Joe Root grew up to make a fine debut at No 6 todayOverlooked: Root was selected for the final Test ahead of Eoin Morgan (left) and Jonny Bairstow (right) I TRUST ENGLAND TO KNOW THEIR ONIONS
The other interesting selection was Tim Bresnan ahead of Graham Onions. Having seen the pitch, I would have gone with a wicket-to- wicket seamer like Onions but I can completely understand why the selectors went with Bresnan. He won't let you down and should also strengthen the batting.
CLASSY KP
Kevin Pietersen will always divide opinion but his innings of 73 was an invaluable knock. He showed great discipline and was ultra patient, batting well within himself. And he was unlucky to get out, the ball stopping on him as he looked to attack. England's other attacking batsman, Matt Prior, continues his fine form. He is just a wonderful player, well within himself. Grounded innings: Kevin Pietersen hit a responsible - and potentially vital 73 - for England today (FILE IMAGE)Picture DisputeWe are unable to carry live pictures from the fourth Test in Nagpur due to a dispute between the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and international news organisations.The BCCI has refused access to Test venues to established picture agencies Getty Images and Action Images and other Indian photographic agencies. MailOnline consider this action to be a strike against press freedom and supports the action to boycott BCCI imagery. More from David Lloyd... BUMBLE AT THE TEST: The weather relents for Lanky Jim to draw level with Yorkie Fred 28/05/13 BUMBLE AT THE TEST: Locals stay away from Headingley... maybe there was too much competition 27/05/13 BUMBLE AT THE TEST: There are no £20 steak sarnies up at Headingley like Lord's 27/05/13 Bumble at the Test: Broad delivers the goods with wonderful response as England shine on day four 20/05/13 Bumble at the Test: Strauss happy to take the mic, while England make tourists feel very much at home 17/05/13 Bumble at the Test: Train noise drives me crazy, while Smithy shares his flight with pop stars 16/05/13 Bumble at the Test: England battle was dramatic but they must now show authority 26/03/13 Bumble at the Test: It started bad, got worse and England never recovered 25/03/13 Bumble at the Test: Call for a search party... England have lost their game heads 24/03/13 VIEW FULL ARCHIVE