England’s last day performance in the first test against India at Lords was outstanding and delivered them the first of two wins that will lift them to number one test cricketing nation in the world. We predicted that, if the weather held, then India would be suspect on the last day and so they proved to be. While a lot of credit must go to England’s bowlers, India let themselves down badly with some poor batting. That last day strip was still a good batting pitch and didn’t offer the bowlers a lot when it came to sideways movement of the ball.

The question now is whether or not England can go on with the job. In the past, England would have basked in the glory of win and not follow up to close out oppositions. India are like Australia, beat them well early and keep the pressure on, they will struggle to come back. Beat them early, but let them back in, and before you know it they are 2-1 up and you’re fighting to claim a drawn series. England need to win the series by two tests to claim that number one ranking so the job is far from done right now. The second test starting at Trent Bridge today will really tell the story of England’s future. This is one ground where they normally do well, especially if given the opportunity to bowl on the opening morning. Win this test and not only will they be in the box seat to claim that number one ranking, they will be in a position to dominate test cricket for several years. Fold now, and it will be years before they can make that claim.

Bookmakers have made England favourites to win, and so they should. The ground suits them, they are coming into this game after a great win, and India do appear to be on the slide. Once again the weather will be a factor in this test with bookmakers quoting a draw at 7/4. England are at 6/5 to win while supporters of India will be happy to see them drifting out to 4/1 – good cricket betting odds if they can regain that spark. That’s the concern for English cricket fans. Beware the injured tiger. Will they come out fighting, or have they lost their fighting spirit?

We are leaning with the latter. I think India may be a spent force in test cricket. They played without their usual style and looked to be negative and trying to protect their own futures rather than playing as a team – that’s always a sign of big changes to come, and give the ages of some of these players, that’s on the cards. England to win in four days if they get to bowl first up.