Lack of form and not unfamiliarity cause of defeats

There may be many reasons for the debacle that England's campaign is turning out to be. Most of their batters seem woefully out of touch at the same time. A raft of changes three each in their previous two games against Sri Lanka and South Africa implies they are still figuring out their best combination. Their bowling is devoid of cutting edge.

- Vivek Krishnan

What they can't blame though is lack of familiarity with India's pitches and surroundings. The alibi of alien conditions has been conveniently used by English teams of the past to explain their inadequacies in the subcontinent. From the nature of surfaces to the oppressive heat and unsuitable food, the Poms usually have plenty to whinge about.