Match report: Harbhajan spins out England

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• India 170/4 (Sharma 55, Gambhir 45) defeated England 80 (Kieswtter 35, Singh 4/12)

Summary:

Harbhajan Singh marked his return from a year in the international cricketing wilderness with an off-spin masterclass to guide India past England. Singh claimed 4 for 12 while also bowling two maiden overs as England crumbled in the face of an Indian spin assault on a stereotypical sub-continental turning wicket. Rohit Sharma and Gautam Gambhir had earlier played assured innings to set England a difficult target, as their bowlers struggled to make inroads into the Indian batting lineup. England's run chase never got going, with opener Craig Kieswetter providing the only resistance.

The pitch:

It is fair to say that the English team missed the mark in the read of the pitch, dropping their other frontline spinner, Samit Patel (who took 2/6 in their opening game), in favour of a more pace-oriented bowling attack. India on the other hand played two spinners who combined had the figures of eight overs, three maidens, 6/25. Not hard to see who played the conditions better.

Who's hot:

India: Harbhajan; a bit of a loose cannon, but when he's on form is one of the most dangerous spinners in international cricket. India's big name batsmen are also getting amongst the runs.

England: The team selectors will surely be getting a few queries headed their way given the total misread of the conditions. Off-spinner Graeme Swann was not surprisingly England's most dangerous and economical bowler.

What it means:

India: Goes into the Super Eight stage undefeated and in reasonable form. The bowling effort tonight may quieten a few of the doubters over the strength of the Indian attack.

England: Not all that much, as they still progress to the next stage.  Some opposition teams may view this as a confirmation of England's vulnerability in sub-continental conditions.

The Votes:

MVP: 3- H Singh, 2- P Chawla (2/13, Harbhajan's foil), 1- R Sharma (top-scored with 55)

Tucker Trophy: 1- AB Dinda (went for 26 off two overs), 2- J Dernbach (bore the brunt of Sharma's assault), 3- J Bairstow (1 run, chewed up eight balls, looked decidedly uncomfortable against spin)