Is the final Test heading for a draw?

This debate is now closed.

A Test that seems destined for a draw will be best remembered for Dravid's masterful 217.

England finally dismissed the tourists for 208 - seven short of their first innings total - before Marcus Trescothick and Michael Vaughan opened the batting in impressive style.

Will either side force a result at The Oval?

This match has centred on Ganguly. He was responsible for losing the toss, failing to run out Vaughan on 59 in the first over in the second innings and failing to urge on India at the end of the first innings.

England were always happy with a draw before start of this Test and it seems India have joined them.
VJ, UK

Hussain should have employed more aggressive bowling. Dravid is an excellent batsman and it is sad Sachin did not make his much expected 100.
Ansaruddin Rahimi, Bahamas

Well done to Trescothick and Vaughan for coming out and again adding some life to this match. Hussain played defensive, yes, but I have to say that it worked. In fact I was amazed at how easy it was to contain Dravid... 217 is a great, great knock but he took so long getting there that his team never stood a chance to force a result.

I hope Hussain does put in a declaration mid afternoon to add a bit of spice to this game but I think the draw is looming. It probably would be the fairest result however.
Big Dave, UK

For once Dravid is given the credit which has been due a long time now. After seven years of basking in the shadow of his team mates, it's about time he got credit and acclaim which he thoroughly deserves.
Suman Bhatt, South Africa

Finally an English opening partnership that I feel can hit at least hit 100 for an opening innings. I think Hussain is using this series to prepare for down under. It may be negative bowling but it will be necessary to deploy such tactics (not all the time) for the Aussie series.
Robert, Ireland

This series has been characterised by absolutely mediocre bowling from both sides. To make things worse, the English bowlers bowled very negatively in parts of the series. I'm glad to see this duel of mediocre teams end.
Vinay, India

With the series level at 1-1 after Headingley, it would have been better if the Oval pitch had something in it for the bowlers. Instead, the pitch has been very good for batting and has produced a pile of first innings scores from both teams, leaving very little time for anything to happen in the second innings. Test cricket (with such drawn series) will lose spectators if such lifeless pitches are prepared for the deciding matches.
Sacheen Kulkarni, India

The negative tactics that Hussain has employed through out the tour of India and now in the home series suggest that he has no confidence in his bowlers, not even in England.

He has given nothing but shame to the people who love the game and would like to play it in the right spirit.
Dhaval Brahmbhatt, India/USA

Shame on Hussain, shame on England's cricket tactics. It is not the right way of playing Test cricket. He doesn't have the guts to bowl attackingly, it shows that he is not confident enough with his bowlers or he is afraid of Indian batting - I think the second one is true.
Rama Ankem, USA

Day three was a sad day for the game of cricket and even a diehard fan like me will think twice before watching/listening another game of cricket in which England is playing!
Ram, Indian in USA

By the way England bowled and India batted on the third day, it is quite clear that the final Test is heading for a draw. If the series end up in a tie, Indians would probably have a psychological advantage over the England team on future matches as they have proved that chasing big scores is no big deal even in Lord's.
Mahesh Srinivasan, UK

Dravid is playing very good cricket this season. He is really in fine form. If India make well over 600 runs by the end of the fourth day then they can win with the help of spinners, Harbhajan and Kumble, otherwise the Test is heading for a possible draw.
C Kumar, India

I totally support Jonathan Agnew's excellent review of the third day's play and as an England supporter, I was totally disgusted by Nasser Hussain's negative tactics.

I have just returned from the Oval and I will NEVER return to watch another Test match when England is playing, as they are a disgrace. England's bowling attack is poor, as Caddick and Cork are both past it and should retire from the test scene.

Tudor is too expensive and Giles is a useless spinner. I would like to congratulate India on a great recovery from a poor first day and watching the world-class Dravid hit another century was amazing.

The Test will end as a bore draw and cricket will be the loser as a direct result of England's pathetic tactics. I have always said that cricket is about one-day internationals and not about dull Test matches, which has been supported by today's tedious English tactics.

I hope Australia teach England how to play cricket the right way and give them the usual Aussie thrashing.
Sukhninder Gill, London, UK

Seasoned Indian batting will upset the English appetite for glory and result in runs all day.
Frank Lee, USA

The excellent stand by Dravid has put India back in the match. England will need to display a mean streak to win this test. More so if they want regain the Ashes this winter.
Jim Rutland, England

If this game ends in a draw, it will be down to mainly one factor - the English bowling tactics. While they've probably ensured that that England do not lose the match, Nasser Hussain and his men have also done another major disservice to the popularity of the game.

No wonder cricket does not have a chance in the popularity stakes against football in this country.
George, UK

I would give it a 50-40-10. 50% chance the match ends in a draw, 40% for an English win and 10% that India pull off a coup. The match is tantalisingly poised. The morning session of the fourth day will be extremely crucial for both sides and the result of the game.
Sahastra, US

I can't see any other result except a win for India. England always seem to fold when the pressure is on. I will watch the second innings with great interest.
Mike, England

India have performed well on the second day when they took eight wickets conceding about 180 runs. Now in order to get a result out of this match there are two options:

1. England bowling out India in such a way that the third test repeats itself, only now in favour of England. 2. India perform well and post a score of 415 and declare the innings so that England can be bowled out/decalre for some exciting second inning score to chase for India.

It would be a shame not to have a result for such an exciting series, it doesn't matter who wins.
Bhetaal, USA

Obviously the final npower Test between England and India is still in the balance. It so far has been a view of magnificent batting on the part of England, especially thanks to some delightful stroke play by the Yorkshire soldier, Michael Vaughan.

However, the second day displayed that they finally have ended up sharing the spoils of the match with the Indians so far, who have got back into the game rather wittily.

For me the match as mentioned sits right in the balance, for four crucial points. First, the whether is very important if the match has to be any entertaining?

Second, the Indian batting line up is ominous; for any team with likes of Tendulkar, yet to come on a good batting track is very good news.

Third, as Ravi Shastri pointed out, the wicket will continue to play good at least for another day and half, which, means if Indian get to a score of 650 or slightly in excess as Agnew sees it, then we will have Kumble and Harbhajhan salivating to bowl.

Fourthly, we might just have England sniffing third Test revenge if they at all get lucky with a quick 'wipe out' act tomorrow.

My final verdict - let's just sit and wish to see some trade mark, scintillating and poetic batting of the little genius, when finally gets on the pitch.
Abhishek Kadam, Yorkshire, UK

Flat lifeless pitches will be the death of Test Cricket! It is very easy for mediocre batsmen to amass great scores on a lifeless track, but it certainly does not augur well for the game of cricket! By playing it safe, England has only assured itself that it will not win the series!
Sesh, USA

India does have a chance if Tendulkar, Dravid, Ganguly and Laxman can play some explosive innings and get a lead of about 100 runs by the lunch time of the fourth day.

The pitch may help Harbhajan and Kumble and then they can try bowling England out before tea of the fifth day and make the remaining time. Maybe it is too much to wish for.
Lokesh Pillai, USA

I think England have lost the initiative by playing defensive after posting 515. Nasser Hussain should be more attacking and give his bowlers more chance to grab wickets, but he is just too afraid of Indian batsmen running away with the match.
Zaheer, Germany

Shame on Hussain for persisting with negative tactics. He should have attacked to win the Test for England after scoring a mammoth first innings score. The Test looks like is headed for a draw.
Sam, USA

I think there is still a hope for a result. England will be looking for a draw and play defensive cricket in their second innings. If they do then I predict the Indian spinners will dismiss them cheaply and make way for an Indian victory. It will be a close and exciting finish.
Babu S Chandra, Malaysia

The match seems to be heading towards a draw thanks to the negative tactics by England. England should remember that such methods will only harm the game in the long run.
Ganesh Nayak, India

Nobody is winning this one. The two sides are excruciatingly defensive and cautious. At this rate soon there won't be any Test cricket left. England are in for a rude awakening Down Under.
Niranjan, USA

It all started with the toss - had India won the toss it would have been a different game all together. It is a shame to see England deploy such Negative and defensive Tactics in a home series - especially after putting 515 on board in the first innings. This match has a draw written all over it.
Jonathan Crane, Ireland

With both teams playing for a draw, that is the only possible result.
Brian, England

I can't believe that after posting a mammoth score of 515, England still persisted of using their negative tactics by bowling wide outside the off stump and very short. What they gained by doing that to world beaters like Tendulkar and Dravid beats me. Hussain is a fantastic captain, but in this series he has been tactically out-thought.

Let's hope that India show a bit more ambition, and at least make a match out it, if not succeed in producing a result. Dravid and Vaughan should b e voted joint man of the series - it would be a shame if either of them misses out on this honour.
Amit Aggarwal, Northern Ireland

The fourth Test looks to be a draw unless India play extremely quickly on the third day. They can do it, because they have good batsmen.
Maxwell, India

India play one decent match and they are world beaters. To all the Indian fans, I say get real. For the last two decades the Indians have been a middle ranking Test team and that's it. India will be lucky if they escape with a draw.
Mike Ratnasingham, USA

I'm confident that England will win! India fail to play under pressure. Michael Vaughan has been in excellent form these days! England have selected a good team concerning both batting and bowling. India have lots of batsman but usually they don't help out. Plus, India can't play well abroad. Everything seems to be going England's way!
Mona Rasheed, Canada

Is anyone else with me in believing that Andy Caddick is a shadow of his former self and should be dropped to accommodate Jones and Harmison?
Harry, England

The match is without doubt still in the balance, with England having a slight edge, but India cannot be counted out. They have a strong middle order, and Sachin Tendulkar will be itching to make it big on his 100th Test.

I think this match will be more exciting than the Eden Gardens match against the Aussies, but if England win they deserve it for the good cricket they have played throughout the summer.
Vinodh, India

Bangar is a true find for India, and the management should continue to develop his talents. He is proving to be an indispensable all-rounder with his quick attacking style and relentless attitude. We need more players like him in the team. If the future of Indian cricket looks like Bangar, then the world is in for a surprise.
Caesar, India

I remember 1974! England beat India massively in a three match series in the UK with all the batsmen hitting peak form - Dennis Amiss, John Edrich, Tony Greig, and David Lloyd (who managed to make 214 in the final match of the series).

A few months later, the same team went to Australia and ran into Dennis Lillee and Jeff Thomson and then it was a completely different story! Let's hope that the same thing does not happen to Michael Vaughan and co this time around.
Graeme, Netherlands

The match is equally poised. Harbhajan is looking dangerous. Shewag will decide the fate of the match. If he plays his natural game then England will have big problems. I hope India win this match and take the series.
Satish Patil, Germany

It was a belter of a pitch. If India had won the toss, they would have made 400 runs. Why are you pointing fingers at India?
Uthaman, USA

As usual the Indian cricket team have let one Test match win (and all the praise that went with it) get to their heads. When will they learn!? Again they lacked any discipline or focus whilst in the field.

It was a PATHETIC performance by them, and not worthy of a Test team. Credit to the England batsman for giving them the bashing they deserved. India will also remain "one hit wonders" until they show greater professionalism and dedication.
Mehul Patel, London, England

India will struggle to win as they do not have any world class fast bowlers. Until they produce a genuinely quick bowler they will continue to struggle overseas. One victory does not suddenly change that fact. England will beat them comprehensively for that reason (not that England have a great attack either but it is far better than India's).
Asif Naqshbandi, Pakistan/England

The Indian bowlers are once again clueless and their previous Test performance seems to be a fluke.
Dushy, Canada

It is hard to avoid the sinking feeling that England have saved the series with a magnificent first day. India's biggest weakness in recent years has been and continues to be - an unreliable bowling attack.

Zaheer impresses in bursts, and Harbhajan is usually dangerous. But Kumble may be past his prime. Despite great batting and good fielding, the bowling is what keeps India from being a great team. Only a Kolkata-type miracle will win the series for India now.
Harinder Jadwani, Canada

Test Cricket, being a five day match, is heavily influenced on winning the toss. The ICC should think about allowing teams to decide first in alternate matches when a series is played. I am absolutely sure that several series in the past have been won or lost because of the flips of the coin at the start and not entirely by the talent of the team.
G Bhattacharya, US

India made a mistake by taking Bangar; instead Nehra is a better option. England got off to a flying start and India will fall again at final battle.
Pramod, India

Michael Vaughan and Nasser Hussain are in supreme form with the bat, and Caddick, Hoggard et al will blow the Indian middle order away.
Max Spiel, Manchester

All this talk of India being in form is a joke. They had one good innings and England had a poor game. England have dominated and made the Indians look very poor in the previous Tests. England should dominate this Test from start to finish and clinch the series with ease.
Stuart, England

It will be low scoring game. Kumble and Harbhajan will win the Test for India.
Chandran Sukumaran, Malaysia

Whoever wins the toss and decides to bat will have a chance of winning this Test. I will be watching Sachin Tendulkar making a century and a world record 100th Test -100 runs at age 29. I just hope the weather is not the winner!
Victor Stranley, Hong Kong

Sachin will be playing his 100th Test and all the focus will be on him. But the man who will out shine them all will be Sehwag - Sachin's clone! He has quietly been getting ready for the Test, and will score a quick fire hundred in the first innings and close the door on the English!
Hari, USA

This one is so close - especially with Trescothick in - that the winner of the toss will most likely be the winner of the match. India have batting talent galore, but are prone to self-mutilation at crucial times.

This is truly the time to find out whether Sanjay Bangar is a one-trick pony. If he scores over 50 in these trying conditions then India have found their opener for the future - both for Test matches and the World Cup.
Perry, USA

Hussain has taken the right step in releasing Irani. Irani was a one-day player: you don't pick an all-rounder for the sake of one.

If weather permits, the game should be a cracker. It will come down to who bowls better. India bowled well in the last match but they have been very ordinary otherwise. You can't have Sachin, Dravid and Ganguly scoring 90+ scores always. I am looking out for Sehwag who has smashed two 100 ball centuries in the side games between the Test matches.
Atul, USA

I think as in the last Test the first session is going to be crucial for the team that bats first.
Jayendra Dabhade, USA

India are on a high after the victory in the last Test. But I believe England still have the edge as India are not used to winning abroad.

The first innings and especially the first few wickets of the Indian innings might well decide the course of the match. If England gets them cheaply, they will be well on their course to victory. Traditionally India are not comfortable with high bounce and that might be their undoing at the Oval.
Sriram Ranganathan, India

England need to find themselves a decent spinner in the mould of a Warne or a Kumble. The so called 'spinners' we seem to produce just aren't up to the job, where taking wickets is concerned. We certainly showed this during the last Test match at Headingley where the pitch didn't do too much and India batted comfortably for a mammoth total.
Lord Bagot, UK

Well, what a surprise! The only down side of letting Irani play for Essex is that they have not called anyone else into the side. I would not rate Cork much higher than Irani, and at his age Cork is hardly a prospect for the future is he!

Why not rely on the batsmen to make runs and pick some good bowlers? Why do we always have to pick a "bits and pieces" player at seven? We have an extra bat in the shape of Stewart surely....
Charles Sheldrick, UK

On current bowling form a lot rests on the broad shoulders of the consistently excellent Hoggard. I suggest Nasser should play the extra batsmen and go for the draw.

It's negative I know but really, can you see England bowling India out twice at the Oval...?
Nick, UK

I hope that the final match is not an anti-climax as both teams may feel a drawn series is a better outcome than risking losing the serious. England do not want a repeat of the series against New Zealand in 1999.

India certainly have the upper hand and generally seem more eager for a victory particularly as this is their best chance of an overseas series win since 1986. Confidence is the key factor with pendulum swinging in their favour. Let's hope for some positive cricket and good weather!
Mehul Patel, UK

England have plenty to be positive about these days, but I doubt whether they have the batting depth at The Oval to secure a large score.

England's dominance in the Lord's Test was largely a result of the runs contributed in the first innings by Nos.7-11. Today's news is that Dominic Cork - Test average 17.27, two scores of over 40 in 55 test innings - is our No.7 for The Oval. I'm sure Alec Stewart is looking forward to being left stranded on 25 not out.
Roy Pinney, England

Irani's release from the Test side may turn out to be a blessing in disguise for England who will now play Cork or Harmison instead. Irani was not going to the match winner that England need to wrap up the series, they need an attacking bowler who can trouble a strong Indian batting line-up. With Irani out of the way, Hussain can now make a better choice which will force him to attack rather than defend.
Ajay Singh, India

The politicians in Johannesburg should take note of the England cricket team's use of recycling. Why try the new when you can constantly reuse what's failed before ?
Gavin, UK

An all-rounder should be able to get into the side on the basis of his batting or bowling alone, which Irani couldn't. An average bowler and average bat, but if you want like for like then he is the closest we have to Flintoff.

Better to go with another bowler in my opinion as we must win the game and have enough batting alerady.
Andy, UK

Big Ron has been the most consistent English cricketer this year. He may not have the best technique in the World but the fact is, he makes things happen.

Naturally gifted players like Ramprakash were given many bites at the cherry and couldn't do it. Irani deserves another shot.
Cayne, UK

If Irani is a Test match player, then so am I. He's not a good enough batsman or bowler to play, and I only hope he doesn't do something good enough to get on the plane to Australia.

If the selectors feel they need to include bits-and-pieces cricketers they should have gone for Adam Hollioake who offers a lot more. Test matches are won by specialists, though, so they would have been better served picking another bowler.
CT, UK

We need international standard batsmen with the sort of concentration and application that goes with it.

Likewise, we need bowlers who are capable of producing wicket- taking deliveries on a regular basis. If we can't find one player who can perform consistently well with both bat and ball in the Test match arena, then we shouldn't just pick someone and hope for the best.

Ronnie Irani, like all first-class cricketers, is obviously a very good player, but I fear not quite up to the job. Get out there and prove me wrong Ronnie!
Matt, UK

He is the worst player to play for England since Derek Pringle!
Mark Pollock, UK

Ronnie Irani is a cricketer who can bowl a bit and bat slightly better than that. With the series very delicately poised at 1-1 and everything to play for at The Oval, England should opt for those players who are either genuine all-rounders or at least specialists in one department of the game.

If need arises, Mark Butcher can easily match Ronnie Irani with the ball, and it's needless to say who is the better bat. Playing Ronnie Irani at The Oval might backfire and hugely affect the balance of the side.
Pankaj Joshi, India

Irani's neither a frontline bowler or batter and is more of a bits and pieces one-day player.
Brendan , England

England are scraping the bottom of a not too deep barrel by picking Irani.
Vaughan, London

Prepare a fast bouncy green wicket at the Oval, play four quicks and a spinner and leave out Irani.
Sean, London

This is so funny! Why won't England fans face it: they don't stand a chance of beating the Australians if they struggle to beat an Indian side that has fewer wins overseas in the past few years than I have fingers! This just makes me laugh!
Yusaf, Budapest, Hungary

Irani? Unbelievable. This is going back to the days of Capel, Chris Cowdrey and Pringle. He can be tight in one-day knockabouts and get wickets, but that is through frustration. The Indians will just dead bat him all day on their way to 600.

They should play a bowler and forget the batting. Any runs scored is better than Flintoff's dismal record (ave 17?!). If Bicknell is fit, play him, or Harrison, Dawson, anybody who is bowling well.

Remember Caddick's performance at Headingley and Lord's in the final? He has not got the heart and as I pointed out in the C&G comments, is only a one innings bowler. He must not play.

On the Oval featherbed, his short of length attack will be destroyed by the Indians.
Nick, London, England

Irani's bowling will be slaughtered by the Indians, and his batting is a bit dodgy too. If there isn't an all-rounder good enough to replace Flintoff then we should look at other options.

Vaughan and Giles should get quite a lot of bowling at the Oval so I would opt for another fast bowler. The only person I can think of who can replace Flintoff is White, and he's injured.
John, England

Of course Irani deserves to be included in the side! He plays a key role in both the batting and bowling departments. England don't really have good batsman.

They need a Waqar Younis or Shoaib Akhtar to win. It's hard to tell which team will win. Although Irani isn't as good as Flintoff, he can still play well. His performance in the NatWest was great and he was Fans Player Of The Series. So I guess Irani has a good chance to help England win!
Mona Rasheed, Canada

Irani replace Flintoff. No - neither are good enough. Pick four quick bowlers and play the extra batsman (Ed Joyce) and use Vaughan and Trescothick when needed. If White was fit then would play.
Ian, UK

The Essex fans sing Irani's name because he brings guts and attitude to the team. He is the kind of player that the England side has missed in the last 15 years and his qualities will complement the exceptional natural skills of Trescothick, Vaughan and the rest. Especially after his fine one-day performances for England this year, he is definitely worth his place in the squad.
Rob, UK

The England selectors have overlooked the most promising all-rounder in the country. Robin Martin Jenkins has performed consistently for Sussex now for some time and deserves his chance.

Irani, although a useful one-day acquisition, will prove fodder for the Indians at the Oval, and has not the technique to survive against spin. It is also clear that Cork is past it and has been for some time.
Toby Eyre, UK

Ronnie Irani is a fine one-day player and has shown that he can make the grade there. He is a good county all-rounder, but looks unlikely either to score many runs or take many wickets at Test level. His numbers in the three Tests that he has played look very ordinary, although it is true that he has advanced since then.

If he isn't given a chance, we will never know if he can do it, but it would be preferable for a player to be tried-out at a less critical moment.
Mark Kidger, Tenerife/UK

Irani - a replacement for Flintoff? I would say he already has a head start on Flintoff, who was touted as a class act. C'mon Irani, you can't do worse than the big boy. PS. Don't go round the wicket to these batsmen, they will just tear you apart.
Sanjeev S, USA

I think Irani deserves the selection after his excellent performance in the one-dayers. He should be given a chance seeing as he hasn't played Test cricket for a while. England also need to make sure that they have checked all players that could play for them in the Ashes tour.
Chris, Luxembourg

He is not going to tear apart the batting line up like a Shoaib Akhtar or McGrath would, but I think he will certainly trouble the Indian batsmen to a degree. I am not too sure about his inclusion into the squad this time. The Indian batting line up is a baffling mystery and I believe the Lords Test will reveal that spinners are the ones with the solution.
Caesar, India

"Myyyy, naaaame, iiiis Ronnie Irani, they all think I'm barmy, I bat number four for Essex, when I walk down the street, all the people I meet say: 'Oi, big man, what's your name?', And IIIII saaaay, Ronnie Irani, they all think I'm barmy..."
Graham, Essex

I'm not going to sit here and claim that Irani isn't a good player because he is, and a very good one at that. However, I do feel England are taking a step back with his selection in the Test squad.

In my opinion he should be placed alongside the likes of Hick and Ramprakash as players that couldn't quite do it at the top level. If he does get a place in the team next week I really hope he proves me wrong but England would be better served in picking either a batsman or a bowler.
Martin, Lancs, England

England cannot afford to lose the last Test of the series. Having an attack of five bowlers is no better than having four if the fifth bowler isn't up to Test match level. England should play Trescothick and Key and stack the batting down to seven.

If they really feel the need to add some more totally average bowling into their attack they can always turn to Vaughan or Butcher rather than play Irani.
Dave, UK