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Northampton: If the Indian team was looking for peace, Northampton would have been an ideal place: far from the hustle and bustle of a big match, and the prying eyes of live cameras, it offers a serenity that a tormented soul might need.
But then, the team is looking for answers, for solutions, rather than peace. With barely six days left for the Test series to resume, and for everything to fall into place, it is clearly running against time.
The opening day of the two-day match against the Northants, if anything only added to its problems. Virender Sehwag and Gautam Gambhir, who were seen as possible saviours, didn't spend enough time in the middle to raise any hopes.
Worse, Abhinav Mukund, who was found wanting against England's pace, and its pointed body line, showed that on friendlier tracks and against pleasanter attacks, he can make runs too. He made a careful century on the back of some pleasing drives. It will, however, not do much for his chances in the remaining two Tests; Sehwag and Gambhir will take the openers' slots despite just culling out 8 and 18. Incidentally, both were trapped before the wicket, which may not be their main concern against faster bowlers.
Mukund's 113 gave India's batsmen some breathing space, if not a modicum of respectability. The Indians desperately needed Suresh Raina, who looked particularly lost in Trent Bridge, and captain Dhoni to get among the runs. But both failed to get going even though the setting was perfect to feel positive, if not return to form. Raina, though, didn't do himself any good by succumbing to a rising delivery, attempting an ungainly half pull. Dhoni too would not be pleased, edging a simple catch to the wicketkeeper.
VVS Laxman was at home like always, caressing the ball through the gaps and pulling the shorter ones. He missed a half-century by just a run but it's unlikely to rob him of any sleep. Amit Mishra didn't do any harm to his sleep either, smashing an unbeaten 48 at stumps.
The Indians opted to go with a 12-man team in this two-day game; both teams would get 90 overs each, although the visitors could bat for 100 if they so chose. More interestingly, Gambhir was allowed the task of leading the side even though Dhoni was in the starting lineup.
Zaheer Khan made an appearance too, though only with the bat so far. His big test will come on Saturday, when he has to take the ball and test his hamstring.
For the record, India finished the day at 327 for the loss of seven wickets.
Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid and Praveen Kumar were given rest. Virat Kohli too arrived and had a long stint in the indoor nets.
Brief scores
Indians 327 for 7 (Mukund 113, Laxman 49, Mishra 48*, Evans 2-60)
