So, as the Indians take on the conservative and confident England today at Edgbaston, the onus is very much on Mohammad Azharruddin and his lads. It has taken Azhar a very long time to realise that ``a captain can only be as good as his team, whether in victory or defeat''. If only he had acknowledged this fact early in his stint as the national captain, I am sure Azhar would not have been such a disillusioned person.

Despite their convincing victory over the holders, India's game-plan can seldom be ascertained with conviction. It can lead to both delight and dismay, depending on the margin of expectations. Invariably, it seems Indian followers are not very stable with their emotions. If the ball is runningfor India, the Indian fan goes wild with unadulterated joy. And God forbid if things go awry, there is no dearth of desolate drama. Either way, signs of maturity are yet to catch up with the Indian psyche even after fifty years of Independence. Dare I say only political, and not mental!!! And how grossly, the political freedom is misused is another story. But not too far fetched considering the dominance of politics in India sport. We shall discuss the subject in not too distant future.

There is little to choose between the two sides. England have enjoyed the prerogative of the hosts and built up their confidence gradually and surely. The Poms are almost assured of a place in the Super Six with three wins against one loss to the mighty South Africa. Indians, on the other hand, must beat England to find a berth in the Super Six on merit. Even if they lose, Azhar and his team may still squeeze through. But only just. And that too with the aid of a calculator and not a bat or a ball!! The importance of anoutright win must register with the Indian think-tank without any prejudice straightaway.

England have chased totals very methodically. I reckon they will carry on with the set pattern. If anything, Alec Stewart may even play the waiting game, leaving Azhar to make all the vital decisions. Indian batting order remains debatable for Darren Gough and Alan Mullally to create some stir. Runs may not come as easily for Saurav Ganguly and Rahul Dravid in Edgbaston. Once again Sachin Tendulkar might be left holding the baby and the bath. At what stage of the game?! It remains to be seen. Personally, I would hate to be wise after the event and put down Tendulkar at number one and let the great little fella work it out for himself what is best for India. Nobody else in the team is better equipped temperamentally, technically or thoughtfully.

Indian bowling will continue to be a source of worry. Srinath, Kumble and Co failed to bowl out the Kenyans. Graham Thorpe, Neil Fairbrother and Graeme Hick could easily be ahandful, especially the two left-handers. Annihilating Sri Lanka was a wonderful effort. But that is behind us and already a historical delight for the statisticians. What matters is the present and immediate future which calls for a concentrated collective effort. Come on Indians, show your true mettle and may God be with you all, now and always.