The first ODI between England and India at the Saurashtra Cricket Association stadium in Khanderi, Rajkot on Friday left a bitter tinge among the fans. The visitors who have returned after a celebrations continued to expose the weakness of the home team once again. In fact what went wrong is beyond one's imagination and still surprises the fans as how team India, lost after falling short by nine runs from victory.

However the crowds were happy with almost witnessing 641 runs blasted by batsman across the outfield. Neither of the teams were short of a good knock but the visitors dominated the match on the whole. In the first half the batsman dominated the Indian attack and scored 325 runs while losing just four wickets. In the second half the English bowlers played their part well and took wickets at quick succession which could have been the main reason for the home team's loss.

On the whole there is something literally wrong with the home team's efforts either lacking on perspiration levels or inspirational level. Anyways the solace to the team India fan is that we have not humbly lost a match but have equally fought and lost. This means that we are on progressive path probably ready to grab the series with continuous wins in the next games. But do you feel my expectations are going beyond the stars...of course I am tough minded optimist! (Wishesh AarKay)