Monday, August 13, 2007

England vs India - Final Test Match: Series Victory

Eng 369/6 (MJ Prior 12*, RJ Sidebottom 3*, 110.0 ov) - Match over - Cricinfo: "Anil Kumble is the Man of the Match for his century in the first innings - his first Test hundred in his 151st Test innings. He took five wickets in the match as well. "It's definitely going to be my last Test in England and it's good to go back with a victory," says Kumble. "It's been special."

England's Man of the Series is James anderson for his 14 wickets in three Tests. He beat Vaughan and Pietersen to the prize. "It's been disappointing for the team," says Anderson. But he's bowled rather well through it, he was exceptional at Lord's and recovered from a poor Test at Trent Bridge to bowl well at The Oval.

India's Man of the Series is also a fast bowler, Zaheer Khan. he's taken 18 wickets at about 20 apiece. He started the series with a wayward spell on the first day at Lord's but since then he's been outstanding. His nine wickets at Trent Bridge won the match for India. "Our fast bowling attack has picked up over the last few years and hopefully we can build for the future," says Zaheer.

The England team go up to get their medals. Michael Vaughan says "I think we played a good game at Lord's but didn't over the line there. Rahul and his boys played really well over the next two Tests and they deserved to win. I'm happy with the performance today. We couldn't win the game so we tried to save it and I'm very happy that we did."

The Indians go up to get their medals and are given loud cheers by the crowd. "It makes me feel proud that I've captained this team," says Dravid. "Everyone's contributed to the victory."

And about the follow-on "My bowlers were tired and I thought that was it was the best decision. I can understand that the fans were disappointed sitting in their living rooms ... but we've won the series and that's all that matters."

He goes up to receive the trophy and the champagne is sprayed liberally (what a waste). The Indians are a perfect picture, laughing and celebrating a historic win, their first in England since 1986."

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