The wicket at Edgbaston has a reputation of producing high-scoring games and this time around, I feel, will be no different. It is also an important game for both teams because the points they earn from this match can be carried forward to the Super Six.

England have had a good tournament thus far. They have excellent bowlers in Gough and Mullally. Apart from them, others are pretty average. India will have to concentrate on scoring off the other bowlers, and there's a good 30 overs to do so.

England's batting, thoughit looks good on paper, has not lived up to reputation. In fact, it appeared vulnerable time and again. That, I feel, makes India the favourites to win this match.

Whatever be the permutations and combinations, India will do well to go into this match not much with their mind set on points but on beating England. At the moment, India are clicking as a team and their performance against Sri Lanka suggests that they are on song and will go into the match with a positive frame of mind. India's earlier loss to Zimbabwe, however, could prove crucial if both these teams end up neck to neck at the end of the league stage.

England players spent the day playing golf rather than on a cricket ground. That was good for the players as it would leave them refreshed for this vital game. India will have to play the way they have been doing for the past two games and if they can do that they will prove more than a handful for the Englishmen. The team combination may go a bit awry if Mongia declares himself fit, which Isuppose he will.

In that case, Ramesh will have to make way for keeper No 1 because India cannot afford to drop a bowler against England. However things work out, I'm sure it is going to be an absorbing encounter.