Even as the Indians looks forward to record its first series win in England
in 16-years, they will have to deal with a bouncy pitch at the Oval, the venue
of the third and final Test starting Thursday. 
India are sitting pretty on a 1-0 lead, following their victory
in the second Test at Trent Bridge, while England are facing the pressure of
having to win the final Test to save its fine unbeaten record at home since
2001.
"This wicket should have good pace and bounce," opined
Bill Gordon, the 62-year old groundsman at the Oval.
"This will be a good batting wicket with consistent bounce.
You can't play your strokes on a slow pitch." When the Indians last played
in London, in the first Test of the series at Lord's, they had problems dealing
with the extra swing that Ryan Sidebottom and James Anderson could
get.
However, with the late summer finally making people sweat in
London, Gordon reckons that pace, not swing, will be the buzzword at
the Oval.
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