India vs England: Assessing series' statements with power of hindsight

Assessing England's tour to India may or may not be simple through form and numbers. Words spoken and statements made can be an indicator of which predictions came true, which fell flat and whose words inspired men and whose fell flat. Here is a recap of quotes from India vs England 2012. (Also read: Victory in India and Christmas back home: England players tweet their emotions)

At the onset:

Matt Prior (October 24):

"The records are there, we hadn't beaten Australia in Australia for 24 years, the last time we did it. We haven't beaten India for 27 years, it is going to be a monumental effort." Hindsight verdict: Well said

Michael Vaughan (October 25):

"India to play no spinners against England in the A team warm-up game ... if that's what the game has come to???? Pathetic tactics." Hindsight verdict: Unnecessary

MS Dhoni (October 28):

"When we go to England, we get wickets that help the seamers and in Australia you get tracks with bounce. In the subcontinent, spin is what matters and we should stick to that." Hindsight verdict: Unnecessary

Suresh Raina (October 29):

"I was there in England and I feel the pain of losing that series 0-4. I want to give some of that pain back." Hindsight verdict: Fell flat

Alastair Cook (October 29):

"It's a huge challenge as history suggests. It is so hard for an English side to win in the sub-continent. We are just desperate to use the conditions in these three (warm-up) games and change things around." Hindsight verdict: Well said

Ian Bell (November 7):

"We are going through videos to analyse how Rahul Dravid had played spin, used his feet against them and utilised the depth of the crease to defend and attack them." Hindsight verdict: Well done

Virender Sehwag (November 6):

"I think they are a good side but so are we. We are preparing well for the series. We are confident of playing good cricket against them. I am happy that I scored 100 against UP. Whether I am back in form or not, is not for me to decide but I thought I played well enough and hope to do well (against England)." Hindsight verdict: Fell flat

MS Dhoni (November 7):

"That plan is always on. Whatever format you play in the sport, you always want to be No 1. It's a slow constant process that we are subjected to." Hindsight verdict: Fell flat

Graeme Swann (November 7):

"Secondly, we were bowled out by a mystery spinner that batsmen could not pick. India are not really blessed with a mystery spinner like that." Hindsight verdict: Well said

Post 1st Test:

Alastair Cook (November 19):

"If we have to win this series, we need everyone to contribute. There's absolutely no doubt about that. Everyone has to stick his hands up and say that." Hindsight verdict: Well said

MS Dhoni (November 19):

"It was hard work for the spinners. They bowled 70-80 overs, even fast bowlers bowled overs 40 overs. So it was a fantastic effort from them." Hindsight verdict: Fell flat

Andy Flower (November 21):

"With hindsight, yes, it was a mistake not to play Panesar in Ahmedabad." Hindsight verdict: Well said

Rameez Raja (November 20):

"If England lose in Mumbai then India will have the clear edge. India will then have the excellent opportunity to go for a 4-0 result, which can be called a 'brownwash'." Hindsight verdict: Fell flat

N Srinivasan, BCCI chief (November 22):

"The Indian under-19 team won the junior World Cup. The senior team did not have a great year. I hope this domestic season, a long one, will give them sufficient success." Hindsight verdict: Fell flat

Post 2nd Test:

Kevin Pietersen (November 26):

"But we are not going to get ahead of us, that is for sure. Last week we got hammered and this week we turned it around." Hindsight verdict: Well said and well done

Alastair Cook (November 26):

"We have set the series out really well. We have got two games to go now and it is level. It is a really good performance." Hindsight verdict: Well said and well done

MS Dhoni (November 26):

"Definitely outplayed. Monty bowled really well. All get turn, but the pace he bowled at made sure that the batsmen were on the front foot. To some extent, yes I am disappointed with our spinners." Hindsight verdict: Well said

Rajeev Shukla (November 26):

"We will look into the reasons behind Team India's defeat against England in Mumbai Test." Hindsight verdict: Unnecessary

Post 3rd Test:

MS Dhoni (December 9):

"The easiest thing for me to say right now is to say, 'I quit captaincy' and be a part of the side. But that's like running away from the responsibility," Hindsight verdict: Unnecessary

"The batting will have to take up the responsibility. We need to score more runs. It was a very good wicket to bat on." Hindsight verdict: Unnecessary

Alastair Cook:

"Also to the players as well, especially on this tour. A new captain, things are slightly different. I can't praise them enough. Unfortunately, the job's not done yet," Hindsight verdict: Well said and Well done

Post 4th Test:

Alastair Cook (December 17):

"It is an incredible feeling. It is a very special day for us. Some good memories from 28 years ago but it is a great day for us." Hindsight verdict: Well said and Well done

Ravi Shastri (December 17):

Good job Alastair. You now leave the Indian shores as MasterChef Cook." Hindsight verdict: None