| 0.0 : If you've got a day off, pop that corn, kick back on those recliners and witness the spectacle about to be put on display. And if you're at work unfortunately, then pull up those smartphones and tune in to wherever you can catch all the action. It's finally here, welcome to the big stage, ladies and gents. England and India lock horns in the much-awaited Test series. Plenty surrounding this red-ball contest. Who's going to play? Who'll miss out? England have already announced their XI, remains t |
| Pitch Report - Sanjay Manjrekar glancing over out there in the middle says there is some moisture in the pitch to begin with. Adds that overall, there isn't any fresh grass, but enough to assist the seamers early on. Continues saying the team winning the toss should bat first, as the surface will wear a different colour as the game goes on. He mentions that going with two spinners shouldn't be a problem at all and if Virat Kohli wins the toss, he has a big decision to make whether he wants to pr |
| TOSS - The spin of the coin goes Joe Root's way. And as mentioned a little bit earlier by Manjrekar, ENGLAND OPT TO BAT FIRST! |
| Joe Root says it looks a good surface with a little bit cloud cover, but should be a good day for batting. Mentions they have been practicing well and it's all about delivering now. States that it's a great opportunity for his players to prove a point. Informs that the team has been picked after examining the pitch and is confident this bunch can get the job done. |
| Virat Kohli says they were thinking of bowling first. Reckons it's going to be a good batting surface as Joe Root mentioned. Wants to exploit the conditions early on. Is really looking forward to do well and the guys are well prepared and excited to get things going. Feels the pitch looks very different compared to last year and it's going to be a good contest between the two teams. Adds that they don't carry any excess baggage despite not having a good record here. Let's everyone know they are |
| Adil Rashid giving an interview on the sidelines says that this series is a good challenge and he is looking forward to it. On making a comeback, he says he would have never imagined playing Test cricket so early. He adds saying that the mindset is very important and wants to have the same mentality set as he does for white-ball cricket. He suggests that it is important to stick to his positives. Continues saying that his role in the team is to create chances and says that he is not under pressu |
| Well... Finally! We're ready to rock and roll. Alastair Cook and Keaton Jennings stride out to the middle amidst a big English cheer. The Indian players spread out across the field. Umesh Yadav has the new cherry in hand first up. Three slips and a gully in place. Wait! A fielding change before the first ball is even bowled. Gully comes out to a catch short mid-wicket position. Interesting. Anyway, here we go... |
| 0.1 : U Yadav to Cook, Superb delivery first up! Lands it on a back of a length around off and it jags back in sharply, Cook is forced to go back and defend it down on the track. |
| 0.2 : U Yadav to Cook, Ooooffff! Talk about close shaves! On a good length and seaming back in, with some extra bounce, Cook dangerously shoulders arms to it as the ball goes over the stumps. |
| 0.3 : U Yadav to Cook, Cook and England are off the mark. He pushes this full delivery outside off to the covers and gets to the other end. |
| 0.4 : U Yadav to Jennings, Fires it full and swings it back in on off, Jennings leans forward and meets it with the full face of the bat. |
| 0.5 : U Yadav to Jennings, On the fuller side of the length, in line of the stumps, driven to mid on tamely. |
| 0.6 : U Yadav to Jennings, Hurled away well outside off, going across, Jennings lets it be to end the first over. |
| Ishant Sharma to share the new ball. He has three slips in place as well, along with a gully. |
| 1.1 : I Sharma to Cook, Sharp movement off the deck! Ishant lands it on leg and it moves heavily towards off, Cook is squared up as he tries to defend this. It goes past the edge and off the back thigh pad towards the slip cordon. |
| 1.2 : I Sharma to Cook, Going across the left-hander on a length, outside off, it's left alone for the keeper to collect. |
| 1.3 : I Sharma to Cook, Beaten! What a ripper from Ishant Sharma! Good length delivery on off, moving away just a shade with some extra bounce, Cook is once again squared up a bit and beaten past the outside edge. |
| 1.4 : I Sharma to Cook, Oh deary me! This is a superb first over from Ishant so far. On middle and off, deviating off the surface away from Alastair Cook. He can only hang his bat out and hope he doesn't nick it behind. Fortunately for him, he doesn't. Just gets beaten. |
| 1.5 : I Sharma to Cook, Further away outside off, easy enough this time for the former England Test skipper to leave it alone. |
| 1.6 : I Sharma to Cook, Another easy leave. Cook shoulders arms to let Dinesh Karthik collect it with ease. Testing over from Ishant comes to a close. |
| 2.1 : U Yadav to Jennings, FOUR! First boundary of the day for England! Fuller and coming in on the pads, Jennings just clips it off his pads down across the fine leg fence for a boundary. |
| 2.2 : U Yadav to Jennings, Nicely done. Fuller delivery fraction straight in line, flicked through the gap in the mid-wicket region for a couple of runs. |
| 2.3 : U Yadav to K Jennings, Played with soft hands. That's the trick that saved him. Just ahead of a length close to off, Jennings comes half-forward as he edges it on the bounce to the diving third slip fielder. |
| 2.4 : U Yadav to Jennings, Needs to get his line checked, Umesh. He's bowling too straight which is allowing Keaton Jennings to put it away on the leg side. This time it's played through backward square leg for two more. |
| 2.5 : U Yadav to Jennings, Served on a length, outside the line of off stump, no shot offered in response. |
| 2.6 : U Yadav to Jennings, Brings it in closer this time, forces Jennings forward to block it out on the off side. |
| 3.1 : I Sharma to Cook, Wowza! Ishant's on fire this morning. Just the second over, yes, but he's making the ball talk. Pitches it on middle and makes it swing away, Cook has no option but to play at it. It whiskers past the edge and thuds into the keeper's gloves. |
| 3.2 : I Sharma to Cook, Well outside off on this occasions, Cook mind's his own business and lets it go. |
| 3.3 : I Sharma to Cook, Fuller in length on middle and leg, Cook defends it off the outer half towards mid off. No harm done. |
| 3.4 : I Sharma to Cook, Again some good movement off the seam. Length ball around off, Cook shapes up for the shot as he opens the face and dabs it in front of point. |
| 3.5 : I Sharma to Cook, Fuller on the stumps, worked wide of mid on for a single. |
| 3.6 : I Sharma to Jennings, Jennings watches the ball closely, it's wide outside off, so he leaves it alone. |
| Look who's showed up! Monty Panesar is seen in the stands. |
| 4.1 : U Yadav to Cook, FOUR! A tad short and Alastair Cook has put it away. Around off, not much venom on it, so the southpaw rises on his toes and cracks it through cover-point to find the fence. |
| 4.2 : U Yadav to Cook, Stays on the back foot again. Punches it through the same region but manages a single this time around. |
| 4.3 : U Yadav to Jennings, Fullish in length attacking the stumps, firmly blocked in front of short mid-wicket. |
| 4.4 : U Yadav to Jennings, Comfortably done. Jennings plants his front foot forward, leans into the shot and pushes it well through the covers. Picks up a single for doing so. |
| 4.5 : U Yadav to Cook, FOUR! He will put them away all day long! Umesh really needs to get his radar more accurate. Fires it on the pads, Cook flicks it neatly through the mid-wicket region and that will be a boundary. |
| 4.6 : U Yadav to Cook, Much, much better. That's where he needs to be more often. In the channel outside off, Jennings gets beaten as he prods forward to defend. |
| 5.1 : I Sharma to Jennings, Full with some swing in the air well outside off, Keaton Jennings has nothing to do with it. |
| 5.2 : I Sharma to Jennings, Could have been a wide. Almost. Ishant fires it well outside off, it's just inside the tramline as Keaton shoulders arms. |
| 5.3 : I Sharma to K Jennings, Did that not carry? It did. Oh dear. That's a dropped chance. Ishant once again with another superb delivery. Lands it on middle and it shapes away heavily. Jennings is squared up as he hangs his bat out in front of his pads, gets a thick edge and it flies towards the slip cordon. Rahane at third slip dives to his right, when he should have left it, and drops it. Had he not moved, it would have been a simple catch for Virat Kohli at second slip. |
| 5.4 : I Sharma to Jennings, Plays this away square towards point and changes ends. |
| 5.5 : I Sharma to Cook, Chooses to leave the ball outside the off stump. |
| 5.6 : Sharma to Cook, The tall pacer is just a bit unfortunate this morning. He's been terrific here. Yorker fired in on middle stump, Cook barely manages to dig it out off the inner edge down towards fine leg. Single taken to end the over. |
| Spin early on. Bold or just too impatient? Ravichandran Ashwin is into the attack after just six overs. A slip and a short leg have been provided to him. |
| 6.1 : R Ashwin to Cook, Looped up from around the wicket, Cook is well forward in defense. |
| 6.2 : R Ashwin to Cook, Tossed up, with a lot of air on it, around off, driven along the ground to deep point for a single. |
| 6.3 : R Ashwin to Jennings, Full and attacking the stumps, blocked off the front foot. |
| 6.4 : R Ashwin to K Jennings, Nice from Ashwin. Great shape on this as he floats it up on middle and off, Jennings presses forward and defends it off the inner half past the diving short leg fielder. |
| 6.5 : R Ashwin to Jennings, Leg bye signalled, but it's actually gone off the glove. Flights it up on off, Jennings is down to sweep as it goes off the gloves behind square on the off side. Seems the umpire misses it. One leg bye taken. |
| 6.6 : R Ashwin to Cook, Drifting in around off, on a fuller length, Cook guards it out safely. |
| 7.1 : I Sharma to Jennings, Shaping away from around off, on a good length, tapped down in front of point for nothing. |
| 7.2 : I Sharma to Jennings, Touch further away outside off, no shot offered. Needs to bring it in closer, left alone. |
| 7.3 : I Sharma to Jennings, Off the outer half but it falls safely. Length ball in the off stump channel, Jennings plays it towards point. |
| 7.4 : I Sharma to Jennings, Maybe Ishant should try bringing one or two back in. It's allowing the two left-handers to get comfortable, given it's the same type of deliveries. Outside off, DK takes it behind the stumps. |
| 7.5 : I Sharma to Jennings, Too straight, on the pads, easily clipped down to fine leg. One run collected. |
| 7.6 : I Sharma to Cook, Shaping away from the surface, no trouble for Alastair Cook to let it be. |
| 8.1 : R Ashwin to Jennings, Drifting in with some pace on this one, a bit short too. Jennings goes back and works it around the corner for one. |
| 8.2 : R Ashwin to A Cook, Slightest of turns as it's pitched around off, it takes the edge as Cook prods forward and goes well past the slip fielder. |
| 8.3 : R Ashwin to Cook, Fuller and close to off, blocked. |
| 8.4 : R Ashwin to Cook, Cook leans nicely into the shot and drives it to extra cover. |
| 8.5 : R Ashwin to Cook, OUT! Bold move indeed! What an absolute beauty from Ravi Ashwin! Superb. Superb. It's the big wicket of Alastair Cook too. The offie comes from around the wicket and provides a lot of revs as he tosses it up on middle. Cook covers the line, thinking it will spin slightly. Doesn't account for the massive turn and gets undone by it. The ball goes past the outside edge and knocks the bails over. First strike for India. |
| The skipper Joe Root walks into the middle next. |
| 8.6 : R Ashwin to Root, Root is off the mark with a neat drive through the gap in the covers for two. A successful over from Ashwin comes to an end. |
| 9.1 : I Sharma to Jennings, Good length delivery on off, cutting away off the deck, Jennings covers the line and lets it be. |
| 9.2 : I Sharma to Jennings, FOUR! Edged and away! Not a bad delivery at all, Ishant serves it on a length on off. It goes away late and squares Jennings up. Off the edge and it races away down to the third man fence. |
| 9.3 : I Sharma to Jennings, Wide outside off, left alone by the batsman. |
| 9.4 : I Sharma to Jennings, Speared full, just outside off, no swing on this occasion as Jennings misses his flick. It brushes the pads and Karthik behind the stumps makes a good save. |
| Ishant should probably consider coming around the wicket to the left-hander. Over the wicket, he's sticking to that leg stump line. If he doesn't get the prodigious swing, the batsman see it. If it's too full, it's easy enough to play it out. Switching the angle might provide something different. |
| 9.5 : I Sharma to Jennings, Pushes this into the vacant cover area and a quick single is taken. |
| 9.6 : I Sharma to Root, FOUR! Too straight in line and it's put away! Shorter on the hips, Root tickles it fine down the leg side for an easy boundary. |
| 10.1 : R Ashwin to Jennings, Full and outside off, quicker through the air, Jennings drives it square through point and gets a couple of runs for doing so. Hardik Pandya chases it down well. |
| 10.2 : R Ashwin to Jennings, Landed a touch short, it allows Keaton to go on the back foot and work it in front of square leg for one. |
| 10.3 : R Ashwin to Root, Slightly quicker through the air again, on the stumps, Joe is back as he works it down in front of short leg. |
| 10.4 : R Ashwin to Root, Takes the pace off it this time, loopy and full on off, Root presses forward and keeps it out. |
| 10.5 : R Ashwin to Root, Straighter one outside off, it's run down to short third man off the back foot. |
| 10.6 : R Ashwin to Root, Spinning in, it goes off the inner edge behind square on the leg side for a run. |
| 11.1 : I Sharma to Root, Fuller in length, swinging back in on off, Root gets right behind the line and blocks it back down the track. |
| 11.2 : I Sharma to Root, FOUR! Loose ball again. Too much swing, coming in on the pads, no problem from skipper Joe Root to flick it fine. Beats fine leg and gets it across the boundary line. |
| 11.3 : I Sharma to Root, Too wide of off stump, arms are shouldered. |
| 11.4 : I Sharma to Root, Better. That's home, Ishant. Stay right there. Coming in from a length on off, Root meets it with a straight blade in defense. |
| 11.5 : I Sharma to Root, Shortens the length a touch on this occasion, cuts it back in on off, Root stays back and defends it in front of short mid-wicket. |
| 11.6 : I Sharma to Root, Fuller in length on the fifth stump line, the line is covered well as Joe lets it past him. |
| 12.1 : R Ashwin to Jennings, Some air on this, on middle, swept behind square on the leg side. |
| 12.2 : R Ashwin to Jennings, Flights it up well outside off, bounces a bit off the deck, Jennings goes back and places it to point. |
| 12.3 : R Ashwin to Jennings, Pushes this quicker through the air, on middle and off, pushed off the inner half towards mid on. |
| 12.4 : R Ashwin to Jennings, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. |
| 12.5 : R Ashwin to Jennings, Drifting in at first before turning away on middle, full in length. Jennings gets perfectly behind the line and blocks it out. |
| 12.6 : R Ashwin to Jennings, Takes the southpaw by surprise. Sharp bounce off the surface outside off, Keaton Jennings rises and just about manages to keep it out and down on the off side. |
| Mohammed Shami on to bowl. |
| 13.1 : M Shami to Root, Just behind a length on off, kept out off the back foot. |
| 13.2 : M Shami to Root, Oh wow! First time it's been taken away from the right-hander and it's almost got the job done. Virat Kohli will want more of that. Length delivery in the corridor of uncertainty, Root has to play at it and almost nicks it behind. |
| 13.3 : M Shami to Root, Cutting back in on middle and leg, kept out off the back foot on the leg side beside the pitch. |
| 13.4 : M Shami to Root, Fired right up there, close to off, a defensive blade is presented in response. |
| 13.5 : M Shami to Root, The batsman shoulders arms to let that one through. |
| 13.6 : M Shami to Root, Hangs on the back foot and keeps it out to end the over. |
| Drinks are on the field. An even hour, but one which should have belonged to India. Ishant started off well and made good use of the new ball, should have had Jennings too had it not been for Rahane's dropped catch. Umesh leaked runs which forced the introduction of Ashwin early this morning. It reaped dividends as he got rid of Cook. Should be another good hour. |
| 14.1 : R Ashwin to Jennings, Full and straight, kept out with a straight bat. |
| 14.2 : R Ashwin to Jennings, The straighter one outside off, Jennings doesn't get drawn into it and smartly leaves it alone. |
| 14.3 : R Ashwin to Jennings, Drifting in on a fuller length on middle and off, driven but straight to the man at mid off. |
| 14.4 : R Ashwin to Jennings, Leans forward and across before sweeping it down to fine leg for a single. |
| 14.5 : R Ashwin to Root, Quicker, shorter and flatter on the stumps, Root goes deep inside the crease and blocks it out. |
| 14.6 : R Ashwin to Root, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. |
| 15.1 : M Shami to Jennings, Short of a length outside off, Keaton hops and taps it to covers for a quick one. |
| 15.2 : M Shami to Root, Easy two for Joe. Works this off this hips and places it through backward square leg. Fine leg comes across to his left and cuts it off. |
| 15.3 : M Shami to Root, Nice and full from Shami, on off stump, Root is rock solid in defense as he pushes it towards mid off. |
| 15.4 : M Shami to Root, Possibly the attempted yorker, but it just misses. Still full enough to force Joe to dig it out back down the track. |
| 15.5 : M Shami to Joe Root, Goes too full again, with a hint of inward swing. Root drives it to mid on but can't get it past the fielder. Should be careful though, next time Root might just find the boundary. |
| 15.6 : M Shami to Root, FOUR! All about the timing on that. Elegant stuff from the English Test skipper. Length delivery outside off, Root opens the face of the bat and runs it past short third man for a boundary. |
| 16.1 : R Ashwin to Jennings, Sharp turn again. Lands this on middle, is spins away from Jennings who shoulders his arms. |
| 16.2 : R Ashwin to Jennings, Flicks this ball through the on side for a single. |
| 16.3 : R Ashwin to Root, Root has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. |
| 16.4 : R Ashwin to Root, Stays back and plays it to the off side. |
| 16.5 : R Ashwin to Root, Flicks this from the crease towards mid-wicket for a run. |
| 16.6 : R Ashwin to Joe Root, Cut away, beautifully done from Root. Waits for it and cuts it late towards the third man region for three runs. |
| 17.1 : M Shami to Root, Good length ball around off, Root leaves it alone. |
| 17.2 : M Shami to Root, Short of a length ball around off, Root looks to punch it through but gets an inside edge onto his pads. |
| 17.3 : M Shami to Root, Stays back and cuts this ball wide of the point fielder for an easy run. |
| 17.4 : M Shami to Jennings, This one keeps low. Outside off on a fuller length, the ball goes under the bat of Jennings who looks to drive it. |
| 17.5 : M Shami to Jennings, Full again in line of the stumps, Jennings hits it back to the bowler. |
| 17.6 : M Shami to Jennings, Length on the fourth stump line, Jennings is solid in his defense. |
| 18.1 : R Ashwin to Root, Shorter and flatter outside off, Root goes back and defends it out. |
| 18.2 : R Ashwin to Root, Fuller in length on the stumps, blocked out. |
| 18.3 : R Ashwin to Root, Works with the spin and turns it away on the leg side. |
| 18.4 : R Ashwin to Root, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. |
| 18.5 : R Ashwin to Root, Stays well inside the crease and keeps it out off the back foot. |
| 18.6 : R Ashwin to Root, Full from Ashwin, Root plants his front foot forward and blocks. |
| 19.1 : M Shami to Jennings, Outside off on a back of a length, Keaton makes a safe leave. |
| 19.2 : M Shami to Jennings, FOUR! Shot. A little bit of width and it's put away well by Jennings. Outside off, it's fiercely cut away square through point for a rocketing boundary. |
| 19.3 : M Shami to Jennings, Angling back in as Shami continues from around the wicket, Jennings closes the bat face as he works it down on the leg side. |
| 19.4 : M Shami to Jennings, Fullish in length, coming back in on off, driven back down in the bowler's direction. |
| 19.5 : M Shami to Jennings, Comfortably outside off, despite it angling back in, Keaton Jennings with the easiest of leaves. |
| 19.6 : M Shami to Jennings, Speared full and wide, outside off, another leave. End of the over. |
| Umesh Yadav is back on. |
| 20.1 : U Yadav to Root, Full and angling in on middle and off, Root drives it back down towards mid on. |
| 20.2 : U Yadav to Root, Shaping away from a good length, outside off, Root covers the line and shoulders arms. |
| 20.3 : U Yadav to Root, One more leave from the England skipper. Leans across, it's well outside off, so he lets it be. |
| 20.4 : U Yadav to Root, FOUR! Too much room offered and Root's put it away. Lovely footwork to adjust. Gets himself on the back foot early and cracks the cut through point, beating third man to the fence. |
| 20.5 : U Yadav to Root, On a length and outside off, Joe doesn't bother himself with that. |
| 20.6 : U Yadav to Root, Worked off the pads and hit straight to short mid-wicket. |
| 21.1 : M Shami to Jennings, Bangs it in short, around off, Jennings ducks early and evades. |
| 21.2 : M Shami to Jennings, Bumper, on middle this time, ducked and avoided yet again. |
| 21.3 : M Shami to Jennings, That's close! That's straightened up just enough and almost done the damage. Full from Shami, angling in at first before changing direction, Jennings drives loosely and gets beaten. |
| 21.4 : M Shami to Jennings, Back of a length on off, the southpaw stands his ground and offers a firm punch back to the bowler. |
| 21.5 : M Shami to Jennings, Switches the angle to over the wicket, keeps it a touch short on middle and off, it's worked just wide of mid-wicket for a brisk run. |
| 21.6 : M Shami to Joe Root, Full and swinging away outside off, Root leans into the shot and drives it just wide of extra cover for a single. |
| 22.1 : U Yadav to Root, Seaming away off the deck, around off, Root covers the line and leaves it alone. |
| 22.2 : U Yadav to Root, Angling in at first, then straightening up just a shade on off, Root opens the face slightly and guides it towards third man for one run. |
| 22.3 : U Yadav to Jennings, Opens the face of the bat after staying back and dabs it away through point. Single to the total. |
| 22.4 : U Yadav to Root, In the channel outside off, left alone. |
| 22.5 : U Yadav to Root, Another single down to third man. Root runs it to Shami placed there and jogs to the other end. |
| 22.6 : U Yadav to K Jennings, Just short. Short of a length outside off, Jennings hangs his bat out and edges it just short of the diving gully fielder. |
| 23.1 : M Shami to Root, Width offered outside off, cut down to third man. One run to the total. |
| 23.2 : M Shami to Jennings, Switches the angle and comes around the wicket to the left-hander, bangs it in short. Keaton keeps his eyes on the ball and ducks. |
| 23.3 : M Shami to Jennings, Pounded in short again, down the leg side this time, the batsman has nothing to do with it. |
| 23.4 : M Shami to Jennings, Angling in on a back of a length on off, worked in front of square leg. Root calls for it and a quick single is stolen. |
| 23.5 : M Shami to Root, Shortish, outside off, Root goes for the pull but mistimes it to the man positioned at mid on. |
| 23.6 : M Shami to Root, That was close! Could have just as easily been gone. Back of a length cutting back in on off, Root hangs his bat out to block but gets an inside edge which goes agonizingly close past the leg stump. Down to fine leg and a run is collected. |
| 24.1 : U Yadav to Root, Back of a length delivery, on middle and off, Root is back as he pushes it back out. |
| 24.2 : U Yadav to Root, Wide outside off, comfortably steered behind point. Third man comes running in as the batsmen take one. |
| 24.3 : U Yadav to Jennings, Around the wicket to Jennings, it's on the pads. The southpaw flicks it to fine leg and changes ends. With that, the 50-run stand comes up between the two. |
| 24.4 : U Yadav to Root, Fuller in length wide outside off, Root leans into the drive and connects well, but unfortunately finds the fielder at extra cover. |
| 24.5 : U Yadav to Root, Well left. Length delivery on the fourth stump line, moves away off the deck, Root watches it well and makes a good leave. |
| 24.6 : U Yadav to Root, Angling in at first before straightening up off the surface, Root stays right behind the line and presents a defensive bat in response. |
| Hardik Pandya brought on to bowl for the first time today. |
| 25.1 : H Pandya to Jennings, Starts off with a good length ball on off stump, it's defended to covers. |
| 25.2 : H Pandya to Jennings, Short of a good length outside off, left alone by the batsman. |
| 25.3 : H Pandya to Jennings, FOUR! Very well played. Full and fired outside off, Jennings drives this uppishly through the vacant point region. Nobody out there in the deep as well, so it will race away to the boundary line. |
| 25.4 : H Pandya to Jennings, Through point again, just a single this time. |
| 25.5 : H Pandya to Root, Just ahead of a length, on the off stick, Root defensively pushes it to the cover area. |
| 25.6 : H Pandya to Root, Too far outside off, Root with a comfortable leave. |
| 26.1 : U Yadav to Jennings, 'Round the wicket to Keaton Jennings. Length ball on off, zipping in, solidly blocked in front of cover. |
| 26.2 : U Yadav to Jennings, Short of a good length outside off, Jennings looks to steer it square on the off side off the back foot, but gets an inside edge back onto his pads. Could have just as easily dragged it back onto the stumps. Lucky. |
| 26.3 : U Yadav to Jennings, Too far outside off, no shot offered by the opener. |
| 26.4 : U Yadav to Jennings, Cuts this late down to third man and rotates strike. |
| 26.5 : U Yadav to Root, Hurls it on a length, close to off, Joe with a good leave. |
| 26.6 : U Yadav to Root, The batsman lets the ball go outside his off stump. |
| 27.1 : H Pandya to Jennings, Full and down the leg side, Jennings looks to flick it down fine but fails to connect. |
| 27.2 : H Pandya to Jennings, Fuller in length, angling across, blocked by staying perfectly behind the line. |
| 27.3 : H Pandya to Jennings, Was there an edge? Hardik Pandya seems confident of it, only issue is the umpire doesn't seem so. Fuller in length outside off, Jennings looks to flick and there's some noise as the ball goes past the batsman. Nothing from the umpire, replays confirm why too. The ball brushed off the thigh pad. |
| 27.4 : H Pandya to Jennings, A back foot punch from Jennings square of the wicket on the off side earns him a single. |
| 27.5 : H Pandya to Root, Full and attacking the base of off stump, nothing's going past Root it seems as he's solid in defense. |
| 27.6 : H Pandya to Root, Almost did this time. Close. Length ball on middle and off, Root gets an inside edge which falls beside the leg stump after going off his pads. That's LUNCH ON DAY 1! |
| A good session for England. 83 runs gathered for the loss of just one wicket. Would have been a touch worse had Ajinkya Rahane held on to the catch which would have dismissed Keaton Jennings. The day started off well for India with Ishant Sharma making use of the conditions on offer and then Ravichandran Ashwin coming on early (As Umesh Yadav was leaking runs) and sending Alastair Cook back to the pavilion. But since then, it's been England all the way as Jennings combined with skipper Joe Root |
| ... Day 1, Session 2 ... |
| We are back for the afternoon session. India have not made the most use of the morning session. Will now have to think out of the box to get these Englishmen out on a good batting track. Virat Kohli has some last few wise words in the team huddle. Keaton Jennings will take strike while Umesh Yadav will bowl the first over after lunch. |
| 28.1 : U Yadav to Jennings, Comes in from round the wicket and lands it full outside off, the ball nips back in but Keaton doesn't offer any shot to it. |
| 28.2 : U Yadav to Jennings, Full again on middle and leg, played to the mid-wicket region. |
| 28.3 : U Yadav to K Jennings, Pitches it up on off, Jennings drives it for the cover fielder to pick up. |
| 28.4 : U Yadav to Jennings, FOUR Byes! Oh dear! That went horribly wrong. Lands this on a length way outside off, Jennings doesn't offer any shot to it and leaves it alone. Karthik dives to his left but cannot collect it. The ball runs to the third man fence. Boundary. |
| 28.5 : U Yadav to Jennings, The batsman lets the ball go outside his off stump. |
| 28.6 : U Yadav to Jennings, Covers his stumps and blocks this onto the ground. |
| Ishant Sharma will bowl from the other end. |
| 29.1 : I Sharma to Root, Back of a length ball around off, Root defends it off his back foot. |
| 29.2 : I Sharma to Root, Hurls in from over the wicket and serves it on middle and leg, Root flicks it to the leg side to get to the the end. |
| 29.3 : I Sharma to Jennings, Tries to angle this into Jennings but he shoulders his arm to it. |
| 29.4 : I Sharma to Jennings, Opens the bat face and cuts it to backward point. One run added to the total. |
| 29.5 : I Sharma to Root, Rocks back and punches the ball to the off side. |
| 29.6 : I Sharma to Root, Short and wide outside off, Root reaches for it and tries to cut it but cannot make contact. |
| 30.1 : U Yadav to Jennings, Runs in from over the wicket and lands it outside off, the ball comes in sharply and goes to Karthik behind the stumps. |
| 30.2 : U Yadav to Jennings, Good from Umesh, who is getting the ball to come in. Bowls another one full on that fifth stump channel, Jennings looks to drive it but gets an inside edge onto his pads. |
| 30.3 : U Yadav to Jennings, Works this one through square leg for one run. |
| 30.4 : U Yadav to Joe Root, Back of a length ball outside off, Root cuts it passed the backward point fielder for a run. |
| 30.5 : U Yadav to Jennings, Outside off, Jennings shoulders his arms to it. |
| 30.6 : U Yadav to Jennings, Full on middle and off, Keaton hits it straight back to the bowler. |
| 31.1 : I Sharma to Root, Full and on off, played to the leg side. |
| 31.2 : I Sharma to Root, This one keeps straight. Pitches outside off and goes straight. Root pokes at it and almost gets his outside edge. |
| 31.3 : I Sharma to Root, Defended off the back foot by the batsman. |
| 31.4 : I Sharma to Root, This ball is too far for Root to make contact. |
| 31.5 : I Sharma to Root, Gets behind the ball and blocks it with a straight bat. |
| 31.6 : I Sharma to Root, Good running. Plays this with soft hands towards point and quickly hares to reach the other end. The crowds appreciate it. |
| 32.1 : U Yadav to Root, Umesh is pitching it up for swing and is getting it. Serves this full on middle and off, the ball moves in the air but Root defends it well. |
| 32.2 : U Yadav to Root, Short this time outside off, Root rocks back and cuts it towards backward point for one. |
| 32.3 : U Yadav to K Jennings, French cut misses the stumps. Fuller ball around off, Jennings gets an inside edge past off stump trying to drive it. The ball runs to the vacant fine leg region where they get an easy two. |
| 32.4 : U Yadav to Jennings, Full and wide, left alone. |
| 32.5 : U Yadav to Jennings, Similar ball, Jennings is happy to leave it alone. |
| 32.6 : U Yadav to Jennings, Ends the over by doing the same thing. This ball is full and outside off, easy leave for Keaton. |
| 33.1 : I Sharma to Root, Fullish ball outside off, Root leans forward and carves it towards deep backward point for a brace as he reaches near his milestone of 6000 Test runs. |
| 33.2 : I Sharma to Root, Length ball outside off, it comes back in, Root shoulders his arms to it. |
| 33.3 : I Sharma to Joe Root, Cuts this towards third man and jogs to complete the run. |
| 33.4 : I Sharma to Jennings, Slower length ball outside off, Jennings watches the ball go past him. |
| 33.5 : I Sharma to Jennings, Not making Jennings play at these. Another fuller ball outside off, Keaton points his bat skywards and leaves it alone. |
| 33.6 : I Sharma to Jennings, Lands it on a good length outside off, it swings and moves away but Keaton shoulders his arms to it. |
| 34.1 : U Yadav to Root, The batsman chooses to leave the ball outside his off stump. |
| 34.2 : U Yadav to Root, Yadav bowls this on middle and leg, Root looks to tuck it away but gets beaten by pace. The ball hits him on his thigh pad. |
| 34.3 : U Yadav to Root, Serves this down leg, Joe tries flicking it but makes contact with thin air. |
| 34.4 : U Yadav to Root, Getting fidgety there. This ball is outside off, Root goes for the cut but cannot make any contact. |
| 34.5 : U Yadav to Root, Outside off, left alone. |
| 34.6 : U Yadav to Root, Better from Umesh. Lands it on the right length around off, the ball comes back in and hits Root on his back leg. |
| Mohammed Shami is called back into the attack as the batsmen try moving a pigeon, who does not want to move near short leg. |
| 35.1 : M Shami to Jennings, OUT! How unlucky! Perhaps, this is the luck India need. Shami comes and delivers on his very first ball. This is a back of a length all on middle and off. Jennings tries to block it down but gets a faint inside edge to it. The ball goes through his legs, spins and goes on to do just enough for the bails to fall. Jennings looks back in disappointment but there is nothing he can do. India celebrate. |
| 0.0 : Dawid Malan is the new man in. |
| 35.2 : M Shami to Malan, And Malan is off the mark straight away. Cuts this ball from outside off through point for a brace. |
| 35.3 : M Shami to Malan, Fuller one on leg, played to mid-wicket. |
| 35.4 : M Shami to Malan, Stays in his crease and blocks it in front of him. |
| 35.5 : M Shami to Malan, Serves this down leg, Malan keeps his bat near the pad but misses his shot. |
| 35.6 : M Shami to Malan, Good delivery. Forces Shami to play at it and almost gets his outside edge. Around off, it moves away from Dawid who plays and misses. |
| Ishant Sharma is back into the attack. |
| 36.1 : I Sharma to Root, Good movement from Sharma through the air. Lands this full in line of the stumps, Root drives it along the surface down the ground for a run. Gets one run closer to 6000 runs. |
| 36.2 : I Sharma to Malan, Plays this with soft hands outside off, Malan cuts it towards gully to rotate strike. |
| 36.3 : I Sharma to Root, JR shoulders arms to let that one through. |
| 36.4 : I Sharma to Root, Full on the pads, worked for the mid-wicket fielder to collect. |
| 36.5 : I Sharma to Root, The ball is doing a lot through the air. Root gets behind this one and sees it off. |
| 36.6 : I Sharma to Root, Soft edge but safe. Root tries playing the ball to the leg side but gets a soft edge to the off side. No damage done. Stays on 39. |
| 37.1 : M Shami to Malan, Full and outside off, a superb drive but straight to the man at covers. |
| 37.2 : M Shami to Malan, Overpitched ball on middle and leg, flicked to short mid-wicket. |
| 37.3 : M Shami to Malan, FOUR! Poor ball and Malan gets his first boundary. Short and down leg, no real bounce on it showing the nature of the pitch. Dawid pulls this fine through fine leg to the fence. |
| 37.4 : M Shami to Malan, Played to the point region by Malan. The batsmen have run through for a single. |
| 37.5 : M Shami to Root, Punched off the back foot by Root to the man at point. |
| 37.6 : M Shami to Root, Back of a length ball on that fifth stump channel, Root goes to poke at it but leaves it at the last moment. |
| Ravichandran Ashwin to roll his arm. |
| Now then! India take a LBW review. Looks out, let's check. |
| 38.1 : R Ashwin to Malan, Leg bye. |
| 38.2 : R Ashwin to Joe Root, FOUR! Edge and races away to the fence. 6000 Test runs for Joe Root. Whaaatttaaa plaayyaaa! Not the best way he would have liked to get it but will take. Root rocks back and looks to cut this ball, gets a thick outside edge and the ball flies past Rahane at first slip to the fence. |
| 38.3 : R Ashwin to Root, Played to mid-wicket region by Root. |
| 38.4 : R Ashwin to Root, The batsman defends it from within the crease. |
| 38.5 : R Ashwin to Root, Joe plays it with an angled bat and guides it to third man. |
| 38.6 : R Ashwin to Root, Fuller ball on middle, hit to mid on. |
| 39.1 : M Shami to Malan, Good length delivery outside the line of off stump, Malan lets it be. |
| 39.2 : M Shami to Malan, Fuller from Shami, it's driven to mid off. |
| Review taken! This time by England. Dawid Malan has been caught leg before and given out. Looks to be gone. Height might be the only thing that saves him. Over to the TV umpire now... |
| 39.3 : Shami to Malan, OUT! Impact is umpire's call and the decision stands! India are starting to claw their way back in this game now. Shami continues from around the wicket and angles it in from outside off. Gets some heavy movement and catches Dawid Malan on the pads. Big shout and the finger goes up. The southpaw though, after speaking with his partner, decides to take it upstairs. Replays roll in and they show that the ball is just clipping the bails. So Malan is gone. Shami has been good w |
| Drinks break. |
| Jonny Bairstow is the next batsman in. |
| 39.4 : M Shami to Bairstow, Fraction straight in line, worked to mid-wicket. |
| 39.5 : M Shami to Bairstow, Bairstow is off the mark. Gets a full ball on his pads so he flicks it away to fine leg for a single. |
| 39.6 : M Shami to Joe Root, Full and swinging away outside off, Bairstow drives it to the cover fielder. |
| 40.1 : R Ashwin to Bairstow, Shorter and flatter outside off, Bairstow goes back and keeps it out. |
| 40.2 : R Ashwin to Bairstow, Rocks back and punches this in the gap through covers. The ball doesn't go all the way but they come back for the third. |
| 40.3 : R Ashwin to Root, Turns his bat to the leg side for nothing. |
| 40.4 : R Ashwin to Root, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. |
| 40.5 : R Ashwin to Joe Root, FOUR! Full toss and nicely timed through covers. Ashwin misses his length and gives Root a low full toss. Joe gets forward and drives it neatly towards extra covers for a boundary. |
| 40.6 : R Ashwin to Root, Tossed up down the leg side, Root gets hit on the pad trying to flick the ball. The players appeal but it eventually dies down. |
| 41.1 : M Shami to Bairstow, How did that miss? Pitches this one around off and moves away with some venom. Bairstow goes for the drive and almost gets an outside edge to it. |
| 41.2 : M Shami to Bairstow, Full and on middle, hit to mid on. |
| 41.3 : M Shami to Bairstow, Johnny guides it to third man. They pick up a single. |
| 41.4 : M Shami to Root, Fires in an yorker on middle, Root was late but does well to get bat on that. |
| 41.5 : M Shami to Root, Played to mid-wicket region by the skipper. |
| 41.6 : M Shami to Root, Another good yorker. Full and straight on middle, Root turns his bat to the leg side to change ends. |
| Ishant Sharma comes back for another spell. |
| 42.1 : I Sharma to Root, Waits for it and tucks it square of the wicket to the on side for one. |
| 42.2 : I Sharma to Bairstow, Pitches this one up in line of the stumps, Bairstow drives it to mid off. |
| 42.3 : I Sharma to Bairstow, Covers his stumps and blocks it out. |
| 42.4 : I Sharma to Bairstow, Angles this into Bairstow who helps it on it's way. They think of the second but is rightly sent back. |
| 42.5 : I Sharma to Root, Fifty for Root! 41st Test century and 9th against India. He is carrying on his form from the limited overs and is looking in fine rhythm. Works this to deep square leg for a single to get to his landmark. |
| 42.6 : I Sharma to Bairstow, Tucks this away through mid-wicket and will get two runs for it. |
| 43.1 : U Yadav to Joe Root, Plays this late towards deep backward point and keeps the fielder busy. They come back for the second run. |
| 43.2 : U Yadav to Root, Full and straight in line of the stumps, hit back to the bowler. |
| 43.3 : U Yadav to Root, On the bounce to Karthik. Not the quickest ball from Yadav. Outside off, Root leaves it alone. |
| 43.4 : U Yadav to Joe Root, Full this time around off, Root looks to drive it but gets an inside edge onto the pads. |
| 43.5 : U Yadav to Root, Short and wide outside off, Root guides it towards gully. |
| 43.6 : U Yadav to Root, Full on middle and leg, played towards mid-wicket. |
| 44.1 : I Sharma to Bairstow, Short again outside off, cut to point. |
| 44.2 : I Sharma to Bairstow, FOUR! Classic! over corrects his length and pitches it on the up outside off, Bairstow leans forwards and drives it through covers for a boundary. |
| 44.3 : I Sharma to Bairstow, The batsman chooses to leave the ball outside his off stump. |
| 44.4 : I Sharma to Bairstow, Controls his pull shot towards square leg to get to the other end. |
| 44.5 : I Sharma to Root, Short and wide outside off, Root is not in the best position to cut it and maybe that's why he didn't get any bat to it. |
| 44.6 : I Sharma to Root, Joe plays it with an angled bat and guides it to third man. One run added to the total. |
| 45.1 : U Yadav to Root, Great yorker on middle and leg. Root gets his bat down just in time to dig it out. |
| 45.2 : U Yadav to Root, Strays this down the leg side, Root easily works this to deep square leg for one. |
| 45.3 : U Yadav to Bairstow, 'Waiiiittttttt onnnnn' shouts Bairstow as he bunts this down onto the ground. |
| 45.4 : U Yadav to Bairstow, Whips this in the gap through square leg for a brace. |
| 45.5 : U Yadav to J Bairstow, Full around off, driven to the mid off fielder. |
| 45.6 : U Yadav to Bairstow, Stays within his crease and cuts this to third man to retain strike. |
| 46.1 : U Yadav to Bairstow, Comes in from over the wicket and lands it on a good length around off, Bairstow gets a bottom edge towards covers. |
| 46.2 : U Yadav to Bairstow, Pushed to the cover region by Bairstow. |
| 46.3 : U Yadav to Bairstow, Stays in his crease and plays it with soft hands to the off side. |
| 46.4 : U Yadav to Bairstow, Leg bye. Strays this on the leg side. Bairstow tries flicking it but cannot make contact with the bat. The ball rolls to the on side as they do well to rotate the strike. |
| 46.5 : U Yadav to Root, Cuts it towards point to get one more. |
| 46.6 : U Yadav to Bairstow, Full and coming back in, Jonny gets low and drives it to mid off. |
| 47.1 : U Yadav to Root, FOUR! Angles this onto the pads of Root who uses his wrists and flicks it away to the vacant deep square leg region for a boundary. Easy pickings. |
| 47.2 : U Yadav to Root, Length around off, Root has his arms shouldered to it. |
| 47.3 : U Yadav to Root, Another ball down leg, not the best of lines from Yadav. Root clips it away through mid-wicket this time for a couple of runs. |
| 47.4 : U Yadav to Root, Good cricket from the England captain. Taps this with soft hands to the off side and sprints to the other end. |
| 47.5 : U Yadav to Bairstow, On a good length, comes back in. Cut to short covers. |
| 47.6 : U Yadav to Bairstow, Back of a length ball on middle and leg, Bairstow hops a tad and bunts it down to the leg side. |
| Ravichandran Ashwin returns. |
| 48.1 : R Ashwin to Root, Full and on middle and off, wristed away down to mid on. Single taken. |
| 48.2 : R Ashwin to Bairstow, FOUR! A little too full from around the wicket and Ashwin is punished. On the stumps, Bairstow plants his front foot forward and lofts it over mid-wicket for a boundary. |
| 48.3 : R Ashwin to Bairstow, Quicker through the air around off, Jonny Bairstow goes back and keeps it out down the track. |
| 48.4 : R Ashwin to Bairstow, Spinning down the leg side, Bairstow misses his flick and gets it off the pads. It goes towards the diving leg gully fielder. |
| 48.5 : R Ashwin to Bairstow, Full and loopy on the stumps, blocked with the full face of the bat. |
| 48.6 : R Ashwin to Bairstow, Comes forward and smothers the ball in its tracks. |
| Hardik Pandya is called back on. |
| 49.1 : H Pandya to Root, Angles in a length ball from wide of the crease, close to off, Root keeps bat and pad close while defending it out. |
| 49.2 : H Pandya to Root, A loose shot from Root. Not sure why he needs to do that. Length ball outside off, the English skipper flirts with it and almost nicks it behind. |
| 49.3 : H Pandya to Root, Better. Leaves it alone this time. Outside off on a length, not enough to trouble the batsman. |
| 49.4 : H Pandya to Root, Full on off, angling in first then shaping away, Root pushes it in front of cover after getting squared up a bit. |
| 49.5 : H Pandya to Root, Not much pace on this and Joe plays it with soft hands too. Well outside off, he looks to cut it but it goes off the edge to the diving first slip fielder on the bounce. |
| 49.6 : H Pandya to Root, Short of a length, on off, Root stands tall and taps it square on the off side. Wants the run but then decides against it. |
| 50.1 : R Ashwin to Bairstow, Well adjusted by Bairstow. Walks across and down the track to play and when he sees Ashwin drag it short and flat, he does well to get into position and work it on the leg side. |
| 50.2 : R Ashwin to Bairstow, Leans ahead and knocks the full ball to mid off. |
| 50.3 : R Ashwin to Bairstow, Uses the depth of the crease to go back and work it past short leg. |
| 50.4 : R Ashwin to Bairstow, The batsman flicks it away with a wristy shot. |
| 50.5 : R Ashwin to Bairstow, Plays it to the leg side again after getting inside the line. |
| 50.6 : R Ashwin to Bairstow, Good, firm punch from Jonny Bairstow. Places it through the covers and comes back for the second. |
| 51.1 : H Pandya to Root, On a length, aiming the top of off stump, Root is perfectly behind the line as he blocks it in front of cover. |
| 51.2 : H Pandya to Root, Keeps it on the fourth stump channel, Joe plays it back to the bowler. |
| 51.3 : H Pandya to Joe Root, Just a tame push from Root. A good extension of the arms as he drives the full length ball to mid off. |
| 51.4 : H Pandya to Root, Cutting back in on middle and leg, Root misses the flick as the ball goes off his thigh pads. A leg bye taken as it rolls to square leg. |
| 51.5 : H Pandya to J Bairstow, Edged and FOUR! Bairstow doing that for the second time since he's come on. Needs to be a tad more careful. Maybe Kohli needs to take third slip a little wider? Or reposition gully. Full and outside off, Bairstow drives away from his body and gets a thick edge which flies down and across the third man boundary. |
| 51.6 : H Pandya to Bairstow, Worked straight to short third man this time. |
| 52.1 : R Ashwin to Root, The 50-run stand comes up. Both have played well. Quite comfortably too, for the most part. Root plays this square through point and takes two. |
| 52.2 : R Ashwin to Root, Comes from around the wicket, drifts it across around off, Joe goes back to block. |
| 52.3 : R Ashwin to Root, Plays with the spin and turns it away past short leg. |
| 52.4 : R Ashwin to Root, Takes a big stride forward and makes sure to block it before the ball turns. |
| 52.5 : R Ashwin to Root, Flicks it away again, with some decent power. Goes off Vijay and lobs behind. No run taken though. |
| 52.6 : R Ashwin to Root, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. |
| 53.1 : H Pandya to Bairstow, Length ball skidding off the deck a bit, on off, Jonny Bairstow is well forward in defense. |
| 53.2 : H Pandya to Bairstow, Brings out the short one and hits the deck hard, YJB ducks and evades. |
| 53.3 : H Pandya to Bairstow, Has some room outside off, cut down straight to short third man. |
| 53.4 : H Pandya to Bairstow, That's kept a little low. Bairstow will feel lucky that wasn't on the stumps. Well outside off, the tries to reach out for it but the ball goes under his bat. |
| 53.5 : H Pandya to Bairstow, Stays back and punches it into the off side, won't get any run for it. |
| 53.6 : H Pandya to Bairstow, Fullish in length outside off, Bairstow punches it just wide of gully and takes a single. TEA ON DAY 1! |
| Safe to say this was England's session, despite India getting two wickets. Early in it, Shami struck twice to remove Jennings and Malan in quick succession. Seemed like the visitors would capitalize from that point on, but the pair of Root and Bairstow pulled things back confidently in England's favour with 51 runs between them. The wicket is misbehaving a bit, there's some uneven bounce on the surface. So, this final session will be crucial in determining which direction this match could go. Bi |
| ... Day 1, Session 3 ... |
| We are back for the final session of the day. Joe Root and Jonny Bairstow will take their place in the center, while Mohammed Shami has the ball in his hand. |
| 54.1 : M Shami to J Bairstow, An edgy FOUR! This one keeps a little low as it lands on a length around off, Bairstow hangs his bat out and gets an outside edge, which races past second slip. Boundary results. |
| 54.2 : M Shami to Bairstow, Fullish length delivery attacking the off stump, blocked by coming on the front foot. |
| 54.3 : M Shami to Bairstow, On the fuller side of the length, on off again, blocked out. |
| 54.4 : M Shami to Bairstow, This one kicks off the surface after pitching on a length, Bairstow plays away from his body and edges it. On the bounce towards Rahane at third slip. |
| 54.5 : M Shami to Bairstow, Extremely full on off, driven straight back to the bowler. Good technique from Bairstow. Planted that front foot well forward, kept the elbow high and presented the full face of the bat. |
| 54.6 : M Shami to Bairstow, Inside edge again! Bairstow looks to block but gets it off the edge on the leg side, past the leg pole. Takes a quick run and beats the shy at the non-striker's end. |
| Hardik Pandya will bowl from the other end. |
| 55.1 : H Pandya to Bairstow, Hardik starts off with a sharp bouncer. On middle, Jonny ducks and lets it sail over his head. |
| 55.2 : H Pandya to Bairstow, Short of a length into the body, nudged in front of square leg for a single. |
| 55.3 : H Pandya to Root, Bit short again, Root stands tall and pats it away with soft hands. |
| 55.4 : H Pandya to Root, Pitched outside the line of off stump, Joe covers the line and lets it go. |
| 55.5 : H Pandya to Root, FOUR! Too full and angling into the pads, Root is too good a player to not punish this. He leans across a touch and flicks it ever so well through mid-wicket. Even beats the man out in the deep. Superb timing. |
| 55.6 : H Pandya to Root, FOUR! Poor end to the over from Hardik as he lets out consecutive boundaries. Short and down the leg side, Root just helps it on its way to the fine leg fence. |
| 56.1 : M Shami to Bairstow, Too far of off stump, left alone by the batsman. |
| 56.2 : M Shami to Bairstow, Almost a half-volley, on off, driven to mid off. |
| 56.3 : M Shami to Bairstow, Cutting back in on middle and leg, flicked through the square leg area for an easy single. |
| 56.4 : M Shami to Root, Good length delivery outside off, shaping away from the batsman. Joe Root leaves it alone. |
| 56.5 : M Shami to Root, Tap and run stuff from Joe Root. This is good running between the wickets. Pushes this down in front of cover and both batsmen quickly complete the run. |
| 56.6 : M Shami to J Bairstow, FOUR! Beautiful shot from Bairstow! That was a boundary the moment it left the bat. Full outside off, Jonny drives it right off the meat and finds the gap through the cover region. No stopping that one. |
| 57.1 : H Pandya to Root, Hurls it outside off, on a length, left alone. |
| 57.2 : H Pandya to Root, Root rocks onto the back foot in a jiffy and drags the pull from outside off to deep mid-wicket for a run. |
| 57.3 : H Pandya to Bairstow, Too wide outside off, slapped behind point, towards third man for a single. |
| 57.4 : H Pandya to Root, Angling in on a back of a length, then moving away late off the surface, Root camps back, dabs it into the off side and gets off strike. |
| 57.5 : H Pandya to Bairstow, Just short! Bairstow drives this half-volley on the up towards a diving Virat Kohli at cover. Did as well as he could to get low forward, but it fell painfully short of his hands. |
| 57.6 : H Pandya to Bairstow, Back of a length on middle, turned in front of square on the leg side. Easy run for the batsmen. |
| 58.1 : M Shami to Bairstow, The batsman chooses to leave the ball outside his off stump. |
| 58.2 : M Shami to Bairstow, A bit of a slash from Bairstow. Just misses. Looks to flay the length ball outsider off but fails to connect. |
| 58.3 : M Shami to Bairstow, Pushes this towards mid on and takes off. The fielder there comes charging in to the ball and has a shy at the bowler's end, but Jonny Bairstow is well in by then. |
| 58.4 : M Shami to Root, Dabs this behind point and gets off strike. |
| 58.5 : M Shami to Bairstow, FOUR! Short of a length outside off, some width on offer which Bairstow uses to his full advantage. Flays it over point and finds the fence. |
| 58.6 : M Shami to Bairstow, Jonny Bairstow defends this one from within the crease. |
| 59.1 : H Pandya to Root, Fuller length delivery with a hint of shape away from the batsman, outside off, Root leaves it alone, as he should. No need to play at those. |
| 59.2 : H Pandya to Root, Moving away shortly again, on off, a defensive push from Joe on the off side. |
| 59.3 : H Pandya to Root, Short of a length, angling in this time and cramping Root for some room. But he still manages to force it away towards the covers. |
| 59.4 : H Pandya to Root, Since it's coming in, Root uses the angle well but getting inside the line and turns it to square leg for one. |
| 59.5 : H Pandya to Bairstow, Full ball attacking the foundation of the off stump, swinging away, driven straight to mid off. |
| 59.6 : H Pandya to Bairstow, Fraction straight in line, on a length, clipped away in front of square leg. One run to end the over. |
| 60.1 : M Shami to Bairstow, Length delivery, on middle and leg without any movement on it. Bairstow looks to flick it away but wears it on the pads. |
| 60.2 : M Shami to Bairstow, Opens the face of the bat to this fuller delivery and drives it a bit square through the off side. A brace is collected. |
| 60.3 : M Shami to Bairstow, Fullish on off, Jonny mistimes the drive back to the bowler. |
| 60.4 : M Shami to Bairstow, Just a little tap. Bairstow places it just wide of backward point and it's enough to earn him a run. |
| 60.5 : M Shami to Root, Inside edge has saved him! That's the only thing that could have saved him and yes... that's it! Replays confirm it too. Good call from Kohli and co. not to opt for the review. Root will consider himself lucky there, would be a dead duck if not for the willow. Full and straight from Shami, Root goes for the drive but misses and wears it on the pads, but not before the ball takes the inside edge. |
| 60.6 : M Shami to Root, Cuts it late just past the second slip fielder for a single. |
| 61.1 : H Pandya to Root, Loves that area, doesn't he? Shaping away from around off, Root shapes himself up for the shot as he opens the face and runs it down to third man for one. |
| 61.2 : H Pandya to Bairstow, FOUR! Too full, too straight, too easy for Jonny Bairstow. He comfortably drives it past mid on and finds the boundary line. 18th Test fifty for Jonny Bairstow. Splendid knock so far. |
| 61.3 : H Pandya to Bairstow, FOUR! Back-to-back boundaries for him. Teaser outside off, well away from his body but Bairstow has good hands. Sees the ball well and hits it through cover-point for another boundary. |
| 61.4 : H Pandya to Bairstow, Shortens the length again, too straight in line this time, Bairstow wrists it just wide of the man at mid-wicket and comes back for the second. |
| 61.5 : H Pandya to Bairstow, Shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the back foot. |
| 61.6 : H Pandya to Bairstow, Back of a length on off, cramping the batsman for room, it's worked just wide of mid-wicket again. One more run to end the over. A productive one for England, 12 from it. |
| Ravichandran Ashwin is back on to have a go. Will he be the one to break this partnership? |
| 62.1 : R Ashwin to Bairstow, Starts off from around the wicket and drifts it across, Bairstow is forward to block it out. |
| 62.2 : R Ashwin to Bairstow, FOUR! The 100-run stand is up. These two are powering England away to a commanding position. Floated across outside off, Bairstow gets bat on ball and gets a thick edge. It goes down to third man and a boundary results. |
| 62.3 : R Ashwin to Root, OUT! JOE ROOT IS RUN OUT! A wicket against the run of play and it's all because of the athleticism of the Indian skipper Virat Kohli. Bairstow works this through mid-wicket and both batsmen set off quickly. They want the second, rush for it but Kohli is quick to the ball. He picks it up, turns and fires it at the bowler's end and actually scores a direct hit from a long distance. Unreal. Credit to Ashwin too, he knows where the ball's headed so doesn't touch it at all. Ev |
| Ben Stokes walks out next to bat. |
| 62.4 : R Ashwin to Bairstow, Looped up on off, blocked out off the front foot. |
| 62.5 : R Ashwin to Bairstow, The batsman plays it with an angled bat and guides it to third man. |
| 62.6 : R Ashwin to Bairstow, Flicked with a closed face through mid-wicket. Single to end a much, much-needed successful over from Ravichandran Ashwin. |
| Umesh Yadav is back. |
| 63.1 : U Yadav to Bairstow, Low full toss on middle and off, the attempted yorker which slightly misses, Jonny drives it off the bottom half to mid on. |
| 63.2 : U Yadav to Bairstow, Just wide of the man at mid on this time. One run to the total. |
| 63.3 : U Yadav to Stokes, Comes from around the wicket to the left-hander, length ball outside off, Stokes has no trouble letting it be. |
| 63.4 : U Yadav to Stokes, Brings it in closer to the off pole, Stokes moves a step across and blocks it down right under his nose. |
| 63.5 : U Yadav to Stokes, Holds the pose as he drives this full ball to mid off. |
| 63.6 : U Yadav to Stokes, On a good length and outside off, arms are shouldered by Ben Stokes. |
| 64.1 : R Ashwin to Bairstow, Lands it short and quick on the pads, worked behind square leg for an easy single. |
| 64.2 : R Ashwin to Stokes, Picks it off his pads and works it away on the leg side for a single. |
| 64.3 : R Ashwin to J Bairstow, Leans ahead to this tossed up delivery and drives it just wide of mid on for one more. |
| 64.4 : R Ashwin to Stokes, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. |
| 64.5 : R Ashwin to Stokes, Leans ahead, gets close to the pitch and blocks it out safely. |
| 64.6 : R Ashwin to Stokes, Flatter and shorter in line of the stumps, Stokes is on the back foot as he turns it to mid-wicket. |
| 65.1 : U Yadav to Bairstow, Good save from Virat Kohli. Saved a certain boundary there. Full and swinging away outside off, Bairstow drives it towards covers, where Kohli dives to his left and makes a half-stop. Just a single results. |
| 65.2 : U Yadav to Stokes, Good length ball, outside off, Big Ben doesn't bother himself with it. |
| 65.3 : U Yadav to Stokes, Short of a length, played back to the bowler. |
| 65.4 : U Yadav to Stokes, Loose from Stokes. The full length, wide outside off, tempted him and he almost got undone because of it. Looks to smash it through the covers but gets beaten. |
| 65.5 : U Yadav to Ben Stokes, Superb running. Good, early call from Stokes as he taps this down in front of him and crosses over. |
| 65.6 : U Yadav to Bairstow, OUT! He's dragged it on! Oh, that's a big wicket. He was just taking the game away from the Indians but Umesh Yadav just comes up with a rabbit out of the hat. This is a huge wicket. Back of a length, too close for Bairstow to cut and he's done in. Gets an inside edge back onto the stumps and the fielding side is ecstatic. |
| Jos Buttler is the new man in. |
| 66.1 : R Ashwin to Stokes, Tossed up outside off, driven hard but straight to cover. |
| 66.2 : R Ashwin to Stokes, Yorker darted in on the stumps, it's dug out towards mid-wicket. Quick run stolen. |
| 66.3 : R Ashwin to Buttler, Flighted around off, kept out by coming forward. |
| 66.4 : R Ashwin to Buttler, OUT! Now Buttler is gone! This is plumb. India are well and truly back into the this game. Ashwin loops it up around off, it's quite slow through the air as it turns back in and catches Buttler on the knee roll who looks to work it across the line. Big appeal, the finger goes up and Jos doesn't even bother with the review. He know what the outcome's going to be. |
| Sam Curran will be the new man in. |
| 66.5 : R Ashwin to Curran, Tossed up off break outside off, Curran plants his front foot forward and pushes it away. |
| 66.6 : R Ashwin to Curran, A bit quicker through the air, on middle and leg, Curran goes deep inside the crease and blocks it out. |
| 67.1 : U Yadav to Stokes, FOUR! Beautifully played by Ben Stokes. Umesh angles in a full delivery on middle and leg, flicked through square leg. The placement is good, it's past the square leg fielder to the boundary. |
| 67.2 : U Yadav to Stokes, Holding its line as it lands on a length outside off, Stokes covers the line and watches as the ball goes past him. |
| 67.3 : U Yadav to Stokes, Full in length, on middle and off, flicked right at the man at mid-wicket. |
| 67.4 : U Yadav to Stokes, Short of a good length outside off, punched hard off the back foot to extra cover. |
| 67.5 : U Yadav to Stokes, Full and wide, Stokes walks a couple of steps across and dabs it down to third man for a single. |
| 67.6 : U Yadav to Curran, Immense swing inwards as Umesh pitches this full, Sam Curran clips it in front of square leg and takes one. |
| 68.1 : R Ashwin to Curran, Drifting in on a full length, around off, Curran prods forward and blocks it out. |
| 68.2 : R Ashwin to Curran, Quicker through the air, outside off, forced away square on the off side. |
| 68.3 : R Ashwin to Curran, On middle and turning away from the left-hander, Curran shapes up for the shot and defends it on the off side. |
| 68.4 : R Ashwin to Curran, Quicker and flatter outside off, dabbed with an open face square to point. |
| 68.5 : R Ashwin to Curran, Full and wide outside off, smacked hard straight to covers. |
| 68.6 : R Ashwin to Curran, Flights it up well as he bowls it outside off, Curran drives it straight to the cover fielder. |
| Mohammed Shami to bowl again. |
| 69.1 : M Shami to Stokes, Back of a length angling in on middle and off, Stokes moves inside the line and works it away on the leg side. |
| 69.2 : M Shami to Stokes, Some shape away from the batsman. Stokes takes a big step out of the crease to negate the movement but still gets beaten past the outside edge. |
| 69.3 : M Shami to Stokes, Is right behind the line as he punches it to short mid-wicket. |
| 69.4 : M Shami to Stokes, Darts it fuller, just outside off, pushed away gently on the off side. |
| 69.5 : M Shami to Stokes, FOUR! Very full and quite straight, Stokes without any trouble flicks it away through mid-wicket and says thank you as he finds the boundary easily. |
| 69.6 : M Shami to Stokes, Full outside off, driven through the gap in the covers this time. It won't go all the way as Murali Vijay chases it down, but it's enough to fetch Stokes three good runs. |
| Drinks are on the field. India have made their way back into this game well in this final session. The big wickets of Bairstow and Root, along with that of the big-hitting Jos Buttler has certainly lifted their spirits. Now, Ben Stokes is the last batsman who remains. Can the Indians get rid of him quick and wrap the Englishmen today itself? |
| 70.1 : R Ashwin to Stokes, Floated on middle, Stokes prods forward in defense. |
| 70.2 : R Ashwin to Stokes, Times this nicely through square leg and has enough time to come back for the second. |
| 70.3 : R Ashwin to Stokes, Stays inside and tucks the ball to the on side. |
| 70.4 : R Ashwin to Stokes, Charges down the pitch to this loopy ball and hits it to mid on. |
| 70.5 : R Ashwin to Stokes, Lunges back and flicks it away to square leg for a single. |
| 70.6 : R Ashwin to Curran, Full in line of the stumps, well blocked by Curran. |
| 71.1 : M Shami to Stokes, Stays in his crease and plays it to short mid-wicket. |
| 71.2 : M Shami to Stokes, Not quick enough to put Stokes on his back foot who covers his stumps and blocks it out. |
| 71.3 : M Shami to Stokes, Good time this for Stokes to counter-attack. Flicks this ball through mid-wicket for a brace. |
| 71.4 : M Shami to Stokes, Ben lets the ball go outside his off stump. |
| 71.5 : M Shami to Stokes, Full this time on middle and off, worked to mid-wicket. |
| 71.6 : M Shami to Stokes, Hangs back and flicks this to the same region. |
| 72.1 : R Ashwin to Curran, Gives this air, on middle and leg, tucked away to the on side. |
| 72.2 : R Ashwin to Curran, Full on middle, played with a straight bat. |
| 72.3 : R Ashwin to Curran, Slower one in line of the stumps, Curran taps it in front of him. |
| 72.4 : R Ashwin to Curran, Loopy ball around off, Curran gets low and blocks it. |
| 72.5 : R Ashwin to Curran, The batsman has driven it through mid off. |
| 72.6 : R Ashwin to Curran, Darts this one quick on off, Curran gets an inside edge onto his pads. |
| 73.1 : M Shami to Stokes, Good ball from Shami. Bangs this one short outside off. The ball takes off and Stokes sways away from it. |
| 73.2 : M Shami to Stokes, Ben shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the back foot. |
| 73.3 : M Shami to Stokes, Good line from Shami. Forces Stokes to play at it. Comes in from round the wicket and angles this into him. Stokes goes for the drive but the ball goes past his bat. |
| 73.4 : M Shami to Stokes, Slides this on the leg, Stokes flicks it away to the on side for a run. |
| 73.5 : M Shami to Curran, Curran was beaten and missed the line of the delivery. |
| 73.6 : M Shami to Sam Curran, Edge but does not carry. Curran hangs his bat outside off and gets a feather of his bat, it just falls short of Dhawan at first slip. |
| 74.1 : Ashwin to Stokes, OUT! A poor poor shot from Stokes and it has lead to his downfall. A short ball on middle and leg from Ashwin, Stokes had a lot of time to play it anywhere, maybe too much time. He looks to turn it to the on side and gets a leading edge straight to Ashwin. He moves to his left and accepts it with glee. So many hopes were relying on him but he has failed yet again. |
| 0.0 : Adil Rashid is the next man in. |
| 74.2 : R Ashwin to Rashid, Stays back and defends this with a straight bat. |
| 74.3 : R Ashwin to Rashid, Gets low and sees this one off. |
| 74.4 : R Ashwin to Rashid, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. |
| 74.5 : R Ashwin to Rashid, Byes. That misses everyone. Sneaks through bat and pad and past Karthik. They will take a bye. |
| 74.6 : R Ashwin to Curran, Slower one outside off, Curran leaves it alone. |
| 75.1 : M Shami to Rashid, Full and angling in around off, Rashid gets it off the outer half through gully for a single. |
| 75.2 : M Shami to Sam Curran, From around the wicket, full and coming in, Curran gets an edge which keeps low and goes through the slip cordon. Two runs taken. |
| 75.3 : M Shami to Curran, Short ball angling down, ducked and evaded. |
| 75.4 : M Shami to Curran, The batsman has played it to the point region. One run added to the total. |
| 75.5 : M Shami to Rashid, In the air but safe! Rashid flicks this full ball aerially and just about clears the mid-wicket fielder. A couple taken and that's the 250 up for England. |
| 75.6 : M Shami to Rashid, Outside off, left alone. |
| 76.1 : R Ashwin to Curran, Sam has played that off the front foot and into the ground. |
| 76.2 : R Ashwin to Curran, Sharp turn from Ash. Lands it around off and almost gets the outside edge of Curran. |
| 76.3 : R Ashwin to Curran, Outside off, SC leaves it alone. |
| 76.4 : R Ashwin to Curran, Flicked away through mid-wicket for a single. |
| 76.5 : R Ashwin to Curran, Sam has played it to the point region. The batsmen have run through for a single. |
| 76.6 : R Ashwin to Rashid, That ball has struck the batsman on the thigh-pad. |
| 77.1 : H Pandya to Sam Curran, FOUR! Full and wide outside off, Curran leans forward and drives it handsomely through covers for a boundary. |
| 77.2 : H Pandya to Curran, Full and wide again, once again Curran goes after it but this time cannot get the desired result. |
| 77.3 : H Pandya to Curran, Punched off the back foot by Curran towards cover-point. |
| 77.4 : H Pandya to Curran, On a good length outside off, Curran shoulders his arms to it. |
| 77.5 : H Pandya to Curran, Outside off, cut to backward point. |
| 77.6 : H Pandya to Curran, FOUR! Shot! Curran is full of confidence. Sees the loose ball outside off and cuts this in the gap through covers for a boundary. |
| 78.1 : R Ashwin to Rashid, Rashid rocks onto the back foot and punches the ball. |
| 78.2 : R Ashwin to Rashid, FOUR! A outswinger from Ashwin. Gets the ball to move the other way and Rashid picks it up well. Guides it late past the first slip fielder to the third man fence. |
| 78.3 : R Ashwin to Rashid, FOUR! He is no rookie with the bat. Charges down this loopy ball and flicks it aerially over square leg for back-to-back boundaries. |
| 78.4 : R Ashwin to Rashid, Leans forward and blocks it well. |
| 78.5 : R Ashwin to Rashid, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. |
| 78.6 : R Ashwin to Rashid, Dabs this towards backward point. |
| 79.1 : I Sharma to Curran, The ball is way outside the off stump, easy leave for Curran. |
| 79.2 : I Sharma to Curran, Gets behind the ball and defends it off his back foot. |
| 79.3 : I Sharma to Sam Curran, Pitches this one up outside off, driven to covers. |
| 79.4 : I Sharma to Curran, FOUR! Excellent! All timing on that! That's a shot any batsman would be proud of. Stays back and punches it to the gap through covers for a boundary. Holds his pose for the camera men to do their work. |
| 79.5 : I Sharma to Curran, Wide outside off stump, Curran leaves it alone. |
| 79.6 : I Sharma to Curran, Stays inside and cuts it to third man for a single. |
| 80.1 : R Ashwin to Curran, Sam defends it from within the crease. |
| 80.2 : R Ashwin to Curran, Short down leg, pulled to deep square leg for one. |
| 80.3 : R Ashwin to Rashid, Gets behind the ball and taps it in front of him. |
| 80.4 : R Ashwin to Rashid, Goes back and flicks it away to backward square leg to rotate strike. |
| 80.5 : R Ashwin to Curran, Stays low and blocks it down. |
| 80.6 : R Ashwin to Curran, Turns his bat to the on side to the fielder. |
| 81.1 : I Sharma to Rashid, Hops a touch and tucks it around the corner for one. A handy partnership this for the hosts. 34 from 42 balls. |
| 81.2 : I Sharma to Curran, Bangs this one short on middle and leg, Curran ducks under it. |
| 81.3 : I Sharma to Curran, Another one of those. Trying to scare Sam is Sharma who once again ducks under it. |
| 81.4 : I Sharma to Curran, Three in a row. This one too is banged hard down the leg side. Sam evades it well. |
| 81.5 : I Sharma to Curran, Beauty! Almost squares him up. After three bouncers he serves one on a good length around off. With no feet movement Sam pokes at it and almost gets his outside edge. |
| 81.6 : I Sharma to Curran, Curran flicks it away with a wristy shot to square leg. The batsmen have run through for a single. |
| 82.1 : R Ashwin to Curran, Quicker one on off, hit to mid on. |
| 82.2 : R Ashwin to Curran, Slower one around off, Sam blocks it with a straight bat. |
| 82.3 : R Ashwin to Curran, Gives this air on middle and leg, Sam is solid in his defense. |
| 82.4 : R Ashwin to Curran, Loopy ball down leg, hit to short mid-wicket. |
| 82.5 : R Ashwin to Curran, Turns his bat and tucks it around the corner. |
| 82.6 : R Ashwin to Curran, Darts this on middle and leg, Curran hits it back towards the bowler. The question on many Indians is that when will India take the new ball! |
| An LBW review is taken up. Ishant is confident! Is it going down leg? |
| 83.1 : I Sharma to Rashid, OUT! Plumb! It is not going down leg and Ishant Sharma provides the breakthrough. Lands this on a good length and it comes back into Rashid. Perhaps done by the pace and the ball strikes him on his pad. The Indians appeal but the umpire stays put. Sharma looks confident and asks Kohli to take it up. Replays roll and show us three reds. A stubborn partnership is finally broken. Will India get them all out today? |
| 0.0 : Stuart Broad walks out next to bat. |
| 83.2 : I Sharma to Broad, Wide outside off, left alone. |
| 83.3 : I Sharma to Broad, Full outside off, Broad swings and misses. |
| 83.4 : I Sharma to Broad, Four Byes. Banged in short down the leg side, Broad looks to tuck it away but cannot get anything on it. DK dives full stretch to his right but it ball races past him to the fine leg fence. |
| 83.5 : I Sharma to Broad, Peach! Squares Broad up who hangs his bat outside off. |
| 83.6 : I Sharma to Broad, Slow full toss, hit to mid on for one. |
| 84.1 : R Ashwin to Broad, Slow ball spins away from Broad who leaves it alone. |
| 84.2 : R Ashwin to Broad, OUT! Brilliant from Ashwin! This one comes back in and that is what does Broad in. Tosses this one up around off and it spins back in. Broad plays for the spin and gets hit on his pads. An easy decision for Aleem Dar and Broad walks back. The end is nigh for England. |
| James Anderson is the last man in. |
| 84.3 : R Ashwin to Anderson, Slower ball on middle, Anderson blocks. |
| 84.4 : R Ashwin to Anderson, Gives this one air outside off, Anderson leaves it alone. |
| 84.5 : R Ashwin to Anderson, This one too comes back in. But Anderson stays back and does well to get bat to it. |
| 84.6 : R Ashwin to Anderson, Anderson survives. Leans forward and blocks this in front of him. |
| 85.1 : I Sharma to Curran, Back of a length ball on middle and leg, Curran tucks it away to the corner to give Anderson the strike. |
| 85.2 : I Sharma to Anderson, Length down the leg side, Anderson shuffles across and leaves it alone. |
| 85.3 : I Sharma to Anderson, Serves this on a good length outside off, Anderson flirts with it and almost gets an outside edge. |
| 85.4 : I Sharma to Anderson, Lovely from Sharma. Making Anderson play at it. Another length ball around off, Anderson is caught on his back foot and misses the ball. |
| 85.5 : I Sharma to Anderson, Three in a row. Anderson will be thanking his heavens he is not getting a feather to it. Another play and miss from him. The crowds are in loud voice. |
| 85.6 : I Sharma to Anderson, Finally James gets bat to ball and survives another over. Fuller this time on off, well blocked by Anderson. |
| 86.1 : R Ashwin to Curran, Tossed up ball on middle and off, Curran hits it onto the ground. |
| 86.2 : R Ashwin to Curran, Drives this through covers and some good work by Dhawan in the deep keeps it to two. |
| 86.3 : R Ashwin to Curran, The batsman shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the back foot. |
| 86.4 : R Ashwin to Curran, Curran has played that off the front foot and into the ground. |
| 86.5 : R Ashwin to Curran, Stays in his crease and sees this one off. |
| 86.6 : R Ashwin to Curran, Works this down the leg side to retain strike for the next over. |
| 87.1 : M Shami to Curran, Stays back and punches the ball to covers. |
| 87.2 : M Shami to Curran, Fuller on middle and off, Curran blocks it back to the bowler. |
| 87.3 : M Shami to Curran, Outside off, Curran thinks of playing at it but pulls out at the last minute. |
| 87.4 : M Shami to Curran, Full on that fifth stump line, cut to third man for a single. Anderson to face the final two balls. |
| 87.5 : M Shami to Sam Curran, DROPPED! Oh dear! The catching has not been the best and India had a chance to finish the job today itself. On a good length outside off, Anderson gets an outside edge behind. Karthik flies to his left but the ball doesn't stick. Had he left it, it would have been a dolly for Dhawan at first slip. |
| 87.6 : M Shami to Curran, England will come out to bat tomorrow. Anderson drives this fuller ball to covers. ENGLAND ARE 285/9 AT THE END OF DAY 1. |
| Lovely day of Test cricket. After all of it I think it is safe to say that the day belonged to the Indians. They picked wickets at important phases that pegged the hosts back. |
| Ashwin was given the ball early in the day and he did just what his captain asked him to do. Picked up the big fish, Cook, and got Buttler and Stokes in quick time later on. Shami too was substantial with the ball and got a brace for his efforts. Ishant was making the ball move and Yadav who came back strongly after a poor start got a wicket each. |
| England were not bad with the bat but gave up their wickets cheaply. Cook fell to a beauty while the rest fell prey to the visitors. Jennings and Root stitched 72 for the second wicket but two quick breakthroughs post lunch got them on the back foot. Skipper Root and Bairstow then added 104 for the fourth wicket and were taking the game away from the touring side. But the turning point was Root's run out where skipper Kohli's athleticism got him his counterpart. It was all India then as they did |
| Had Karthik caught Anderson off the second last ball of the day, India's day would be sweeter. For now, England will come out to bat on Day 2. The tourists will hope to get them out as quickly as possible and get past the total in front of them. Day 2 is set for another cracking contest. We hope you enjoyed our coverage. Join in at 1100 local (1000 GMT). Cheers! |
| ... Day 2, Session 1 ... |
| Taking this last wicket for India will be like killing that 0.1 percent of the germs that your antiseptics don't kill. They have done the hard work and now need to wrap things up as soon as possible. Day 1 was everything a Test match needed. There were wickets, runs and some moments of madness. Root, Bairstow and Jennings did their best with the bat but threw their wickets away. Ashwin and Shami were India's best bowlers. Anderson and Curran now have the opportunity to frustrate the opposition. |
| Sanjay Manjrekar first says that there is a cool wind blowing across the ground but it will only get warmer. About the pitch, he says that it will become difficult for the left-handers to play as there is a rough developed around the off stump. Reckons that India will miss the services of Jadeja and Kuldeep. He adds saying that the pitch has not changed much and it is not a wicket-taking surface. Continues saying that the batsmen will get out cheaply if they do. Ends saying that these are good |
| Ready to begin. As James Anderson and Sam Curran walk out to bat basking in the warm sunshine, India will be wanting to clean them up in the first few overs itself and have a go with the bat. Anderson to take strike, with Ravichandran Ashwin has the ball handed to him. |
| 88.1 : R Ashwin to Anderson, Slower one on middle and leg, Anderson blocks it out well. The crowds cheer him. |
| 88.2 : R Ashwin to Anderson, Another loopy ball around off, Anderson taps it in front of him. |
| 88.3 : R Ashwin to Anderson, On middle and leg, played to short mid-wicket. |
| 88.4 : R Ashwin to Anderson, Ohh!!! Almost! Ashwin fires this one around off, the ball drifts in sharply and Anderson gets an inside edge towards fine leg. Will pick up a brace for it. |
| 88.5 : R Ashwin to Anderson, Jimmy has played that off the front foot and into the ground. |
| 88.6 : R Ashwin to Anderson, Short ball down the leg side, Anderson blocks it with a straight bat. |
| Mohammed Shami to bowl from the other end. |
| 89.1 : M Shami to Curran, The ball is way outside the off stump, easy leave for Curran. |
| 89.2 : M Shami to Curran, Back of a length ball on off, Curran defends it down. |
| 89.3 : M Shami to Curran, Angles this into Curran who moves away and gets hit on his thigh pad. |
| 89.4 : M Shami to Curran, OUT! Inswing, inswing and then an outswing which produces the edge. No fifer for Ashwin but a good bowling performance from Shami. Serves this outside off, it moves away, Curran flirts with it and gets an edge which Karthik doesn't drop. ENGLAND ARE ALL OUT FOR 287. |
| Just what India needed and planned. Took them just 10 balls to wrap up the last wicket. England could only manage to add 2 runs to their overnight score. This is England's fifth lowest score against India batting first in England. They didn't get to the psychological 300-run mark but now have work to do with the ball. India need to bat well and see off the new ball. They're batting in a few minutes. Don't go anywhere. |
| 0.1 : J Anderson to Vijay, Starts from over the wicket and pitches it up in search for swing. Vijay gets behind the ball and blocks it. |
| 0.2 : J Anderson to Vijay, First runs! The crowd acknowledges it. Vijay taps this with soft hands towards point and gets to the other end. Good running. |
| 0.3 : J Anderson to Dhawan, Full and wide outside off, Dhawan shoulders his arms to it. All eyes will be on Shikhar. He needs to come good. |
| 0.4 : J Anderson to Dhawan, Misses his line and serves it on the pads of Dhawan who flicks it away through mid-wicket. Broad mobs it up but India take three runs. |
| 0.5 : J Anderson to Vijay, Vijay has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. |
| 0.6 : J Anderson to Vijay, Full and on the legs, hit to mid on to end the over. |
| Stuart Broad will bowl from the other end. |
| 1.1 : S Broad to Dhawan, Had he hit, Vijay would have had to keep walking. Broad pitches it up on that fourth stump line. Dhawan gets an inside edge and the ball rolls to the off side off the pads. Stokes hares from point, picks it up and has a shy at the striker's end. Vijay will feel lucky he didn't score a direct hit. |
| 1.2 : S Broad to Vijay, Very full again in line of the stumps, Vijay blocks it out well. |
| 1.3 : S Broad to Vijay, Gets behind the ball and milks this through mid-wicket for a single. |
| 1.4 : S Broad to S Dhawan, Pitched up outside off, Dhawan gets it off the inner half towards mid off. |
| 1.5 : S Broad to Dhawan, No ball for overstepping. Broad oversteps and lands this on the leg side, Dhawan flicks it towards fine leg for one. |
| S Broad to Vijay, FOUR! Classic! First of the Indian innings. Overpitched ball on middle and leg, Vijay stands tall and just punches this down the ground. The mid on fielder hares to stop the ball but only comes second best. |
| 1.6 : S Broad to Vijay, Jaffa! That's the perfect length for these batsmen. Served outside off, Vijay goes fishing and almost gets an outside edge. |
| 2.1 : J Anderson to Dhawan, Dhawan shoulders arms to let that one through. |
| 2.2 : J Anderson to Dhawan, Good ball from Anderson! Lands this around off and it shapes away from Dhawan. He hangs his bat out but the ball goes past him. |
| 2.3 : J Anderson to Dhawan, The ball is too wide on the off side for SD to make any contact. |
| 2.4 : J Anderson to Dhawan, Tries flicking the ball down the leg side but it goes off the pads towards the on side. They take the leg bye. |
| An LBW review has been taken up! Looks to be an inside edge. |
| 2.5 : Anderson to Vijay, NOT OUT! Vijay survives. There was no inside edge but the ball was going down leg. Anderson fires this one full and on the pads. Vijay tries to flick this but gets hit on the pads. On the first look it seemed like an inside edge. The English players appeal but the umpire says no. Anderson has a talk with Root and they take it upstairs. Replays roll in and show us no inside edge but the ball would have gone to miss the leg stump. England lose their review. |
| 2.6 : J Anderson to Vijay, First the inside edge, now the outside edge. Vijay leans ahead to play the drive but cannot make contact. |
| 3.1 : S Broad to Dhawan, Another loud appeal but once again the umpire stays put. Broad comes in from over the wicket and lands it around leg. Dhawan misses his flick and gets hit on the pads. A loud and loud appeal but nothing from the umpire. The English players have a chat but opt against it. Good they didn't take it up as the replays show us that it pitched outside leg. |
| 3.2 : S Broad to Dhawan, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. |
| 3.3 : S Broad to Dhawan, No ball. Another one from Broad. Dhawan hits this to the on side. |
| S Broad to Dhawan, Pushed to the cover region by Dhawan. They pick up a single. |
| 3.4 : S Broad to Vijay, Vijay picked that bouncer early and let it through to the keeper by swaying away. |
| 3.5 : S Broad to Vijay, MV chooses to leave the ball outside his off stump. |
| 3.6 : S Broad to Vijay, On a good length around off, the ball jacks back in but Vijay watches it go to the keeper. |
| 4.1 : J Anderson to Dhawan, Fuller length delivery on middle and off, Dhawan drives it to mid-wicket. |
| 4.2 : J Anderson to Dhawan, Oooohhh! Almost. Close call for Dhawan. Fuller in length and tailing back in, Dhawan plays at it and gets an inside edge back onto his pads. It rolls behind, it's going to miss the leg stump but the southpaw doesn't take any chances and puts it away with his bat. |
| 4.3 : J Anderson to Dhawan, Shot. Good timing from Shikhar. He cleanly drives this full delivery outside off through mid off. It won't go all the way, but it's enough to fetch him three runs. |
| 4.4 : J Anderson to Vijay, Just ahead of a length, around off, Vijay stands his ground and keeps it out. |
| 4.5 : J Anderson to Vijay, Good length delivery shooting off the surface a bit, Vijay remains rock solid in defense. |
| 4.6 : J Anderson to M Vijay, Played it with soft hands, that was the key. Vijay got it off the outer half towards gully. |
| 5.1 : S Broad to Dhawan, Beaten! Ripper from Broad. Lands it on off and makes it go away, Dhawan hangs his bat close to his body and almost nicks it behind. Lucky for him the ball whiskered past the edge. |
| 5.2 : S Broad to Dhawan, Third no ball in three overs from Broad. Length ball on middle, Dhawan tucks it to the on side. |
| S Broad to S Dhawan, FOUR! Shot! A very good shot from Dhawan, the classic cover drive. Leans ahead to this overpitched ball outside off and creams it through covers. The ball races away to the fence. |
| 5.3 : S Broad to Dhawan, On that fifth stump channel, Dhawan lets it be. |
| 5.4 : S Broad to Dhawan, Length on middle and leg, played toward the bowler. |
| 5.5 : S Broad to Dhawan, Leg bye. Looks to tuck this back of a length ball to the on side but gets it off his thigh pad. They complete the run as the ball rolls towards square leg. |
| 5.6 : S Broad to Vijay, Full and around off, driven to mid on. |
| 6.1 : J Anderson to Dhawan, Back of a length ball on the pads, Dhawan tucks it around the corner for a single. |
| 6.2 : J Anderson to Vijay, Bowls this one on a good length on middle and leg, the bounce takes a little extra bounce, takes a inside edge onto the pads of Vijay. |
| 6.3 : J Anderson to Vijay, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. |
| 6.4 : J Anderson to Vijay, Outside off, left alone. |
| 6.5 : J Anderson to Vijay, Vijay has played that off the front foot and into the ground. |
| 6.6 : J Anderson to Vijay, Covers the stumps and plays this towards the on side |
| 7.1 : S Broad to Dhawan, Nicely tucked away. Not the best of lines to be bowled with the new ball. Lands this down the leg side. Dhawan tucks it away to deep square leg for one. |
| 7.2 : S Broad to Vijay, Once again strays on the pads, Vijay clips it to mid-wicket. |
| 7.3 : S Broad to Vijay, Peach! That's it, Broad. That's where you need to bowl. On a good length around off, it keeps low and goes under the bat of Vijay. |
| 7.4 : S Broad to Vijay, Angles this on the legs on Vijay who hops a tad and flicks it to deep backward square leg for a brace. Good start from India. |
| 7.5 : S Broad to Vijay, Outside off, Vijay points his bat skywards and leaves it alone. |
| 7.6 : S Broad to Vijay, FOUR! Sweet! Right off the middle. Pitched up ball outside off, Vijay gets behind the ball and drives it through cover-point for a boundary. No body bothers chasing that one. |
| 8.1 : J Anderson to Dhawan, Shot! But straight to the fielder. Anderson and Broad are inviting the drives and hopefully get get something off it. Pitches this up around off, Dhawan drives it to covers. |
| 8.2 : J Anderson to Dhawan, FOUR! Off line and gets punished. Dhawan will put that away all day long. Serves this on the leg side, Dhawan keeps his head strong and flicks it away through square leg for a boundary. |
| 8.3 : J Anderson to Dhawan, SD shoulders arms to let that one through. |
| 8.4 : J Anderson to Dhawan, Outside off, too far to make Dhawan play at it. |
| 8.5 : J Anderson to Dhawan, On a good length around that fifth stump line. Dhawan watches it go past to the keeper. |
| 8.6 : J Anderson to Dhawan, FOUR LEG BYES! Another wrong line down the leg side, Dhawan looks to help it on its way. It takes the thigh pad and runs away to the fine leg region. |
| Sam Curran is called to bowl. |
| 9.1 : Sam Curran to Vijay, Starts by bowling one outside off, Vijay is not enticed to play at it. |
| 9.2 : Sam Curran to Vijay, Full and around off, gets it off the bottom of the bat to the on side. |
| 9.3 : Sam Curran to Vijay, MV has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. |
| 9.4 : Curran to Vijay, Yorker on off, Vijay digs it out on time. |
| 9.5 : Sam Curran to Vijay, Well left. Fuller ball outside off, it shapes away from Vijay. He thinks of playing at it but leaves it alone. |
| 9.6 : Sam Curran to Vijay, FOUR! Beauty! Leans ahead and creases this in the gap through the cover region. Root runs behind it but cannot stop the ball from reaching the fence. Boundary. Solid start from the visitors. |
| Drinks break! This is a good start from the visiting team. They have never got a 50-run opening stand in their last 16 innings against England, in England. They look good to get it today. Who will step up for the hosts and provide the breakthrough? |
| 10.1 : J Anderson to Dhawan, Comes from around the wicket and bowls this on a fullish length around off, Dhawan is half-forward as he pushes this back in the bowler's direction. |
| 10.2 : J Anderson to Dhawan, Fuller again, close to off, tapped away towards covers. |
| 10.3 : J Anderson to Dhawan, Angling back in on middle and leg, easy enough for Shikhar Dhawan to clip this down to fine leg. Single taken. |
| 10.4 : J Anderson to Vijay, Straightening up on leg, Vijay easily picks it off his pads and flicks it down to fine leg for a boundary. |
| 10.5 : J Anderson to Vijay, Straighter one, just around off, skidding off the deck a bit, Vijay comes forward and blocks it off the inner half on the leg side. |
| 10.6 : J Anderson to Vijay, Good leave from Murali Vijay. Kept his eyes on the ball throughout as it was banged short. Arched back and dropped his wrists to let it through. |
| 11.1 : Sam Curran to Dhawan, Too full and too straight on the pads, whipped away by Shikhar to deep backward square leg. One run taken and the 50 is up for India. It's their first fifty stand after 16 innings against England in England. |
| 11.2 : Sam Curran to Vijay, So close! Outside off on a good length, holds its line just enough, Vijay has a tame poke at it and gets beaten. |
| 11.3 : Sam Curran to Vijay, Hurls it too far outside off this time, no shot offered by the batsman. |
| 11.4 : Sam Curran to Vijay, Once more, too far outside off, Vijay has nothing to do with it. Curran needs to make him play more. |
| 11.5 : Sam Curran to Vijay, Better. Brings it in closer around off, blocked out with a straight bat. |
| 11.6 : Sam Curran to Vijay, Short of a good length on off stump, Murali Vijay stands tall and defends it right under his nose. |
| 12.1 : J Anderson to Dhawan, Outside off on a good length, Dhawan covers the line well and shoulders arms to it. |
| 12.2 : J Anderson to S Dhawan, Makes sweet connection once again but it's straight to the fielder. Dhawan drives it crisply straight to the man at extra cover. |
| 12.3 : J Anderson to Dhawan, Keeps it fuller, on the fifth stump channel, the left-hander remains patient and lets it through. |
| 12.4 : J Anderson to Dhawan, Anderson angles in a full delivery on middle and off, Dhawan closes the face a bit too early to flick it away but gets it safely back down the track towards the bowler. |
| 12.5 : J Anderson to Dhawan, There was some noise but no bat involved. Angling down, Dhawan misses the tickle as the ball brushes his thigh pad. Bairstow does well to dive to his right and stop it. |
| 12.6 : J Anderson to Dhawan, Driven off the inner half towards mid on and that will be the end of the over. |
| 13.1 : Sam Curran to Vijay, Good length delivery on middle and off, with a hint of movement away off the seam, Vijay is perfectly behind the line as he blocks it out. |
| 0.0 : The umpires are checking the shape of the ball. Put it through the 8-shape gauge and feel everything is fine. We're good to continue. |
| 13.2 : Sam Curran to Vijay, Serves it on a length, in line of the stumps, a defensive bat is offered in response. |
| 13.3 : Sam Curran to Vijay, Fires it full on this occasion, Vijay jams it out in front of covers. |
| Another review from England. It's for another lbw decision, against Murali Vijay. This one looks close. Let's see now... |
| 13.4 : Sam Curran to Vijay, OUT! GONE! Sam Curran draws first blood for England. Good decision from Joe Root on this occasion. It's on a length on middle and leg, straightens up after landing and then raps Vijay on the front pad who misses his defense. Big shout, but the umpire doesn't bother with it. After some deliberation, Root decides to review it and takes it upstairs. Replays come in and they show that Vijay is caught flush in front of stumps. Red on all three boxes and he's out of here. |
| KL Rahul walks in at no.3. |
| 13.5 : Sam Curran to Rahul, FOUR! Off the mark in a streaky manner! Sam with a length ball on off, Rahul hangs his bat out in defense and gets a thick edge which runs down to third man. Boundary results. |
| 13.6 : Sam Curran to Rahul, OUT! Second of the over from Sam Curran. A poor shot really from KL Rahul. It's just your second ball, got to avoid it. Full and fires outside off, angling across, Rahul goes for the expansive drive through the covers but gets a big inside edge. Drags it back onto his stumps and they're shattered. Big turnaround for England after a fantastic start for India. |
| Virat Kohli walks out to bat next amidst jeers from the crowd. |
| 14.1 : J Anderson to Dhawan, Back of a length delivery outside off, Dhawan taps it down in front of covers and takes one. |
| 0.0 : Now here it is! The most-talked about contest in this Test. Anderson vs Kohli. Three slips and a gully placed for the feisty Indian skipper. Here we go... |
| 14.2 : J Anderson to Kohli, Good length delivery shaping away from around off, Kohli covers the line and shoulders his arms to it. |
| 14.3 : J Anderson to Kohli, Angling in at first and then straightening up a shade, Kohli looks to block but gets it off the outer half to gully. |
| 14.4 : J Anderson to Kohli, Good leave. Outside off, rising off the surface, Virat Kohli has nothing to do with that one. |
| 14.5 : J Anderson to Kohli, Ooohh! Now that will make him think a bit. Kohli had the line covered, but he thought this was going to go away like the others. But it came back in and went through to the keeper. Not too close, but not too far away either from the off stick. |
| 14.6 : J Anderson to Kohli, Short of a length on off, tapped down in front of gully to end a testing over from Jimmy Anderson. |
| 15.1 : Sam Curran to Dhawan, Way, way outside off, Dhawan leaves it alone. |
| 15.2 : Sam Curran to Dhawan, Better. Keeps it close to off this time, shapes it away late. Dhawan stands firm and blocks it down in front of point. |
| 15.3 : Sam Curran to S Dhawan, Edged and FOUR! Full ball, swinging away on off, Dhawan closes the face early and gets a big edge. It flies well past the third slip fielder and races to the third man fence. Curran is bowling with some serious pace. |
| A fourth slip coming in place. Root giving his bowler every chance here. |
| 15.4 : Sam Curran to Dhawan, And the crowd cheers! Right so too, young Sam is bowling with a lot of intent here. Length delivery on off, seaming away late. Dhawan is beaten all ends up. |
| 15.5 : Sam Curran to S Dhawan, OUT! And Sam Curran strikes again. His third of the morning and he's ripped through the Indian top order. Absolutely stunning bowling from the left-armer. Again, good pace on this as he pitches it around off, makes it go away and this time he draws the edge as Dhawan goes for the drive. Straight into the hands of Dawid Malan at second slip who takes a good catch. |
| Ajinkya Rahane is next in. India are in trouble here and he will need to tough it out now with his skipper. |
| 15.6 : Sam Curran to Rahane, Coming back in on middle and leg, Rahane blocks it out down the track. This brings us to the end of another successful over from Sam Curran. Brilliant stuff from him. |
| 16.1 : J Anderson to V Kohli, Did that carry? Not sure, that's very tight. India in the line of fire now. Anderson bowls this full and swings it away, Kohli drives away from his body and gets a thick edge. It flies low towards gully, where Buttler dives to his left but can't get his fingers underneath it. Cook chases after it as it's rolling down to third man and does well to keep it in. Jennings throws it back in. Two runs taken. |
| 16.2 : J Anderson to Kohli, Speared full well outside off, Kohli gets low to drill it through the off side but gets it off the bottom half back down the track. Needs to be more careful here. These shots aren't needed. |
| 16.3 : J Anderson to Kohli, Good length delivery outside the line of off stump, left alone. |
| 16.4 : J Anderson to Kohli, Kohli walks a step across, gets behind the line and drives it to mid on. |
| 16.5 : J Anderson to Kohli, Wide outside off, another leave from the Indian skipper. |
| 16.6 : J Anderson to Kohli, Good leave. Very good leave. Closer to off, shaping away from a length, Kohli covers the line and shoulders arms. |
| 17.1 : Sam Curran to Rahane, Darts a length ball around off, it cuts back in as Rahane comes forward to push it away towards the covers. Both batsmen sense the run and complete it with ease. |
| 17.2 : Sam Curran to Kohli, Brings out the short one as he hits the deck hard, it's going across but Virat is watchful as he lets it be. |
| 17.3 : Sam Curran to Kohli, Full ball aiming the base of off stump, driven off the outer half square on the off side. One run to the total. |
| 17.4 : Sam Curran to Rahane, Opens the bat face late and taps this length ball down in front of point. |
| 17.5 : Sam Curran to Rahane, Fuller outside off, not much movement on this occasion, a defensive push from Rahane back down to mid off. |
| 17.6 : Sam Curran to Rahane, Too wide of off stump, easy leave for the batsman to make. |
| 18.1 : J Anderson to Kohli, Fullish in length attacking the stumps, kept out solidly off the front foot. |
| 18.2 : J Anderson to Kohli, Some extra bounce on offer for Anderson. He pitches it just ahead of a length on off, it kicks off the deck and catches the handle of Kohli's bat. He did well to get his bottom hand off that. |
| 18.3 : J Anderson to Kohli, Fuller again, around off, pushed away with hard hands towards gully. |
| 18.4 : J Anderson to Kohli, On the fifth stump channel, left alone. |
| 18.5 : J Anderson to Kohli, Well outside off, extra bounce again for Jimmy. Kohli leaves it alone. |
| 18.6 : J Anderson to Kohli, In the corridor of uncertainty, Kohli remains patient as he doesn't meddle with it. |
| 19.1 : Sam Curran to Rahane, It's arrowed across full, outside off, Rahane plants his front foot forward and defends it to covers. |
| 19.2 : Sam Curran to Rahane, Shortish outside off, left alone for the keeper to collect. |
| 19.3 : Sam Curran to Rahane, Fraction straight in line, gives Rahane the chance to move inside the line and tuck it behind square leg for one. |
| 19.4 : Sam Curran to Kohli, FOUR! This is the one that goes away. Kohli picks it up quickly, positions himself well and opens the face to dab it past the slip cordon. Easy boundary for him. |
| 19.5 : Sam Curran to Kohli, Too straight from Curran, darts it on the pads. Kohli wrists this comfortably through to deep square leg and changes ends. |
| 19.6 : Sam Curran to Rahane, Curran switches to around the wicket and angles this full delivery in from around off, Rahane sweetly drives this through mid off and comes back for the second. |
| This will be the last over before lunch and Adil Rashid will have a last crack at this pair. |
| 20.1 : A Rashid to Kohli, High full toss around off, Kohli hits it through the covers for a single. |
| 20.2 : A Rashid to Rahane, Tossed up on middle and off, Rahane comes forward and blocks it out. |
| 20.3 : A Rashid to Rahane, Another full toss, driven through the covers again. Two more to the total. |
| 20.4 : A Rashid to Rahane, Rashid bowls this slower through the air and lands it full on off, the batsman is solid in defense. |
| 20.5 : A Rashid to Rahane, Low full toss from the leggie, played back to the bowler. |
| 20.6 : A Rashid to Rahane, Loopy and fuller, the googly, Rahane picks it up and flicks it through square leg for a couple. LUNCH ON DAY 2! |
| England's morning! Hands down. No debate about it whatsoever and it's all thanks to their young warrior Sam Curran. England just lasted 10 balls earlier in the day as they got bowled out for 287. India were in a position of power as both Dhawan and Vijay got off to a solid start. Everything changed though when Curran dismissed Vijay and Rahul in a single over, then came back in his next to get rid of Dhawan. With the top order in tatters and India 3 down, Kohli and Rahane have plenty of work to |
| ... Day 2, Session 2 ... |
| We are back for the afternoon session. Kohli and Rahane have some repairing work to do. England will know that they need just one wicket to expose up the inexperienced lower middle order. Ben Stokes is given the ball to bowl the first over post lunch. Three slips in for him. |
| 21.1 : Ben Stokes to Kohli, Starts with a no ball. Back of a length outside off, Kohli taps it towards point. |
| Ben Stokes to Kohli, FOUR! First one of the session! Kohli will now play more openly rather than just hitting the loose balls. Gets forward to this full pitched ball and cuts it to the third man region for a boundary. |
| 21.2 : Ben Stokes to Kohli, Outside off, easy leave for Virat. |
| 21.3 : Ben Stokes to V Kohli, FOUR! Class! There is something about Kohli's cover drive. Reaches out to the pitch of the ball and creams this through covers for a boundary. |
| 21.4 : Ben Stokes to Kohli, Length outside off, Kohli gets closer to the ball and shoulders his arms. |
| 21.5 : Ben Stokes to Kohli, Bouncer outside off, Kohli does well to leave it alone. |
| 21.6 : Ben Stokes to Kohli, Peach! Beauty from Stokes! Lands this on a good length around that off stump, forces Kohli to play at it and almost gets his outside edge. |
| James Anderson to bowl from the other end. |
| 22.1 : J Anderson to Rahane, Full and outside off, easy leave for Rahane. |
| 22.2 : J Anderson to Rahane, Pitches it up further outside off, Rahane is happy to leave it alone. |
| 22.3 : J Anderson to Rahane, Too wide outside off, Rahane stays back and cuts it past point. They run the first one hard and come back for the second. |
| 22.4 : J Anderson to Rahane, Pushed to the cover region by AR. They pick up a single. |
| 22.5 : J Anderson to V Kohli, Length outside off, Kohli plays it with soft hands to the third slip fielder. |
| 22.6 : J Anderson to Kohli, On a good length outside off, Virat lets it be. |
| 23.1 : Ben Stokes to Rahane, Too wide and full, Rahane stays back and it not bothered to play at it. |
| 23.2 : Ben Stokes to Rahane, Good leave! better from Stokes. Gets it closer to Rahane. Jinx thinks of playing it it but withdraws at the last moment. |
| 23.3 : Ben Stokes to Rahane, Rahane plays it with an angled bat and guides it to third man. |
| 23.4 : Ben Stokes to Rahane, Covers his stumps and bunts this down. |
| 23.5 : Ben Stokes to Rahane, Full and around off, moves away from Rahane who leaves it alone. |
| 23.6 : Ben Stokes to Rahane, Long appeal but nothing from the umpire. Must be an inside edge. Length ball on middle, it comes back in and catches Rahane on his front leg. Stokes appeal but the umpire stays put. They think about the review for a long time but decide against it. Now then! Replays show us that the ball would have gone to hit the leg stump. Oh dear! |
| 24.1 : J Anderson to Kohli, Good length ball on that fourth stump line, Kohli is not forced to play at it. |
| 24.2 : J Anderson to Kohli, Edged but just short. The battle is living up to it. On a good length on that fourth stump line. Kohli pokes at it but plays it with soft hands. The ball falls just short of the second slip fielder. |
| 24.3 : J Anderson to Rahane, Similar line, Anderson making Kohli think, but the later leaves it alone. |
| 24.4 : J Anderson to Kohli, Full this time on middle and leg, Kohli drives it back to the bowler. |
| 24.5 : J Anderson to Kohli, Edge...and once again short of the fielder. Boy! Anderson is doing everything right. What has Kohli had for lunch? Serves this on a good length outside off, Kohli hangs his bat out and gets a soft edge which falls just short of Jennings at third slip. Kohli survives. |
| 24.6 : J Anderson to Kohli, Brilliant over from Jimmy. Got the edge of Kohli twice and almost got the back of him. Bowls this one full on middle, Kohli sees it off. |
| 25.1 : Ben Stokes to Rahane, Beauty! On a good length around off, Rahane goes for the drive but connects to thin air. |
| 25.2 : Ben Stokes to Rahane, Another one! Full and around off, Rahane is invited for the drive but cannot put bat to ball. |
| 25.3 : Ben Stokes to Rahane, Defended off the front foot by Rahane presenting the full face of the bat. |
| 25.4 : Ben Stokes to Rahane, Covers his stumps and blocks it out. |
| 25.5 : Ben Stokes to Rahane, FOUR Leg byes! Short ball down the leg side, Rahane looks to leave it alone but it hits his elbow guard and goes past Bairstow to the fine leg fence. The umpire signals leg byes and Stokes is not pleased. He thinks that Rahane was not offering a shot there and that should have not been given. |
| 25.6 : Ben Stokes to Rahane, The batsman chooses to leave the ball outside his off stump. |
| 26.1 : J Anderson to Kohli, Angling in first, then seaming away off the deck. Kohli is watchful as he defends it down in front of point. |
| 26.2 : J Anderson to Kohli, Just ahead of a length, close to off, Virat is solid in defense. |
| 26.3 : J Anderson to Kohli, Back of a length, this one is coming in, Kohli is a tad late in bringing his bat down as the ball skids off the surface. Just about gets the job done. |
| 26.4 : J Anderson to Kohli, Back of a length outside off, the Indian captain is sure as he lets it go past him. |
| 26.5 : J Anderson to Kohli, Goes a little fuller, close to off, Kohli defends it off the inside half onto his pads. |
| 26.6 : J Anderson to Kohli, Further away outside off, left alone to end the over. |
| 27.1 : Ben Stokes to Rahane, Full and wide outside off, Rahane watches it go through to Jonny. |
| 27.2 : Ben Stokes to Rahane, On a good length around off, Rahane plays it with soft hands towards point. |
| 27.3 : Ben Stokes to Rahane, FOUR! Well played! That's the thing about Rahane. He plays the ball very late outside Asia and that's why he is such a success. Once again on this occasion waits for the ball and cuts it past the gully fielder towards third man for a boundary. That also brings up the 100 for the visitors. |
| 27.4 : Ben Stokes to Rahane, OUT! He's gone! Just when we were praising Rahane he holes out. On a good length outside off, the ball bounces little more than usual. Rahane is not fully into his late cut and hangs his bat outside. He gets a thick edge to it and the ball flies to Jennings at third slip. He collects the ball at chest height and joins in the celebration. The umpires make Rahane wait as they want to check the no ball but Stokes does well. The trail still, 187. What's next for India? Di |
| 27.5 : Ben Stokes to Karthik, Full around off, comes back in. Karthik gets low and leaves it alone. |
| 27.6 : Ben Stokes to Karthik, Covers his stumps, gets behind the ball and presents a straight bat. |
| 28.1 : J Anderson to Kohli, Good length delivery in the channel outside off, the batsman has nothing to do with it. |
| 28.2 : J Anderson to Kohli, Opens the face of the bat and dabs it to point. |
| 28.3 : J Anderson to Kohli, The Indians are getting a bit jittery here. It's showing. Kohli taps this towards covers and sets off. Karthik immediately sends him back and rightly too. Root gets to the ball quickly and could have inflicted a run out. The visitors losing their captain is the last thing they need right now. |
| 28.4 : J Anderson to Kohli, What a dangerous leave! That was literally centimeters away from the off bail. Goodness me! Length ball around off, comes back in as Kohli shoulders arms to it. Don't think he expected it to come back in. That was close. |
| 28.5 : J Anderson to Kohli, Stays inside his crease and dabs it well short of gully. |
| 28.6 : J Anderson to Kohli, Cut in half! Anderson so far edging Kohli. Only slightly though. Brings this one back in as Kohli looks to force it on the off side. Is cut in half as the ball goes past the inside edge. |
| 29.1 : Ben Stokes to Karthik, Short and wide outside off, DK sways away from it. |
| 29.2 : Stokes to D Karthik, OUT! Bowled 'em! Karthik's return to the Test side is not a good one. Leaves a big gap between bat and pad, so big that even Rishabh Pant could fit in it and it creates his downfall. Good length ball around off, the ball jags back in through the gate and goes on to hit the middle stump. Karthik looks back to see what he has done. That's the 100th wicket for Ben Stokes in Test cricket. Meanwhile, Hardik Pandya walks out to replace him. |
| 29.3 : Ben Stokes to Pandya, Another edge! Length ball around off, Pandya pokes at it and gets a soft edge to the slip cordon. |
| 29.4 : Ben Stokes to Pandya, The batsman shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the back foot. |
| 29.5 : Ben Stokes to Pandya, Defended off the back foot by Pandya. |
| 29.6 : Ben Stokes to Pandya, Pandya survives! A good review at the end. A fuller ball on middle and leg. It swings back and catches the front leg of Pandya. England appeal and the umpire raises his finger. Pandya has a chat with his skipper and takes it up. Replays shows us that the ball would have gone to miss the leg stump. Pandya and India survive a scare. |
| 30.1 : J Anderson to Kohli, Outside off, left alone. |
| 30.2 : J Anderson to Kohli, The batsman shoulders arms to let that one through. |
| 30.3 : J Anderson to Kohli, Outside off, Kohli does not bother playing at it. |
| 30.4 : J Anderson to Kohli, On a good length in line of the stumps, Kohli bunts it down. |
| 30.5 : J Anderson to Kohli, Virat lets the ball go outside his off stump. |
| 30.6 : J Anderson to V Kohli, Dropped! Oh dear! Malan has dropped Kohli. How costly will that prove? On a good length around off, Kohli goes fishing and gets a fat edge to it. It flies to Malan at second slip who gets low but puts it down. |
| 31.1 : Ben Stokes to H Pandya, DROPPED! What's happening? That's two catches dropped in two balls. This time Cook the culprit. Stokes bowls this a tad full aroound off, Pandya looks to block it but gets a thick edge to Cook at first slip. it wobbles towards the end, and the Chef cannot hold onto it. They cross as the ball goes past the fielder. |
| 31.2 : Ben Stokes to Kohli, Length around off, Kohli cannot get bat to ball. |
| 31.3 : Ben Stokes to Kohli, Kohli shoulders his arms to this. |
| 31.4 : Ben Stokes to Kohli, Bangs this one short, Kohli ducks under it. |
| 31.5 : Ben Stokes to Kohli, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground. |
| 31.6 : Ben Stokes to Kohli, Outside off, cut past the fielder at point for a run. |
| 32.1 : S Broad to V Kohli, Full and on middle, played to mid on. |
| 32.2 : S Broad to Kohli, Length outside off, easy leave for Kohli. This partnership is very important for India if they want to get close to England's total. |
| 32.3 : S Broad to Kohli, Full and around off, no timing on that as Kohli drives it to mid off. |
| 32.4 : S Broad to Kohli, Tries working this to the on side but gets an inside edge onto his pads. |
| 32.5 : S Broad to Kohli, Leans ahead and cuts it to point. |
| 32.6 : S Broad to Kohli, Gets behind the ball and plays the ball back to the bowler. |
| 33.1 : Ben Stokes to Pandya, Back of a length on that fifth stump line, Hardik stays in the crease and pulls out from the shot. Good ball. |
| 33.2 : Ben Stokes to H Pandya, FOUR! Deliberately done! Nice from Pandya. Sees the ball outside off, plays the ball away from his body though but hits it in the gap through gully from a boundary. |
| 33.3 : Ben Stokes to Pandya, FOUR! Great! Similar shot and through the same region. Waits for the ball to come to him and cuts it through gully for back-to-back boundaries. |
| 33.4 : Ben Stokes to Pandya, Flicks this off his pads through square leg for a single. |
| 33.5 : Ben Stokes to Kohli, Pitches this one up in line of the stumps, Kohli drives it back to the bowler |
| 33.6 : Ben Stokes to Kohli, Full and around off, Kohli drives it to mid off and quickly sets off for the run. Stokes there, collects and has a shy but cannot hit the target. |
| 34.1 : S Broad to Kohli, Length around off, Kohli blocks it with the bottom of his bat as the ball dies before the stumps. |
| 34.2 : S Broad to Kohli, Drives this past the mid off fielder to change ends. |
| 34.3 : S Broad to Kohli, Play and miss from Pandya. Length ball around off, just does enough to beat the outside edge of Pandya. |
| 34.4 : S Broad to Pandya, HP shoulders arms to let that one through. |
| 34.5 : S Broad to Pandya, Nice shot and well fielded. Full and in line of the stumps, Pandya drives it along the turf back towards the bowler. Broad gets low and makes the stop. |
| 34.6 : S Broad to Pandya, Hardik shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the back foot. |
| Drinks break! A wonderful hour of play for England. Got the ball to move and have half the Indian side back in the hut. India trail by 174 runs. All hopes on Kohli, like always. Pandya needs to keep his head strong as well. Another riveting hour coming up... |
| 35.1 : Ben Stokes to Kohli, Fuller and angling in on off stump, Kohli comes forward and works it off the inner half to square leg. Runs the first one hard and manages to come back for the second. |
| 35.2 : Ben Stokes to Kohli, Length delivery outside the line of off stump, it isn't bothered with by the batsman. |
| 35.3 : Ben Stokes to Kohli, Gets inside the line and tucks this short of a length delivery down to fine leg for a single. |
| 35.4 : Ben Stokes to Pandya, Hurls it well outside off, no shot offered by the batsman. |
| 35.5 : Ben Stokes to Pandya, The batsman chooses to leave the ball outside his off stump. |
| 35.6 : Ben Stokes to Pandya, Full and straight from Stokes, Hardik drives it straight back firmly. The bowler gets low and stops it in his followthrough. |
| 36.1 : S Broad to Kohli, Some extra bounce for the big man Broad. Serves it on a length on off, Kohli defends it out off the top half of the bat. |
| 36.2 : S Broad to V Kohli, Works this just wide of mid on and gets to the other end. |
| 36.3 : S Broad to Pandya, Bit of a risky leave for Hardik. A length ball which cuts back in from outside off, just about whiskers past the off stick. |
| 36.4 : S Broad to Pandya, Full and wide outside off, Hardik makes an easy leave. |
| 36.5 : S Broad to Pandya, On the fifth stump line, Hardik opens the face and dabs it down in front of gully. |
| 36.6 : S Broad to Pandya, A hint of outward movement for Broad as he pitches it outside off. Pandya tries to block by reaching out to it but is beaten. |
| 37.1 : Ben Stokes to Kohli, Angles it in from a little wide of the crease, Virat defends it on the off side with an open face. |
| 37.2 : Ben Stokes to Kohli, So coolly done. Looks in complete control now. Just places this half-pull through square leg and changes ends. |
| 37.3 : Ben Stokes to Pandya, Beaten! Barely. This is a great delivery. Stokes has been right on the money since he's come on to bowl. Back of a length just around off, holds its line and beats the outside edge of Hardik Pandya's bat. |
| 37.4 : Ben Stokes to Pandya, Hardik lets the ball go outside his off stump. |
| 37.5 : Ben Stokes to Pandya, Fuller from the bowler, met with a straight blade in defense. |
| 37.6 : Ben Stokes to Pandya, Angles in at first and then it straightens up. Hardik is squared up a bit as he looks to defend. Gets beaten comprehensively as the ball goes past the outside edge. |
| 38.1 : S Broad to Kohli, Angling in, marginally ahead of a good length, blocked off the front foot. |
| 38.2 : S Broad to Kohli, A beaut! Broad brought the first one in, makes this one go the other way. Late movement, a slightest of it and it just beats the edge. |
| 38.3 : S Broad to Kohli, FOUR! Could watch that all day and all night long! Beautiful timing from Virat Kohli. Fuller outside off, he drives this on the up and pierces the gap through the covers for a boundary. |
| 38.4 : S Broad to Kohli, Watches the ball go past him as it's pitched well outside off. |
| 38.5 : S Broad to Kohli, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. |
| 38.6 : S Broad to Kohli, FOUR! Good end to the over. Sprays it on the pads, all Kohli needs to do is tickle it on its way and he does that. Gets it across the fine leg fence and that's a boundary. |
| 39.1 : Ben Stokes to Pandya, Nicely done. Hardik uses the angle and works it through the vacant spaces in the mid-wicket region. A brace is collected. |
| 39.2 : Ben Stokes to Pandya, Stays back, watches the ball and keeps it out. |
| 39.3 : Ben Stokes to Pandya, Shoots off the surface as Stokes bowls it outside off. Pandya makes a simple leave. |
| 39.4 : Ben Stokes to Pandya, Outside off, Hardik has a poke at it but fails to make connection. |
| 39.5 : Ben Stokes to H Pandya, Sharp bumper from Stokes. Angles it in on middle and leg, takes the batsman by surprise. Hardik ducks late, but just manages to evade it. |
| 39.6 : Ben Stokes to Pandya, The batsman works it down the leg side. They pick up a single. |
| 40.1 : S Broad to Pandya, Shortish in length on middle and off, blocked right under his nose. |
| 40.2 : S Broad to Pandya, Good length delivery in the channel outside off, takes a big stride forward, covers the line and shoulders arms. |
| 40.3 : S Broad to Pandya, Goes full this time, just outside off, defended with a big lunge forward towards covers. |
| 40.4 : S Broad to Pandya, Staying disciplined. This is good stuff from Hardik. It's well outside off so he doesn't bother to play a shot at it. |
| 40.5 : S Broad to Pandya, Just outside off, a length ball, blocked with a perfectly straight bat. |
| 40.6 : S Broad to Pandya, Fuller on off, driven with the full face of the bat to mid on. |
| Sam Curran to bowl for the first time in this session. Kohli and Pandya are doing a good job of hanging in there, maybe the left-armer can provide the breakthrough like he did in the morning. |
| 41.1 : Sam Curran to Kohli, Angles across a length delivery, outside off, Kohli presses forward to defend but gets beaten past the outside edge. |
| 41.2 : Sam Curran to Kohli, On off, pushed back defensively in the bowler's direction. |
| 41.3 : Sam Curran to Kohli, Positions himself perfectly behind the line and guards it out safely. |
| 41.4 : Sam Curran to Kohli, Not even remotely close to the off pole, so Virat Kohli lets it be. |
| 41.5 : Sam Curran to Kohli, Pushes this towards mid off, take the fielder there on and wins too as he completes the single with great ease. |
| 41.6 : Sam Curran to Pandya, FOUR! In the air but that's just short. Not far away at all. Fuller on off, Pandya wrists this towards mid on albeit aerially. Broad there dives to his right, but the ball just falls in front of him and goes through him to the fence. |
| 42.1 : S Broad to Kohli, Outside off on a good length, left alone by the batsman. |
| 42.2 : S Broad to Kohli, FOUR! As sweet as butter. Full outside off, Kohli opens the face of the bat and drives it square through point for a boundary. With that, surprisingly, this is Kohli highest score in England in Tests. A bit unbelievable, isn't it? |
| 42.3 : S Broad to Kohli, Angling in on middle and off, worked softly on the leg side. |
| 42.4 : S Broad to Kohli, Brings those wrists into play as he opens the face and taps it away to the man at cover-point. |
| 42.5 : S Broad to Kohli, FOUR! Poor line from Broad and he's paid the price. On the pads, Kohli moves inside the line and flicks it fine down the leg side past Buttler, and easily sends it across the boundary line. |
| 42.6 : S Broad to Kohli, Behind a good length, on off, strikes Kohli high on the thigh pad as he misses his block. |
| 43.1 : Sam Curran to Pandya, Length delivery on off stump, blocked out with the full face of the bat. |
| 43.2 : Sam Curran to Pandya, Coming in on middle and off, on a bit of a fuller length, blocked tightly towards mid on. |
| 43.3 : Sam Curran to H Pandya, In the same region again. No run taken. |
| 43.4 : Sam Curran to Pandya, The batsman chooses to leave the ball outside his off stump. |
| 43.5 : Sam Curran to Pandya, Positions himself right behind the line and keeps it out with a straight blade. |
| 43.6 : Sam Curran to Pandya, Mix-up here! But, much to India's delight, no damage done. Pandya works this down to fine leg and takes one. He takes off for the second unnecessarily when Kohli isn't even looking at him. Is sent back, just in time, as the throw is a bit weak. Bairstow collects and turns to throw, but it's too late by then. |
| Ben Stokes is back on. |
| 44.1 : Ben Stokes to Pandya, Back of a length close to off, blocked. |
| 44.2 : Ben Stokes to Pandya, Full around off, Hardik looks to go at this with hard hands and ends up mistiming the drive to mid on. |
| 44.3 : Ben Stokes to Pandya, Harmless delivery outside off, left alone. |
| 44.4 : Ben Stokes to Pandya, The batsman shoulders arms to let that one through. |
| 44.5 : Ben Stokes to Pandya, Three leaves in a row. Stokes keeps hurling it outside off, Pandya keeps leaving it. |
| 44.6 : Ben Stokes to Pandya, A misfield from Broad and India are allowed some extra runs. Hardik wrists it towards him at wide mid on. He lets it go through him and conceded three. Pandya will keep strike. |
| 45.1 : Sam Curran to Pandya, Full and angling across, Hardik goes for the drive with hard hands and ends up placing it to covers. |
| 45.2 : Sam Curran to Pandya, Works this across the line, through mid-wicket, and finally brings Kohli on strike. |
| 45.3 : Sam Curran to Kohli, A little fuller, just outside off, dabbed with an open face to point. |
| 45.4 : Sam Curran to Kohli, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. |
| 45.5 : Sam Curran to Kohli, Direct hit from Root but Kohli is well in. Missed his chance to get back at him. Kohli taps to covers and sets off. Takes the English skipper on there and makes it in with ease, despite the direct hit at the bowler's end. |
| Review time. Although I'm not sure why. Hardik Pandya looks like a dead duck. He's going to be gone surely... |
| 45.6 : Curran to Pandya, OUT! A toe-crusher from Curran. Literally. What a delivery. Wow. I asked early if he's the one to do it. Well, he is. Producing a repeat performance from the morning. Fires in an inswinging yorker on middle, it comes in and strikes Pandya on the toes. Big appeal and the finger goes up. Hardik reviews it, a desperate attempt for sure, because this looks plumb from everywhere. And replays show just that. A solid partnership of 48 comes to an end. Kohli will run out of partn |
| Ravichandran Ashwin is the next batsman in. |
| 46.1 : Ben Stokes to Kohli, Full on the stumps, driven back to the bowler. |
| 46.2 : Ben Stokes to Kohli, Brings out the bumper out of nowhere, Kohli ducks. |
| 46.3 : Ben Stokes to Ashwin, FOUR! Fifty for Virat Kohli! Thoroughly deserved. Captain leading from the front. He's the only batsman who's look assured out there today for the Indians. He opens the face of the bat and runs it down to third man for a boundary. |
| 46.4 : Ben Stokes to Kohli, Dropped! Test cricket is an entertaining mistress, isn't it? On the previous ball Kohli got to a fifty calmly, now, he's dropped. Anything can happen in this game. Full outside off, Kohli plays at it and edges it. The ball flies towards Malan at second slip, who dives to his right, gets his hand to it but can't hold on. Single taken. |
| 46.5 : Ben Stokes to Ashwin, Length ball angling in on off, Ashwin keeps it out. |
| 46.6 : Ben Stokes to Ashwin, Outside off, Ashwin leaves it to end an eventful over from Ben Stokes. |
| 47.1 : Sam Curran to Kohli, Full delivery curling back in, it's flicked neatly through the mid-wicket area for one. |
| 47.2 : Sam Curran to Ashwin, Drives this full ball to mid off with the full face of the bat. |
| 47.3 : Sam Curran to Ashwin, Fuller in length, outside off, Ashwin presents a defensive bat in response. |
| 47.4 : Sam Curran to Ashwin, Keeps it full, on off, guarded out off the inside half of the bat. |
| 47.5 : Sam Curran to Ashwin, FOUR! A risky stroke but Ashwin has executed that well. Inswinging yorker on off, Ashwin opens the face of the bat and squeezes it out past gully for a boundary. |
| 47.6 : Sam Curran to Ashwin, Full in length and outside off, Ashwin drives it through the covers. A couple taken and that's TEA ON DAY 2! |
| A highly gripping session has come to a close. If this isn't going to keep you hooked, I'm not sure what will. And I feel sorry for those of you who aren't tuning in to this. India were going along well with Kohli and Rahane motoring along. But, Ben Stokes upped his game and broke that stand. Went on to dismiss Karthik quickly, ruining his recent comeback to Test cricket. Kohli continued on with Pandya, a good stand was building, but Curran came to the party again and got rid of the latter with |
| You'd have to spare a thought for Virat Kohli. He's running out of partners and Ashwin seems to be his last genuine one now. The skipper has been given a couple of lives, but such is the case in England, with the ball moving so much. Just have to look ahead and forget about it quickly. He's gone on to score a fifty and is India's primary hope. England for the most part have been all over India, so this Kohli-Ashwin pair has to last the remainder of the day, at the very least. Plenty to look forw |
| ...DAY 2, THIRD SESSION... |
| Back for the last session. 37 overs minimum left today. Expect plenty of action. India trail by 127 runs with 4 wickets left. As mentioned earlier, the current pair holds the key for them. England to begin with James Anderson, who has been quite unlucky today. Two slips in place. Here we go again... |
| 48.1 : J Anderson to Kohli, Starts with a gentle length delivery in the channel outside off, no visible movement, Kohli has an easy leave. |
| 48.2 : J Anderson to Kohli, This time Anderson gets full with his length, angling in, Virat shuffles across to clip it off his pads but finds the mid-wicket fielder. |
| 48.3 : J Anderson to Kohli, A length ball on off, Kohli once again is solid in his front foot defense. Offering the full face of the bat and blocking back. |
| 48.4 : J Anderson to Kohli, And again. Not going hard at the ball. Just allowing it to come to him and dead batting it. |
| 48.5 : J Anderson to Kohli, Back of a length delivery on off, Kohli picks the length and decides to defend it from the back foot. |
| 48.6 : J Anderson to V Kohli, FOUR! Soft outside edge this time. Kohli plays at a length ball away from his body with a loose bottom hand. It takes the outer half of the bat and screams past the slip cordon for a boundary. |
| 49.1 : Sam Curran to Ashwin, FOUR! Very much intentional from Ashwin. This is how he bats. Always looks to score off loose deliveries. Curran has offered width wide outside off, shorter in length, Ashwin lifts it over the slip cordon for a boundary. |
| 49.2 : Sam Curran to Ashwin, Fuller in length and outside off, Ashwin pushes it with gentle hands to covers. |
| 49.3 : Sam Curran to Ashwin, Movement this time. From around middle and shaping away, Ashwin tries playing it straight but it takes the shoulder of the bat and rolls towards point. |
| 49.4 : Sam Curran to Ashwin, An inswinger bowled by Curran, on the fuller length around off and Ravichandran drives it down to mid off. |
| 49.5 : Sam Curran to Ashwin, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. |
| 49.6 : Sam Curran to Ashwin, Good length delivery angling away from the batsman, Ashwin covers his stumps and allows it through to the keeper. |
| Huge shout for an lbw! Has Anderson got his first wicket of the match? No, the umpire shakes his head. Root comes up to his bowler, has a little chat and then consults his keeper. Gets convinced and goes for the DRS. Looks to be missing leg to the naked eye. Let's see... |
| 50.1 : J Anderson to Kohli, NOT OUT! England have lost both their reviews now. Anderson bowls an in-curler, landing around off and angling down. Kohli tries to flick but misses and is hit on the pads. They put in an unsuccessful appeal for an lbw and then Root goes for the DRS after consulting his bowler and keeper. The replays roll in and they show it to be missing the leg stump. |
| 50.2 : J Anderson to Ashwin, Beaten this time. This one holds its line outside off, Ashwin is caught pushing and missing inside the line. |
| 50.3 : J Anderson to Ashwin, OUT! The King of Swing has finally opened his account. And he does so with a beautiful inswinger. Dishes it out around off, Ashwin plays the original but the inward movement means that he ends up playing inside the line. Misses the ball completely and it goes on to rattle the stumps. Beautiful bowling. Ashwin departs without contributing much. India trail by 117 runs. |
| Mohammed Shami is the new batsman. |
| 50.4 : J Anderson to Shami, Off the mark first ball. Drives a full ball wide of the cover fielder and takes a single. |
| 50.5 : Anderson to Kohli, Shout for an lbw! Not entertained again. Kohli fails to work around an inswinger. Not picking those. Luckily he is hit outside the line and hence the umpire remains unmoved to the appeal. |
| 50.6 : J Anderson to Kohli, Fullish and outside off, Virat plays it with soft hands to point and steals a single. |
| 51.1 : Sam Curran to Kohli, Bouncer outside off, Kohli for a moment looks to play the pull but then bails out. Called a wide for height. |
| Sam Curran to Kohli, Direct hit would have consumed Shami! Kohli works this delivery off his pads to deep mid-wicket and scampers back for the second run. The throw from the deep is flat but it misses the stumps at the bowler's end. The replays show that Shami was a goner. Sam should have come up to the stumps there. |
| 51.2 : Sam Curran to Kohli, FOUR! Another delivery around middle and leg, the pace is a gentle one and not enough movement. Kohli flicks it in front of square leg and this time beats the fielder in the deep. |
| 51.3 : Sam Curran to Kohli, Turns it off his pads on the leg side for one. |
| 51.4 : Sam Curran to Shami, Played to the point region by the batsman. One run added to the total. |
| 51.5 : Sam Curran to Kohli, The batsman has flicked the ball off his pads. One run added to the total. |
| 51.6 : Sam Curran to Shami, Very full this time, Curran eyeing that yorker area, Shami keeps it out safely. |
| 52.1 : J Anderson to Kohli, In the right channel, Kohli chooses to leave the ball outside his off stump. |
| 52.2 : J Anderson to Kohli, Length ball angling in from around off, Kohli is on the front foot in defense. |
| 52.3 : J Anderson to Kohli, Keeping its line outside off, Kohli has nothing to do with it. |
| 52.4 : J Anderson to Kohli, Another delivery in the zone outside off, Virat lets it be. |
| 52.5 : J Anderson to Kohli, Excitement behind the stumps but nothing doing. A touch short in length around off, shaping back in, Kohli walks forward to play at it but misses to get hit on the back thigh. It flies behind and the gully fielder dives forward to attempt for the catch. There was no wood though. |
| 52.6 : J Anderson to Kohli, Risky single to retain strike. The Indian skipper plays it gently towards covers and sets off for a brisk single. The fielder misses his shy at the non-striker's end. |
| 53.1 : Sam Curran to Kohli, Good length ball outside off, Kohli defends it off his front leg to mid off. |
| 53.2 : Sam Curran to Kohli, Digs in a short ball on middle, Kohli plays a delightful pull off his back foot to deep mid-wicket. Turns down the single. |
| 53.3 : Sam Curran to Kohli, Shortish and outside off, played down in front of gully. |
| 53.4 : Sam Curran to Kohli, Curran continues to bowl it short and Virat once again tries running it down. Finds the gully fielder again. |
| 53.5 : Sam Curran to Kohli, Curran mixes his length and goes very full outside off. Kohli mistimes his drive towards mid off. |
| 53.6 : Sam Curran to Kohli, Sam arrows in another very full ball in line of the stumps, Kohli gets it away off the thick inside edge towards mid-wicket. Shami is outside the crease and hence the fielder immediately releases the ball at his end. Direct hit would have been interesting. |
| 54.1 : J Anderson to M Shami, OUT! Dawid Malan redeems himself with a catch. Looks at the heavens. He has relief written all over his face. Anderson dishes out a length ball outside off, holding its line, Shami gets forward attempting a drive, not too sure whether through the line or across the line, anyway that would not matter as the ball has found the edge of the bat. It flies behind and Malan at second slip stretches his hands to his left to claim the catch. India's trail is still over 100 an |
| 54.2 : J Anderson to Sharma, Back of a length delivery outside off, left alone. |
| 54.3 : J Anderson to Sharma, Shortish again, this time Ishant pokes at it and misses. |
| 54.4 : J Anderson to Sharma, Continues to be short outside off, Sharma stands tall to play it down towards the fourth slip fielder. That fielder is under the helmet and is standing a few steps ahead of the original position. |
| 54.5 : J Anderson to Sharma, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground. |
| Ishant Sharma has been given out lbw. He immediately takes the DRS. Inside edge? |
| 54.6 : J Anderson to Sharma, Safe! Definite inside edge there. Otherwise Ishant would have been a goner. An inswinger not read by Sharma who fails to put bat on ball and is thudded on the pads. Looks dead and the umpire raises his finger as well. Ishant is quick to take the DRS, in fact, his skipper was also ready to advice him the same. The replays roll in and as mentioned above the Snicko shows a spike. |
| 55.1 : Sam Curran to V Kohli, Short ball on middle and leg, Kohli top edges the pull over backward square leg. His bottom hand came off that shot, but he still managed to get it away. Ran the first one hard, wanted the second but Ishant wasn't as quick as him. |
| 55.2 : Sam Curran to Sharma, Fuller in length going across, around off, driven just wide of point. Stokes there dives to his right to make a half-stop but the batsmen still take one. A single results. |
| 55.3 : Sam Curran to Kohli, Banged in short but Kohli is well in control of this pull shot. Keeps it along the ground through square leg. Anderson moves swiftly to his right, slides but can't stop it cleanly. Allows the batsmen to take two. |
| 55.4 : Sam Curran to Kohli, Fraction straight in line, worked away on the leg side. |
| 55.5 : Sam Curran to Kohli, Powerful whip from Kohli but he just can't get it past the fielder. Brings his strong wrists into play and hits it to mid-wicket, where Jennings dives low to his left and stops it. |
| 55.6 : Sam Curran to Kohli, Not what Root would have wanted. Curran bowls it on the hips and Kohli tucks it down to fine leg for a single. Will retain strike. |
| 56.1 : J Anderson to V Kohli, A loose drive attempted by Kohli. It's an inswinger and as a result it takes the inner half of his bat and rolls behind square leg for a single. Probably, the skipper thought there was a couple available. Misjudges. Ishant has five balls to negotiate. |
| 56.2 : J Anderson to Sharma, Direct hit and Ishant was a goner! He plays a shortish length ball down towards point and rushes across to the other end. Buttler attacks the ball, has a shy at the non-striker's end but misses. Would have been curtains for Sharma. Those long legs of Ishant wouldn't have saved him. Survives. More importantly, Kohli is back on strike. |
| 56.3 : J Anderson to V Kohli, Fullish and on middle, it's pushed down towards mid on off the front foot. A bit mistimed, not from the middle of the bat. |
| 56.4 : J Anderson to Kohli, Soft hands. Stays back to tap a length ball towards the gully region. |
| 56.5 : J Anderson to Kohli, Rises with the bounce this time, Kohli. Gets on top of the delivery and steers it through point for a couple. |
| 56.6 : J Anderson to Kohli, Anderson bowls it full and wide outside off, inviting the drive. Kohli obliges and strokes it through cover-point. It slows down before the rope but Kohli is satisfied with a single. Keeps strike for the next over. |
| 57.1 : Sam Curran to Kohli, FOUR! Those wrists of steel! Curran overpitches in the greed to achieve extra movement. Gets a bit of inswing going but Kohli has the line and movement covered. Takes a stride forward and flicks it past the left side of the mid-wicket fielder for a glorious boundary. |
| 57.2 : Sam Curran to Kohli, FOUR! Kohli was trying this shot for some time and finally manages to get it through the gap. There is width on offer outside off, Virat plays it late and with soft hands past the right side of the gully fielder. No stopping this one. |
| 57.3 : Sam Curran to Kohli, Produces a straight bat and pushes it back past the bowler. Interestingly takes a single off the third ball. Showing confidence in Ishant? |
| 57.4 : Sam Curran to Sharma, Ishant plays it towards the off side, in front of square. A single on offer and Kohli collects it. |
| 57.5 : Sam Curran to Kohli, A nice stride forward by Kohli and he drives it towards mid off for a single. |
| 57.6 : Sam Curran to Sharma, Runs denied off the final ball. A good looking flick shot by Ishant, would have loved some runs off it but that's not what the situation demands. The mid on fielder chases it down but Kohli is not going anywhere. This stand is worth 21 runs now, deficit down to 84 runs. |
| 58.1 : J Anderson to Kohli, Serves a length ball outside off, nipping in, Kohli is on the front foot as he gets an inside edge onto the pads. |
| 58.2 : J Anderson to Kohli, An inviting delivery. A pitched up one wide outside off, there to be driven but Kohli decides not to go after it. |
| 58.3 : J Anderson to Kohli, Around off on a length, it's pushed softly with an angled bat to point. |
| 58.4 : J Anderson to V Kohli, Wow, beaten all ends up. Anderson showing his class. Beats one of the best in the business with an outswinger. Kohli is walking forward with his attempted shot but is foxed completely. The keeper has an immediate shy at the striker's end but misses. |
| 58.5 : J Anderson to Kohli, Before this ball, Anderson got a man placed at sweeper cover and kept a big open space on the leg side. Bowled it full and Kohli played a delightful drive for a single. |
| Ishant has been once again adjudged lbw! Takes the DRS. Impact looks outside off... |
| 58.6 : J Anderson to Sharma, Not out! The point of contact indeed is just outside off. Ishant survives again. Jimmy with an inswinger beats India's number 10. Ishant sticks inside the crease to defend but is squared up slightly. It whizzes past the outside half of his bat and raps him on the back leg. The Englishmen appeal and the umpire raises his finger. Sharma takes the help of the DRS and gets the decision overturned. |
| 59.1 : Sam Curran to Kohli, Shortish and on off, blocked off the front foot. |
| 59.2 : Sam Curran to Kohli, Fullish and outside off, Kohli plays a well-timed off drive but it's not well-placed. Finds mid off. After that he shadow practices to go over the infield. |
| 59.3 : Sam Curran to Kohli, Unplayable! Nipping away sharply from the batsman from around off, Kohli closes the face of his bat as he tries working it on the leg side. Gets beaten completely. |
| 59.4 : Sam Curran to Kohli, Drops it short and Kohli pulls it to deep square leg for a run. Two balls to see off for Ishant then. |
| 59.5 : Sam Curran to Sharma, Fullish and in line of the stumps, Ishant dead bats it. |
| 59.6 : Sam Curran to Sharma, Curran goes even fuller outside off, Ishant tries digging it out but misses. |
| 60.1 : J Anderson to Kohli, Good length ball around off, Kohli stays back to punch it towards sweeper cover. No run taken. He is 13 short of his century but surely that won't be in his mind. Would be looking to eat out the deficit as much at possible. |
| 60.2 : J Anderson to Kohli, Play and a miss! This is a serious delivery. Kohli is on the walk as he tries driving it but is beaten by the away movement. Anderson once again foxing the Indian skipper. |
| 60.3 : J Anderson to Kohli, Serves it wide and outside off, Kohli allows it through this time. |
| 60.4 : J Anderson to Kohli, Pitches it up and outside off, it's driven down the ground but straight to mid off. |
| 60.5 : J Anderson to Kohli, Ha ha ha! Kohli is all smiles. Bairstow is all smiles. Even Ishant is smiling. Comical really. A length ball around off, Virat taps it down towards ball and since it's the penultimate ball, Ishant thinks that he has to be rushing across for a run. Charges in but his captain sends him back as Jennings is quickly to the ball. Has a shy at the bowler's end but misses. Sharma puts in a big dive to get himself inside the crease. A rare sight to watch the tall man diving aro |
| 60.6 : J Anderson to Kohli, Kohli gets what he wants, like always. A single this time as he taps it down to third man. |
| 61.1 : Sam Curran to Kohli, Curran runs in from 'round the wicket and bowls it full on off. Kohli drives it past the bowler and Broad puts in a dive coming in from long on to stop a certain boundary. Parries it towards Root who has come in from mid off and he returns the ball in play. A couple of runs taken. Kohli moves to 90! |
| 61.2 : Sam Curran to Kohli, A length ball on middle and leg, Virat helps it off his pads but finds square leg. |
| 61.3 : Sam Curran to Kohli, Shortish and on middle, eased towards deep mid-wicket for a run. |
| 61.4 : Sam Curran to I Sharma, Very full and around off, a late swing, Ishant inside edges his attempted drive through square leg and collects a couple. |
| 61.5 : Sam Curran to Sharma, Defended off the back foot by the batsman. |
| 61.6 : Sam Curran to Sharma, Full in length around off, Sharma keeps it out safely at mid on. The stand moves to 29, deficit is down to 76. |
| Ben Stokes returns. |
| 62.1 : Ben Stokes to Kohli, Starts his spell with a good length ball outside off, Kohli takes a stride forward and slices his drive over Anderson at backward point. The third man fielder moves across to his right and puts in a slide to stop the ball. A couple taken, Kohli 7 short of a ton. |
| 62.2 : Ben Stokes to Kohli, Kohli has played that off the front foot and into the ground. |
| 62.3 : Ben Stokes to Kohli, Works this one wide of mid on. Broad moves across to his right, dives and parries it towards deep mid-wicket. Kohli calls his partner for the second run. |
| 62.4 : Ben Stokes to Kohli, Good pace and bounce. On a length outside off, Kohli leaves it. Bairstow collects it over his head. |
| 62.5 : Ben Stokes to Kohli, A touch short and on off, Kohli moves across and works it in the gap at mid-wicket. Takes a single. |
| 62.6 : Ben Stokes to Sharma, The batsman defends it from within the crease. These two have planned this partnership superbly. Kohli certainly has a bigger say in it but one cannot ignore Ishant's contribution. |
| In comes Adil Rashid. A slip in place. Deep cover, deep square, long on, long off, deep mid-wicket. All covered, offering a run to Kohli. |
| 63.1 : A Rashid to Kohli, Flighted full ball on off, driven back to the bowler. |
| 63.2 : A Rashid to Kohli, Tossed up ball outside off, driven again this time straight to the cover fielder. |
| 63.3 : A Rashid to Kohli, Knocks a full ball down to long on and picks up a single. Trusting Ishant to play out the leggie. |
| 63.4 : A Rashid to Sharma, OUT! Ishant Sharma is trapped in front. They appeal and the finger goes up. No DRS taken. Strangely. Rashid serves a googly, landing full around off and spinning in sharply. Ishant ain't forward to this, tries blocking from the crease but is beaten. It hits him on the pads, they appeal and the finger is up. Ishant is distraught and straightaway starts to walk to the pavilion. Hang on, the replays show that it's missing leg. Have India missed a trick? Why didn't Kohli st |
| Drinks break. The last partnership certainly reduced the deficit but still England have a handy lead in their pocket. Umesh Yadav is the last batsman and he will be on strike. Kohli is on 97 at the other end. |
| 63.5 : A Rashid to Yadav, Yadav has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. |
| 63.6 : A Rashid to Yadav, Tossed up ball on middle, kept away safely to mid-wicket. |
| 64.1 : Ben Stokes to Kohli, Shortish and outside off, played down towards point. |
| 64.2 : Ben Stokes to V Kohli, A low full toss outside off, Kohli drives it to deep cover, denies the run. The crowd boos. |
| 64.3 : Ben Stokes to Kohli, Appeal for a catch, not given. Kohli tries to pull a short ball around middle and leg but misses. Bairstow catches and appeals, the umpire is unmoved. Nothing on the replays. |
| 64.4 : Ben Stokes to Kohli, Way wide outside off, left alone. |
| 64.5 : Ben Stokes to Kohli, FOUR! Here it is, the elusive century for Virat Kohli in England. A knock of determination. Not a chanceless one but he has shown tremendous character. England will be hurting. A short of a length ball outside off, Kohli strokes it square of the wicket and it speeds through. The fielder in the deep tries to stop it with a dive but misses. Kohli has a big smile on his face. Raises his finger and kisses his engagement ring. Thanking his lady luck. |
| 64.6 : Ben Stokes to V Kohli, FOUR. |
| 65.1 : A Rashid to Yadav, Looped up outside off, pushed to the covers for a single. |
| 65.2 : A Rashid to Kohli, The leg break outside off, on a fullish length, Kohli attempts to drive it through the covers but misses. |
| 65.3 : A Rashid to Kohli, Some air on this again, Kohli whips it to deep mid-wicket. Doesn't take the run obviously. |
| 65.4 : A Rashid to Kohli, Defends this in front of covers for nothing. |
| 65.5 : A Rashid to Kohli, Fifth ball of the over and this time Kohli decides to take a single. Eases it to long on and gets to the other end. |
| 65.6 : A Rashid to Yadav, Quicker, flatter and going down leg, catches Umesh on the thigh pad as he tries to flick it away. |
| 66.1 : Ben Stokes to Kohli, Just ahead of a length on that off stump line, Kohli blocks it out. |
| 66.2 : Ben Stokes to Kohli, Too far outside off, it's left alone. |
| 66.3 : Ben Stokes to Kohli, Moves inside the line, uses the angle well and works it straight to mid-wicket. |
| 66.4 : Ben Stokes to Kohli, Shouts for an lbw, but it's shut down! Impact outside off. Length delivery straightening up, Kohli looks to play at it but is caught on the pads. |
| 66.5 : Ben Stokes to Kohli, FOUR! Short and angling down, Kohli with a little swivel pulls it down to fine leg. The man in the deep moves to his right but can't get to it. Boundary. All vital runs for India. |
| 66.6 : Ben Stokes to Kohli, Short again, Kohli pulls it albeit with not much control. He still manages to clear mid-wicket and takes a single. Umesh Yadav, for some reason, decides to take off for the second. It's the last ball of the over! Kohli rightly sends him back and he dives to get in. Comical, really. Even his captain is having a little laugh. |
| 67.1 : A Rashid to Kohli, A low full toss outside off, Kohli drives it to deep cover. No run taken. |
| 67.2 : Rashid to Kohli, Appeal for a stumping, referred upstairs. Rashid serves a flatter delivery, short and wide outside off, Kohli tries to cut but going deep inside the crease but misses. Bairstow collects the ball and removes the bails. For a moment, it appeared that the Indian skipper lost his balance and the square leg umpire also decides to go upstairs. The replays roll in and they show that Virat was safely in. He lost his balance a bit but never left the crease. |
| 67.3 : A Rashid to Kohli, Fullish and outside off, pushed out towards the off side. |
| 67.4 : A Rashid to V Kohli, Quicker and flatter around off, too close for cut but Kohli still goes for it. Gets a bottom edge as it goes on one bounce to the keeper. |
| 67.5 : A Rashid to Kohli, Goes on the back foot and punches it to sweeper cover for a run. |
| 67.6 : A Rashid to Yadav, Four byes! A googly, turning down the leg side and beating everyone. Yadav fails to flick, Bairstow fails to collect and it races behind for a boundary. |
| 68.1 : Ben Stokes to Kohli, Shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the back foot. |
| 68.2 : Ben Stokes to Kohli, Good length ball on off, defended off the back foot again. |
| 68.3 : Ben Stokes to Kohli, Yorker on middle, Kohli digs it out safely. |
| 68.4 : Ben Stokes to Kohli, A predominantly on side field now. Stokes in full throttle here. Digs in a sharp short ball and Kohli mistimes his pull to deep square leg. |
| 68.5 : Ben Stokes to V Kohli, Another shorter delivery, rising onto the batsman, Virat pulls but finds the fielder at square leg. |
| 68.6 : Ben Stokes to Kohli, Stokes continues to bang it in short, Kohli top edges his pull towards fine leg and keeps strike with a single. |
| 69.1 : A Rashid to Kohli, FOUR! Shot! Flighted full ball around off, Kohli goes with the spin and blazes it over extra cover. There is a long off in place but he has no chance of cutting it off. |
| 69.2 : A Rashid to Kohli, Tossed up ball on middle, Kohli gets back and helps it to the leg side. |
| 69.3 : A Rashid to Kohli, Played through the point region by the batsman. Not taking any run. |
| 69.4 : A Rashid to Kohli, Shortish on off, pulled down to long on but once again no run taken. |
| 69.5 : A Rashid to Kohli, Switches to 'round the wicket and serves a full ball around leg, Kohli makes space and drives it down to long off for a single. |
| 69.6 : A Rashid to Yadav, Full and flighted outside off, Yadav safely keeps it out. Deficit - 44 runs. |
| 70.1 : Stokes to Kohli, Hits the yorker mark, Kohli digs it out back to the bowler. |
| 70.2 : Ben Stokes to Kohli, FOUR! Stylish! A good length ball outside off, Kohli keeps his weight on the back leg and plays a fluent inside-out shot over extra cover. The fielder chases it but the ball wins the race. |
| 70.3 : Ben Stokes to Kohli, Shortish and angling down the leg side, Kohli mistimes his shot to square leg. |
| 70.4 : Ben Stokes to Kohli, FOUR! Nails it! Short in length around middle, Kohli stands tall inside the crease and nails his pull shot through square leg. It's England vs Kohli at the moment. 250 up! Deficit is 36 only. |
| 70.5 : Ben Stokes to Kohli, Bangs it in again, Kohli goes for the hook but the bounce gets big on him. Mistimes the shot but it goes in the gap at square leg. A single taken. |
| 70.6 : Ben Stokes to Yadav, This one is wide outside off, Yadav sensibly lets it through to the keeper. |
| 71.1 : A Rashid to Kohli, Loopy full outside off, drilled down to long off, no run taken. |
| 71.2 : A Rashid to Kohli, Tossed up ball on off, Kohli defends it off his front foot. |
| 71.3 : A Rashid to Kohli, Virat has played that off the front foot and into the ground. |
| 71.4 : A Rashid to Kohli, Leans forward and pushes it with the spin through point. A single taken. |
| 71.5 : A Rashid to Yadav, Nicely tossed up delivery, full and around off, Umesh lunges in defense. |
| 71.6 : A Rashid to Yadav, A wrong 'un, slower through the air and curling back in, Umesh picks it probably and defends it back to the bowler. |
| 72.1 : Ben Stokes to Kohli, FOUR! What a shot! Kohli continues to go great guns. Stokes delivers a length ball outside off, Virat is forward with a big stride and spanks it over covers for a boundary. |
| 72.2 : Ben Stokes to Kohli, Full and angling in, Kohli defends it off his front foot. |
| 72.3 : Ben Stokes to V Kohli, Shortish and outside off, Kohli slaps it towards deep cover and turns down the single. |
| 72.4 : Ben Stokes to Kohli, That's a beauty from nowhere. Shows there is still some life in this pitch. A good length ball landing outside off, straightening a bit off the seam, Kohli pushes inside the line and misses. Stokes is frustrated. |
| 72.5 : Ben Stokes to Kohli, Fractionally short and outside off, Kohli plays it with gentle hands towards cover-point and this time picks up a single. Stokes has one ball to bowl at Yadav. |
| 72.6 : Ben Stokes to Yadav, Sharp delivery. Full and straight, Umesh does well to keep it out on the off side. Had he missed that, he would have been plumb in front. |
| 73.1 : A Rashid to Kohli, Flighted full ball on middle, Kohli advances down the track and whips it against the spin. Anderson runs across to his right from long on and puts in a dive to stop it from touching the fence. Parries it out towards Jennings who has come in from deep mid-wicket. He does the rest and Kohli's gets his desired outcome, a couple of runs. |
| 73.2 : A Rashid to Kohli, The batsman dances down the track and does well to block the ball. |
| 73.3 : A Rashid to Kohli, Flighted and full outside off, hit through the line towards covers. |
| 73.4 : A Rashid to Kohli, Short and outside off, Kohli tries to cut but misses. |
| 73.5 : A Rashid to V Kohli, FOUR! The field came up for this delivery and Kohli makes full use of it. Receives the short ball from the crease and pulls it over mid-wicket for a boundary. |
| 73.6 : A Rashid to Kohli, FOUR! 50-run stand comes up, deficit is under 20 now. A quicker one down the leg side, Virat kneels down and paddles it fine down the leg side for a boundary. |
| 74.1 : Ben Stokes to Yadav, Full and angling into the batsman, Umesh leans across and plays it off his pads to mid-wicket. |
| 74.2 : Ben Stokes to Yadav, A low full toss on off, hit from the toe end of the bat to mid off. |
| 74.3 : Ben Stokes to Yadav, Good length ball dropping outside off and shaping back in, Yadav remains back footed and keeps it out safely towards short mid-wicket. |
| 74.4 : Ben Stokes to Yadav, Another delivery has been angled into the batsman, Umesh keeps his eyes on the ball and brings his bat down in time to block it. |
| 74.5 : Ben Stokes to Yadav, Solid as a rock! Umesh once again dead bats a length ball towards mid off. |
| 74.6 : Ben Stokes to Yadav, Pitches it full and outside off, Yadav leans forward and pushes it to covers. Huge cheer from the crowd as Umesh plays out this over safely. |
| 75.1 : A Rashid to Kohli, Extra flight this time, lands full and outside off, Kohli drives it firmly but finds the extra cover fielder. |
| 75.2 : A Rashid to V Kohli, Advances down the track to a full ball and smashes it to long off. No run taken. |
| 75.3 : A Rashid to Kohli, Short this time, around off, Kohli stays back and cuts it to deep point. Again no run taken. |
| 75.4 : A Rashid to V Kohli, Drifting into the batsman, it lands full on middle as Kohli tries to whip it across the line. Fails to middle it properly and it goes off the inside edge to short fine leg. |
| 75.5 : A Rashid to Kohli, SIX! This has gone all the way. Virat moves to 149! Rashid slows this one up and serves it on the shorter side around middle. Kohli goes deep inside the crease and muscles it over long on for a biggie. |
| 75.6 : A Rashid to Kohli, OUT! Absolutely against the run of play! Virat Kohli falls but he has not let India fall in this Test match. A brilliant 149 from him and England have managed just a 13-run lead. Rashid delivers a short ball outside off, Kohli camps back to play the square cut but ends up hitting it straight into the hands of Broad at backward point. He takes the catch and runs in joy towards the bowler. A standing ovation for the Indian skipper as he leaves the field. His wife Anushka S |
| Virat Kohli's masterclass has helped India from conceding a big lead. The skipper led from the front. He was dropped a couple of times and he made England pay dearly for it. An innings of grit and determination. The last two wickets added 92 runs and that brought the deficit down to just 13 runs. England will be hurting at the moment. The momentum is with India and they would like to take a few wickets before stumps today. |
| 0.1 : M Shami to Cook, Angling down the leg side, Cook looks to flick but misses. |
| 0.2 : M Shami to Cook, Another one down the leg side, Cook once more attempts to play at it but fails to do so. |
| 0.3 : M Shami to Cook, FOUR BYES! Shami keeps coming from around the wicket and angles it down the leg side once more. This one is too much, even for Karthik to collect, and the batsmen get byes as a result. |
| 0.4 : M Shami to Cook, Oooof! Almost! Shami lands it in the zone of apprehension, Cook has a tame poke at it from inside the line and almost nicks it behind. That was super close. |
| 0.5 : M Shami to Cook, Alastair Cook chooses to leave the ball outside his off stump. |
| 0.6 : M Shami to Cook, Stays right behind the line and blocks it out. |
| Ravichandran Ashwin to bowl from the other end. |
| 1.1 : R Ashwin to K Jennings, A slider first up, around off and skidding in, Jennings gets forward to drive but it takes the inside edge and hits him on the pads. Needs to be careful. |
| 1.2 : R Ashwin to K Jennings, FOUR! This is a poor delivery. Ashwin bowls this one full and wide outside off, Keaton reaches out for it and strokes it through covers for a boundary. |
| 1.3 : R Ashwin to Jennings, Loopy and outside off, it's been left alone by Jennings. |
| 1.4 : R Ashwin to Jennings, Tossed up ball on off, Keaton defends it off his front foot. |
| 1.5 : R Ashwin to Jennings, Beaten! Ashwin gives this one some air and it drifts into the batsman. Jennings lunges to defend but it spins past his bat. Even the new ball is breaking free. |
| 1.6 : R Ashwin to Jennings, Ashwin darts this one in at 96 kph, around off, Keaton Jennings stays back footed in defense. |
| 2.1 : M Shami to Cook, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. |
| 2.2 : M Shami to Cook, Shami runs in from 'round the wicket and serves a gentle length ball outside off. A hint of inward shape there but not enough to bother the English ex-skipper. He leaves it alone after covering the line. |
| 2.3 : M Shami to Cook, Shami goes short this time but loses his line badly. Slips it down the leg side and Cook has nothing to do with it. Adil Rashid is seen wearing his pads. An indication that he will be the nightwatchman if a wicket goes down. |
| 2.4 : M Shami to Cook, Excellent line on this occasion. Bowls it on a shortish length around off and gets it to angle in, Cook stays back to play inside the line and misses. |
| 2.5 : M Shami to Cook, Identical to the last delivery, this time Cook is quite assure on his back foot as he leaves it alone. |
| 2.6 : M Shami to Cook, Shami goes full and gets some movement going. It curls back into the southpaw who just brings his bat down to keep it out towards mid on. |
| 3.1 : R Ashwin to Jennings, Tossed up ball around off, spinning away, Jennings plays from the crease to point. This could be the last over of the day. |
| 3.2 : R Ashwin to Jennings, Skidding down the leg side, Jennings eases it past short leg and gets to the other end. |
| 3.3 : R Ashwin to Cook, Full floated on off, Cook lunges and pushes it to covers. |
| 3.4 : Ashwin to Cook, OUT! Sound of timber! Action replay, Cook has been served the exact same menu to which he got out in the first innings! Ashwin has got Cook's number, has dismissed him 9 times in Tests now. Plenty of drift on this one as it lands on middle and spins away. Cook is forward in defense, tries to play the trajectory but is beaten by the turn. It goes past the outside half of his bat and hits the top of off stump. The Indian players are jumping up and down in celebration. They cer |
| What a day of Test cricket! A satisfying one for the purists. It was an action-packed one, filled with all the drama and entertainment. At the start, India wasted no time in picking England's last wicket. Then they came out to bat and their openers saw off the new ball quite decently. The pair of Murali Vijay and Shikhar Dhawan laid a decent platform but what followed next was nothing less than spectacular. A 20-year old swing bowler, Sam Curran, sent the English crowd into a frenzy by running t |
| India were in all sorts of trouble heading into the Lunch break but had two of the most accomplished batsmen in Ajinkya Rahane and Virat Kohli unbeaten at the crease. However, the pair didn't last long. Ben Stokes bowled an excellent spell of seam bowling where he made the ball talk. He gave a glimpse of Andrew Flintoff in his effort and claimed the wickets of Rahane and Dinesh Karthik. James Anderson was an unlucky bowler, to be honest. There was a costly drop off his bowling by Dawid Malan and |
| Despite losing partners at the other end, the Indian skipper kept going strongly. He raised a handy partnership with Hardik Pandya and then accumulated 92 runs with the last two batsmen. He made England pay big time for a couple of drops as he notched up his maiden Test century in this part of the world. Courtesy his masterly knock, England only managed a 13-run lead which at one stage hinted to be much more. |
| The wicket of Alastair Cook just before stumps is the icing on the cake as India end the day's play once again in a dominating position, just like yesterday. The pendulum swung towards England in the first two sessions but Kohli's heroics have single-handedly forced the momentum back in their court. This Test match hangs in balance with England effectively 22 for 1 and Day 3 promises to be enthralling. Do join us at 1100 local (1000 GMT) for all the action. Cheers! |
| ...DAY 3, FIRST SESSION... |
| If you opened the newspapers this morning or logged in to your social media accounts or just brought cricket as a topic of conversation with friends - I'm sure there would have been only one name doing the rounds - Virat Kohli. He's called King Kohli by his fans and most definitely the King conquered his final frontier on Day 2. A knock of character. A knock of determination. A knock of grit. A knock of craft. A knock of class. Scoring 149 runs when your other teammates were sent back to the pav |
| Virat Kohli has single-handedly kept India on top in this Test match after his batsmen were put to a stern test by the likes of Sam Curran, James Anderson and Ben Stokes. England will be ruing the dropped catches and Dawid Malan, in particular, would be feeling the heat. He will feel even more pressure today when he will come out to bat. The hosts are effectively 22/1 in this Test match which has turned into a one-innings shootout. Batting last in any Test ain't easy, that's why India can least |
| What Kohli did right? Here's Sanjay Manjrekar analyzing it. He first tells us that Kohli is seen taking a big stride forward from the off stump line and it has helped him a little bit. Adds that yesterday every time when Kohli was looking to put bat to ball against James Anderson, most of the times it was getting edged behind. Hence, Manjrekar feels that Virat has not completely conquered Anderson. Advice from Sanjay Manjrekar who himself was considered to be a very technically sound batsman of |
| Pitch Report - Sanjay Manjrekar out there in the middle again, looks at the pitch and says it's more or less the same from Day 2. Explaining the difference between English and Indian pitches, states that on the former there is dry grass so the ball doesn't skid because of the carpety nature, unlike India. Adds when the cover of grass is disturbed, where the soil is exposed, the spinners can exploit those areas. Ends by saying that Virat Kohli's heroics have given India a fighting chance and they |
| All set to get underway. Bright and sunny conditions. Looks a good day for batting. The players are taking the field. Skipper Joe Root is the new batsman and will be on strike. Keaton Jennings is at the other end. Ravichandran Ashwin to finish his over, two balls left. A slip, leg gully and short leg in place. Here we go... |
| 3.5 : R Ashwin to Root, Starts with a flighted full ball around off, Root leans forward and presents a straight bat in defense. |
| 3.6 : R Ashwin to Root, Turn and bounce for Ashwin. Root stays back inside the crease and does well by playing it off his pads to fine leg. Gets off the mark with a single. |
| Mohammed Shami to continue from the other end. Three slips in place. |
| 4.1 : M Shami to Root, Lands it on a length around off, Joe is on the front foot as he blocks it to the off side. There was little something in the pitch whole day yesterday, let's see what it has got to offer. The grass is looking quite brown and the deck on the dries side. |
| 4.2 : M Shami to Root, Another delivery around off, Root is forward as he blocks it watchfully. |
| 4.3 : M Shami to Root, A hint of movement on this occasion but the line is around middle, Root works it off his pads past the mid-wicket fielder. A couple of runs taken. |
| 4.4 : M Shami to Root, This one is on a length just around off, Root could have been forward there but decides to play at it from behind the crease. He just taps it down towards cover-point and scampers across to the other end. The fielder gets to the ball there, has a shy as well towards the striker's end but while doing so he is not in balance and hence it's a wayward. Anyway, that would not have mattered much. Jennings was safely in. |
| 4.5 : M Shami to Jennings, Shami switches to 'round the wicket for the left-hander. Fails to control his line first up and slips a length ball down the leg side. Keaton allows it through. |
| 4.6 : M Shami to Jennings, Once again the angle from 'round the wicket is quite straight from Shami. Easy pickings for Keaton as he nudges it to fine leg for a run. |
| 5.1 : R Ashwin to Jennings, Lovely delivery and it has been played nicely too. Ashwin slows this one in the air and drops it on a fuller length around leg, Jennings sweeps it towards fine leg for a single. |
| 5.2 : R Ashwin to Root, An off spinner this time to Root. Turning in from around off, Root defends it off his back foot. |
| 5.3 : R Ashwin to Root, Full this time, another off spinner, Joe is on the front foot in defense. Mixing his length, Ashwin. |
| 5.4 : R Ashwin to Root, Bowls this one on the middle stump line, Root works it with the spin but finds the mid-wicket fielder. |
| 5.5 : R Ashwin to Root, This one doesn't land. Root flicks a low full toss across the line but finds the mid-wicket fielder yet again. |
| 5.6 : R Ashwin to Root, Shortish and around off, turning back in, Root goes deep inside the crease and keeps it out on the off side. |
| 6.1 : M Shami to Jennings, Shami operating from over the wicket for Jennings now. He runs in and delivers a length ball wide outside off. Some visible movement there at it lands and straightens. Keaton though has left it alone. |
| 6.2 : M Shami to Jennings, A pitched up ball this time, Jennings drives it square of the wicket on the off side. Pandya rushes behind it and slides to stop the ball. Root initially eyes the second run but then sends his partner back. |
| 6.3 : M Shami to Root, Shami goes for the yorker but gets it all wrong. A low full toss on the pads has been deflected down to fine leg by Root for a single. |
| 6.4 : M Shami to Jennings, Switches again to 'round the wicket for Jennings. Serves a length ball around middle and off, it's been worked straight towards the fielder standing in front of square leg. |
| 6.5 : M Shami to Jennings, That was oh so close to the outside edge. Shami bowls it on a length and outside off, straightening a bit, Jennings has a needless push inside the line and misses. For a moment, we thought there was some nick but nothing from the Indian fielders. Would love to see the Snicko for this delivery. |
| 6.6 : M Shami to Jennings, Excellent delivery and a good leave. Shami serves it on a good length outside off, shaping back in, Keaton guards his stumps and shoulders arms. |
| 7.1 : R Ashwin to Root, Flighted and full outside off, Root prefers to defend it off his back foot. Should have been forward there. |
| 7.2 : R Ashwin to Root, That's nicely played. Root uses his feet to make the length fuller and drives it down the ground. The deepish mid on fielder moves across to his left to stop the ball and they take a single. |
| 7.3 : R Ashwin to Jennings, Loopy and full around off, from 'round the wicket, Jennings defends it off his front foot. |
| 7.4 : R Ashwin to Jennings, OUT! This was coming! Superbly bowled by Ashwin. He gives this one a good toss in the air and lands it full around off. Jennings has no option but to play at it as it's drifting in. He leans forward to defend with a straight bat but to his bad luck it spins away and takes the outside edge. KL Rahul at second slip stretches his hands to right and catches a sharp catch. Early success for India. England lead by 31 runs and have both their openers back in the hut. On this |
| Here comes Dawid Malan. Two dropped catches yesterday, both of Virat Kohli. Pressure on him. Can he deliver? |
| 7.5 : R Ashwin to Malan, A bit risky. Reaches out for a delivery wide outside off and drives it through the line. A bit uppish but through the gap to sweeper cover. Three runs to get off the mark, Dawid will feel relieved. |
| 7.6 : R Ashwin to Root, Turning back in from around off, Joe sticks back inside the crease to keep it out. End of a successful over for India. |
| 8.1 : M Shami to Malan, Shami dishes out a full length ball outside off. Malan lets it be. Some inward movement again. |
| 8.2 : M Shami to Malan, Another delivery in the channel of uncertainty. Malan lets it be. |
| 8.3 : M Shami to Malan, EDGY FOUR! Malan though did well to play it with soft hands. A length ball angling back into the batsman from around off, Dawid plays it late and close to his body. It takes the outside edge and runs past the slip cordon for a boundary. |
| 8.4 : M Shami to Malan, Full and around off, angling in, Malan gets forward and across to flick it towards mid-wicket for a single. |
| 8.5 : M Shami to Root, An outswinger outside off, curling away, Root allows it through to the keeper. |
| 8.6 : M Shami to Root, Fullish and outside off, driven towards mid off to end the over. |
| 9.1 : R Ashwin to Malan, Full and flighted on off, defended off the front foot. |
| 9.2 : R Ashwin to Malan, Once again Malan is on the front foot in defense. |
| 9.3 : R Ashwin to D Malan, Takes a stride forward and drives it with the spin to covers. |
| 9.4 : R Ashwin to Malan, Loopy around off and spinning away, Malan lets it be. |
| 9.5 : R Ashwin to Malan, This time the line is straighter as it skids towards Malan's pads. He works it behind square leg for a single. |
| 9.6 : R Ashwin to Root, Tossed up and on off, driven down to mid on to end the over. |
| 10.1 : M Shami to Malan, Play and a miss! Loose, very loose by Malan. Goes chasing at a short ball wide outside off and misses. Nearly got an outside edge. |
| 10.2 : M Shami to Malan, Pitches it up and around off, Dawid defends it off his front foot. |
| 10.3 : M Shami to D Malan, Short and angling into the batsman from around off, Malan pulls it behind square leg for a single. |
| 10.4 : M Shami to Root, Good length ball around off, Joe remains on the back foot and defends it back. |
| 10.5 : M Shami to Joe Root, Fullish and outside off, it's driven down the ground but straight towards mid off. |
| 10.6 : M Shami to Root, On a length and close to the off stump line, Root sticks back inside the crease and blocks it out on the off side. |
| 11.1 : R Ashwin to Malan, Flighted and outside off, spinning away, Malan leaves it. |
| 11.2 : R Ashwin to Malan, Another one turning away from the left-hander, Malan allows it through. Watch out for the slider. |
| 11.3 : R Ashwin to Malan, Here it comes. Skidding back in from around off, Dawid picks it correctly and blocks it back. |
| 11.4 : R Ashwin to Malan, A drive off the front foot this time, with the spin he goes and finds the gap at covers. A single taken. |
| 11.5 : R Ashwin to Root, Loopy and full around off, Root is on the front foot as he flicks it with the spin. Goes past the short leg fielder and they rush across for a run. |
| 11.6 : R Ashwin to Malan, Ashwin comes from over the wicket now. Delivers an off spinner around the middle stump line. Malan tries defending it by getting forward but is beaten as it spins past the outside edge. |
| 12.1 : M Shami to Root, Angles in a length ball on off, Root defends it to the off side. |
| 12.2 : M Shami to Root, Pitches it up and outside off, a delightful cover drive from Root but he finds Pandya. |
| 12.3 : M Shami to Root, Good length ball around off, angling in, Root covers the line and blocks it. The ball drops near the surface and rolls behind. Joe immediately turns to see it go wide of the stumps. |
| 12.4 : M Shami to Root, Shami goes wide of the crease this time. Angles in a length ball outside off and it shapes away after landing. Root has an easy leave. This delivery would have troubled the English skipper had Shami bowled it close to the off stump line. |
| 12.5 : M Shami to Root, Goes full this time and around off, Root pushes it out towards the cover fielder. |
| 12.6 : M Shami to Root, The line is too straight this time, fuller in length and Joe flicks it through backward square leg for a single. |
| 13.1 : R Ashwin to Root, From 'round the wicket, Ashwin bowls it shorter and on middle, Root goes back and works it on the leg side. |
| 13.2 : R Ashwin to Root, Loopy and full around leg, Root leans forward and flicks it in front of square leg for a single. |
| 13.3 : R Ashwin to Malan, Switches to over the wicket for the left-hander. Interesting ploy from Ashwin. Serves it full on leg though and Malan helps it wide of mid on for a run. |
| 13.4 : R Ashwin to Root, FOUR! Ashwin stays over the wicket for the right-hander also. Bowls it short and around off, turning back in, Root immediately pushes his weight on the back foot and slaps it through covers for a boundary. |
| 13.5 : R Ashwin to Root, Tossed up ball on off, defended nicely off the front foot. |
| 13.6 : R Ashwin to Root, A flighted off spinner landing full on off, Joe gets forward to play the flick shot but finds Kohli at mid-wicket. |
| 14.1 : M Shami to Malan, Extra bounce this time as Shami angles in a good length ball from 'round the wicket. Malan tries to work it on the leg side but misses. Takes a hit on his thigh pad. |
| 14.2 : M Shami to Malan, Nearly edges it. A bit of a sound but not bat. Excellent length from Shami. Keeps it just outside off, angling back in, Malan commits himself forward and tries to push inside the line. Misses. The sound was of the bat hitting the pad. |
| 14.3 : M Shami to Malan, Full and around off, Malan has played that off the front foot and into the ground. |
| 14.4 : M Shami to Malan, Good length delivery landing outside off and once again nipping back in off the seam. Malan covers his stumps and shoulders arms. |
| 14.5 : M Shami to Malan, Wild one. A wayward delivery. Shami loses his radar and bowls it way wide down the leg side. Malan swings his bat at it but misses. Karthik does well to dive across to his right to stop the ball. Not a clean stop though and hence the batsmen steal a bye. |
| 14.6 : M Shami to Joe Root, Delivers it short and outside off, from over the wicket, Root leans back and guides it down to third man for a run. |
| What happened there? India are celebrating. Root is seen walking. Has a word with the umpire then but after that he continues to walk. |
| 15.1 : R Ashwin to Root, OUT! Massive breakthrough for the touring team. Ashwin has hunted down the big fish this time. Talk about the catch. Tremendous reflexes shown by KL Rahul. He has taken yet another sharp catch. He is up and running in celebration. Root also starts to walk after looking down for a moment. The umpire has a little word with the English skipper, maybe on what exactly happened. Seems Root is sure that the catch is taken cleanly as he keeps on walking. Big blow to England. Comi |
| 0.0 : Jonny Bairstow arrives with England leading by 52 runs. |
| 15.2 : R Ashwin to Bairstow, Nearly another sharp catch by KL. Bairstow flicks it from the full face of the bat towards leg gully where Rahul dives but it falls short. |
| 15.3 : R Ashwin to Bairstow, Jonny has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. |
| 15.4 : R Ashwin to Bairstow, Turning back in sharply again, Bairstow fails to flick and it goes off his pads past the leg gully fielder. A leg bye taken. |
| 15.5 : R Ashwin to Malan, Quicker and full on off, defended off the front foot. |
| 15.6 : R Ashwin to Malan, Brave, brave leave. Nicely tossed up outside off, it keeps on skidding towards off as Malan makes the leave. That wasn't very far from the off pole. What an over by Ash! |
| 16.1 : M Shami to Bairstow, Angling back in on a good length, goes off Bairstow's pads who tries working it across the line. A leg bye is taken as the ball rolls to square leg. |
| 16.2 : M Shami to Malan, FOUR! Good control from Malan. Shami bangs it short from around the wicket and brings it in, Malan uses the angle to swivel inside and pulls it through backward square leg for a boundary. |
| 16.3 : M Shami to Malan, Just ahead of a length around off, kept out off the front foot. |
| 16.4 : M Shami to Malan, Whoa! That was mighty close. Even Malan knows that, he has a wry smile on his face. Shami angles it in from around off, Malan just about covers the line as he shoulders arms to it. The ball whizzes past the top of the off stick. |
| 16.5 : M Shami to Malan, Taps this square on the off side to point and takes a single. |
| 16.6 : M Shami to Bairstow, FOUR! Shot! Boundary to end the over and the 50 comes up for England. Overpitched around off from over the wicket, Jonny Bairstow drives it nicely through the covers and finds the fence. |
| 17.1 : R Ashwin to Malan, Flighted off spinner, landing full around off and spins away slightly. Malan gets forward and jams it down at the last moment off the shoulder of his bat. |
| 17.2 : R Ashwin to Malan, Fires this one in, at 92 kph, it lands on the shorter side around off and skids down sharply, Malan goes deep inside the crease and blocks. |
| 17.3 : R Ashwin to Malan, Shout for an lbw! A nicely tossed up ball this time. An off spinner landing full around leg. Malan leans forward to defend but misses to get hit high on the back leg. They appeal but nothing from the umpire. The replays show that it marginally landed outside leg. |
| 17.4 : R Ashwin to Malan, Gets on the front foot to a full ball around off and blocks. |
| 17.5 : R Ashwin to Malan, Tossed up and outside off, spinning away, Malan leaves. |
| 17.6 : R Ashwin to Malan, Dawid has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. Another top over from a top bowler. |
| Ishant Sharma to bowl now, replacing Mohammed Shami. |
| 18.1 : I Sharma to Bairstow, Flashes and misses! Fuller in length and wide outside off, Bairstow tries to drive but misses. Called a no ball for overstepping. |
| I Sharma to Bairstow, Excellent delivery. Ishant gets it to move back into the batsman big time. Jonny tries working it around but gets an inside edge on his thigh pad. It drops near the surface and they cross for a quick run. |
| A deep square leg in place as Ishant Sharma changes his angle for Dawid Malan. |
| 18.2 : I Sharma to Malan, A length ball angling down the leg side, Malan tries to flick but misses. It goes behind off his pads and Karthik dives across to his right to make a half stop. |
| 18.3 : I Sharma to Malan, Delivers it on a length and outside off, shaping away a bit, Malan keeps his bat close to the body and allows it through. |
| 18.4 : I Sharma to Malan, Peach of a delivery. Ishant angles in a length ball around off, nipping away sharply after landing. Malan with zero footwork pushes at it and misses. Needs to get a bit fuller. |
| 18.5 : I Sharma to Malan, And he does. Lands it full and just outside off, Malan once again remains on the back foot, gets squared up a bit and is beaten by the away movement. |
| Has that carried? Shikhar Dhawan takes a low catch at first slip and is not sure whether it carried. The umpires get together and then take it upstairs. Aleem Dar gives the soft signal as not out. |
| 18.6 : I Sharma to Malan, NOT OUT! That has hit the ground. Ishant nearly had his first wicket. Slants in a full length ball on off and gets it to curl away. Malan who has been completely clueless once again plays inside the line and it takes the outside edge. It flies behind and Dhawan at first slip goes down low to grab the ball. He though is not too sure and hence the umpires get together to have a chat. Umpire Dar gives it not out as the soft signal. The replays roll in and they find that the |
| Drinks break. Eventful first hour for India. They have bagged a couple of wickets which includes the prized scalp of Joe Root. Their bowlers have been right on the money, especially Ravichandran Ashwin, who has utilized the conditions to full advantage. England have their backs to the wall as their lead is only 65 at this stage. |
| 19.1 : R Ashwin to Bairstow, Tossed up ball on off, defended on the leg side. |
| 19.2 : R Ashwin to Bairstow, Gets on the front foot and defends it watchfully. |
| 19.3 : R Ashwin to Bairstow, Ouch, that would have hurt Vijay. A full-blooded sweep shot from Jonny and it hits Vijay flush on his body at short leg. The ball rebounds and Karthik tries to take it with a dive across to his left. Fails to reach though. Vijay is fine. |
| 19.4 : R Ashwin to Bairstow, FOUR! Bang! Ashwin is on the shorter side outside off, turning back in, Bairstow goes deep inside the crease and whacks it square of the wicket on the off side for a boundary. |
| 19.5 : R Ashwin to Bairstow, Turning down the leg side, Jonny tries to flick but misses. |
| 19.6 : R Ashwin to Bairstow, Interesting. Bairstow premeditates the sweep shot but finds the line not good enough to play that shot. As a result, he blocks it at the very last moment. |
| 20.1 : I Sharma to Malan, Bowls it on a length and outside off, Malan keeps his bat close to his body and leaves it. |
| 20.2 : I Sharma to Malan, Continues from around the wicket and bowls it on a length outside off, it moves away and shoots off the deck. Karthik moves to his left and collects it well. |
| 20.3 : I Sharma to Malan, Chooses to leave the ball outside his off stump. |
| 20.4 : I Sharma to Malan, Back of a length delivery which doesn't rise as much as expected, Malan stands tall and drags the pull through mid-wicket for a single. |
| 20.5 : I Sharma to Bairstow, Over the wicket to the right-hander, full and swinging back in on middle, Jonny Bairstow drives it to mid on. |
| 20.6 : I Sharma to Bairstow, Fuller in length, tailing back in and attacking the stumps, Bairstow pushes it back down the track. End of the over. |
| 21.1 : R Ashwin to Malan, Drifting in on a fuller length on off, Malan comes forward and blocks it out off the inner half. |
| 21.2 : R Ashwin to D Malan, Nicely tossed up, a lot of flight on that, outside off. Malan drives it hard right at the man at short cover. |
| 21.3 : R Ashwin to Malan, Drifting in at first before turning away on off, the southpaw is well behind the line to block. |
| 21.4 : R Ashwin to Malan, Serves it well outside off, Dawid lets it be as it spins away. |
| 21.5 : R Ashwin to Malan, Goes with the spin and drives it to the cover region. |
| 21.6 : R Ashwin to Malan, Harmless delivery outside off, left alone to end the over. |
| 22.1 : I Sharma to Bairstow, A lot of swing for Ishant Sharma. He looks like he might do some damage here. Comes charging in and bowls it full outside off, it tails in heavily as Bairstow blocks it out on the off side. |
| 22.2 : I Sharma to Bairstow, A little too much swing on this occasion. It goes down the leg side, Bairstow misses the flick and it's a good take by Karthik who dives a long way to his left and catches it. |
| 22.3 : I Sharma to Bairstow, FOUR! That's right in the gap. Superb shot from Jonny Bairstow. Length ball outside off, he cuts this through point and find the boundary line. Positive from Bairstow so far, important to not get too defensive. |
| 22.4 : I Sharma to Bairstow, Pitches it on a fuller length on off, makes it come back in again, it's driven without great time towards mid off. |
| 22.5 : I Sharma to Bairstow, Throws this well outside off, no shot offered from the batsman on this occasion. |
| 22.6 : I Sharma to J Bairstow, FOUR! No third man and that's a boundary. Good way to end the over. Bairstow has some room to work with, he wastes no time in cutting this across the third man fence. Nicely done. |
| 23.1 : R Ashwin to Malan, A lot of air on this one as it's pitched on off, drifts in and Malan blocks. |
| 23.2 : R Ashwin to Malan, Lateral turn away from around off, Dawid shoulders arms to it. |
| 23.3 : R Ashwin to Malan, Ashwin is doing a good job of making him play more. Keeps it close to off and tosses it up there, blocked off the front foot. |
| 23.4 : R Ashwin to Malan, Leans ahead to this fullish length delivery and meets it with the full face of the bat. |
| 23.5 : R Ashwin to Malan, Spinning away from middle stump, on a driving length, guarded out safely. |
| 23.6 : R Ashwin to Malan, Malan has nothing to do with this as the ball lands on off and turns away into the keeper's gloves. |
| 24.1 : I Sharma to Bairstow, Ishant tempts Bairstow with a loosener outside off. Full and wide, but the batsman doesn't fiddle with it. |
| 24.2 : I Sharma to J Bairstow, Almost got him. That was close. Bairstow needs to be careful. Not the brightest of ideas to play across the line when the ball is swinging in like it is right now. Full on middle, Jonny attempts to flick it through mid-wicket but gets an inside edge onto his pads. |
| 24.3 : I Sharma to Bairstow, Offers some width outside off, on a length, Bairstow tries to flay this away but fails to make connection. |
| 24.4 : I Sharma to Bairstow, Solidly done this time. Full and curling in on off, driven back in the bowler's direction. |
| 24.5 : I Sharma to Bairstow, Way outside off, no trouble for the right-hander to not bother himself with it. |
| 24.6 : I Sharma to Bairstow, Driven a bit square and Bairstow will pick up a couple. Places it through cover-point and comes back for the second. Steady partnership building here, worth 28 as of now. |
| 25.1 : R Ashwin to Malan, A bit of extra bounce as Ashwin bowls the slider on middle. It keeps going straight and goes off the top half of Malan's bat through the vacant silly point position. |
| 25.2 : R Ashwin to Malan, An erratic shout from Ashwin for a leg before but nothing from the umpire. Probably because Malan is too far down the track. Uses his feet to flick the ball coming in, misses and is hit on the pads. |
| 25.3 : R Ashwin to Malan, Watches the ball cautiously as he defends it down on the off side. |
| 25.4 : R Ashwin to Malan, Outside off, left alone. |
| 25.5 : R Ashwin to Malan, The batsman chooses to leave the ball outside his off stump. |
| 25.6 : R Ashwin to Malan, Goes against the spin and flicks it through the mid-wicket area for a double. |
| 26.1 : I Sharma to Bairstow, A little dangerous again but Bairstow executes it well this time. Closes the face of the blade to this full ball swinging in and flicks it through the vacant spaces in the mid-wicket region. A single results. |
| 26.2 : I Sharma to Malan, OUT! EDGED AND TAKEN! Ishant Sharma has been rewarded for the good bowling he's been doing so far. Totally on fire since the time he's come on, got the results for it with this wicket. Comes from around the wicket and angles in a length ball on off. It straightens up enough after landing, a little late and that does Dawid Malan in. He is squared up as he looks to flick and gets it off the leading edge towards Rahane at gully, who makes no mistake in taking that. England |
| Ben Stokes walks out to the middle next. England in trouble here, can't afford another wicket before the break. This pair needs to hang on. |
| 26.3 : I Sharma to Stokes, Length delivery just outside off, straightening up, Stokes covers the line and makes a leave. |
| 26.4 : I Sharma to Stokes, Comes half-forward to this one and keeps it out. |
| Should India get an extra catcher in? Around 20 minutes to the break, another breakthrough would be golden for them. |
| 26.5 : I Sharma to Stokes, Off the mark with a single. Stokes uses the angle and works it away on the leg side to change ends. |
| 26.6 : I Sharma to Bairstow, Searching for that magic yorker as Ishant bowls an inswinging yorker on leg, Bairstow flicks it down to fine leg for a single. |
| 27.1 : Ashwin to J Bairstow, Top edge but safe. Bairstow kneels down to sweep it away but gets a top edge over the keeper's head. Two runs taken. |
| 27.2 : R Ashwin to Bairstow, Goes on the back foot, plays with the turn and works it past short leg for one. |
| 27.3 : R Ashwin to Stokes, Comes from around the wicket to Stokes, bowls it full, it's kept out. |
| 27.4 : R Ashwin to Stokes, Turning away from a full length, around off, Stokes lets it be. |
| 27.5 : R Ashwin to Stokes, The slider from Ashwin, but Stokes is up for it. He keeps bat and pad close together and blocks it out. |
| 27.6 : R Ashwin to Stokes, Drives the full ball outside off to the sub Jadeja at covers. |
| 28.1 : I Sharma to Bairstow, Fired full and well outside off, Bairstow has nothing to do with it. |
| 28.2 : I Sharma to Bairstow, Full in length, coming in and attacking the off pole, Bairstow brings down a straight blade in defense and keeps it out. |
| 28.3 : I Sharma to Bairstow, Coming in again, defended out once more. Maybe the next one goes the other way? |
| 28.4 : I Sharma to J Bairstow, FOUR! Almost dragged it on! A boundary results but he's lucky he's survived that. Back of a length close to off, Bairstow looks to cut but gets it off the inside edge past the off stump. Karthik dives to his left but can't stop it. |
| 28.5 : I Sharma to Bairstow, Comfortable leave, this. On a fourth stump line, it's left alone for the keeper to collect. |
| 28.6 : I Sharma to J Bairstow, Very good delivery to end the over. Ishant draws the edge by bowling a full swinging delivery which comes into the batsman. Jonny Bairstow tries to drive it through the covers but gets an edge which falls short of the first slip fielder. |
| 29.1 : R Ashwin to Stokes, Drifting in on leg, on a shorter length, Stokes goes back and nudges it past backward square leg. Shami chases it down and keeps the batsmen down to two. |
| 29.2 : R Ashwin to Stokes, Landed shorter around off, turning away, Stokes moves across to get behind the line and defends. |
| 29.3 : R Ashwin to Stokes, On the leg stump line again, tucked past Shami at backward square leg for two more. |
| 29.4 : R Ashwin to Stokes, Too straight once more, Ben Stokes once again plays it off the back foot. Whips it to deep square leg. One run collected. |
| 29.5 : R Ashwin to Bairstow, Straighter one on off from over the wicket, Bairstow turns it in front of short leg. |
| 29.6 : R Ashwin to Bairstow, No spin on this one, outside off, left alone. |
| 30.1 : I Sharma to Stokes, Extra bounce for Ishant as he comes around the wicket. It's down leg though. Karthik moves to his right but can't collect it. A bye has been stolen. |
| 30.2 : I Sharma to J Bairstow, OUT! This time Ishant gets his man. That is an excellent catch from Shikhar Dhawan at first slip. Length delivery around off, shaping in and Bairstow hangs his bat inside the line. Gets a healthy edge which goes behind. Dhawan gets low to his right and collects it safely. Superb stuff. India in the driver's seat here. Mainly because they've got Jonny Bairstow, who's an excellent player of spin. England's lead is just two short of 100. |
| Jos Buttler to be the new man in for England. |
| 30.3 : I Sharma to Buttler, Off the mark without wasting any time. Length ball aiming the top of off stump, tucked behind square leg for a single. |
| 30.4 : I Sharma to Stokes, OUT! Ishant has another one. This is brilliant, brilliant bowling from the tall pacer. Terrific, terrific stuff. Comes from around the wicket and angles in a length ball on off. Much like Malan's wicket, this one also straightens up and gets Big Ben. He hangs his bat out to defend, edges it and it's taken by skipper Virat Kohli at at third slip, by diving low to his left. Ishant is screaming in joy, Kohli is all pumped up. India all over England like a rash. Also, it's |
| Heroes are there for a reason. They are born out of adversity and rise up from the ashes, inspiring others in the process as well. That's what happened in Birmingham. Yesterday, Virat Kohli put on a fighting display for the world to see, gave him confidence to lift their levels up and has got the response he was looking for. His Indian side has come out firing since the morning began and took this game right by the scruff of its neck. |
| Like in the final minutes of Day 2, Ravichandran Ashwin started the day's proceedings with a bang. Got Keaton Jennings out early and followed it up with the big wicket of Joe Root. Dawid Malan and Jonny Bairstow steadied the ship, but it didn't last long as Ishant Sharma was on a different level altogether today. First got Malan, then kept the pressure on and got Bairstow, before eventually sending Ben Stokes back right at the stroke of the break. This is what good, penetrating bowling can do fo |
| The lead is just of 99 at the moment. The visitors have entered the tail and if more of the same is expected, which you can bet it is, then England are in for a rough ride. Jos Buttler is a fine batsman, but in this format and in such conditions, even he has a uphill task ahead of him. Join us for all the action from the afternoon session at 1340 local (1240 GMT). You don't want to miss it... |
| ... DAY 3, SECOND SESSION ... |
| We are back. The men concerned are back on the field. The Indian players get into a huddle before dispersing on the field. Sam Curran is the new batsman who has joined Buttler in the middle. Ishant Sharma to complete his over. |
| 30.5 : I Sharma to Curran, A bit short and around leg, Curran turns it off his pads through square leg for a single. Lead - 100 runs. |
| 30.6 : I Sharma to Buttler, OUT! Another blow to England, Ishant has his third wicket in the over and has completely demolished the home team. What a spell! He worked hard initially and is finally getting the rewards. This one is more on the lines of a poor shot than a great delivery. Short and wide outside off, Buttler has the option to leave it but his natural instinct is always to go after the ball. He does that. Stays back inside the crease to flash his bat through the line. Gets a faint outs |
| Adil Rashid is in next. |
| 31.1 : R Ashwin to Curran, Full and flighted on off, defended off the front foot. |
| 31.2 : R Ashwin to Curran, Tossed up ball on middle, defended on the leg side. |
| 31.3 : R Ashwin to Curran, FOUR! Once again the length is on the fuller side around off and Curran drives it straight back past the bowler for a boundary down the ground. Useful runs. |
| 31.4 : R Ashwin to Curran, Shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the back foot. |
| 31.5 : R Ashwin to Curran, Flatter and on off, defended off the back foot. |
| 31.6 : R Ashwin to Curran, Skidding back in from around off, Curran defends it off his back foot. |
| 32.1 : I Sharma to Rashid, Good length ball on off, angling in, Adil gets behind the line and blocks it off his back foot. |
| 32.2 : I Sharma to Rashid, Bouncer and outside off, it's left alone by Rashid. |
| 32.3 : I Sharma to Rashid, Lands it on a length outside off, shaping in a bit, Rashid pushes it with gentle hands to covers and picks up a quick single. |
| 32.4 : I Sharma to Curran, A little short in length and around middle and leg, Curran works it in the gap at mid-wicket and rotates the strike. England will be aiming to get somewhere near 150 at least. The way it's still moving around, it isn't going to be easy for India either. |
| 32.5 : I Sharma to Rashid, Loses control this time, Sharma. Sprays it wide outside off and Adil allows it through. |
| 32.6 : I Sharma to Rashid, Nearly draws a false shot! Once again Ishant bowls it wide outside off, Rashid goes chasing after it but fails to connect. |
| Bowling change. Mohammed Shami replaces Ashwin in the attack. |
| 33.1 : M Shami to Curran, Angles in a good length ball on off, Curran sticks back inside the crease in defense. |
| 33.2 : M Shami to Curran, Width on offer outside off, Curran remains back footed and steers it through point for one. |
| 33.3 : M Shami to Rashid, A length ball on off, Adil covers the line and movement before offering a straight blade in defense. |
| 33.4 : M Shami to Rashid, Nice shot! Around off on a length, Rashid is on the front foot as he drives it on the up. Finds the gap through cover-point and picks up a couple of runs. |
| 33.5 : M Shami to Rashid, Bends his back and digs in a short ball outside off. A little bit of away movement even on this one. Rashid tries to pull but fails to middle it properly. It takes the bottom half and rolls on the leg side. |
| 33.6 : M Shami to Rashid, Goes full this time. Arrows it on around off, nipping away slightly, Rashid presses forward and blocks it safely to the off side. |
| 34.1 : I Sharma to Curran, Slants in a good length ball on middle and leg, Curran covers the line and dead bats it back to the bowler. |
| 34.2 : I Sharma to Curran, Loses control. Runs in from 'round the wicket and slips a shortish length ball down the leg side. Curran tries flicking but misses. |
| 34.3 : I Sharma to Curran, Identical to the last delivery. Once again it's going down the leg side and Curran fails to get any wood behind it. |
| 34.4 : I Sharma to Curran, Quite assured in defense, Sam. Ishant serves it full and around off this time, Curran with gentle hands defends it watchfully. |
| 34.5 : I Sharma to Curran, Angling into the batsman, on a length, Curran once again presents a straight bat in defense. |
| 34.6 : I Sharma to Curran, FOUR! Well played! Ishant overpitches and Curran latches onto it like a hawk on its prey. Plays a full-blooded cover drive and it races away to the fence. |
| 35.1 : M Shami to Rashid, Shortish and on middle, Rashid goes on his toes and tickles it behind square leg for a run. |
| 35.2 : M Shami to Curran, Sharp delivery. Shami brings a length ball into the left-hander with the angle from 'round the wicket. Curran defends it to mid-wicket. |
| 35.3 : M Shami to Curran, Back of a length delivery around off, Curran eases himself on the back foot and punches it square of the wicket on the off side. Another couple added to the lead. Every run matters. |
| 35.4 : M Shami to Curran, Shami overpitches this time. Around off and Sam pushes it gently to point. |
| 35.5 : M Shami to Curran, Bouncer around off, Curran sits underneath it. |
| 35.6 : M Shami to Curran, Play and a miss! Lands it on a length and outside off, holding its line, Curran pokes inside the line and misses. |
| 36.1 : I Sharma to Rashid, Drifting down the leg side, sharp pace. Rashid tries flicking but misses. It goes off his pads to Karthik who flies to his left and stops the ball albeit not cleanly. No run taken though. |
| 36.2 : I Sharma to Rashid, Angles in a full ball just around off, Rashid is on the front foot as he defends it solidly. |
| 36.3 : I Sharma to Rashid, Plays a length ball from the crease but finds the fielder at point. |
| 36.4 : I Sharma to Rashid, Ishant digs in a short ball around off and Rashid pulls it through backward square leg. A couple more added to the total. Lead is now 118! |
| 36.5 : I Sharma to Rashid, Wayward delivery. Short and angling down the leg side, Rashid goes for the pull but fails to middle it. The ball goes off his gloves to fine leg and the batsmen change ends. |
| 36.6 : I Sharma to Curran, Beauty! Ishant angles it away from the left-hander from over the wicket. It pitches on off and nips away. Curran tries playing the line but is beaten by the away movement. |
| 37.1 : M Shami to Rashid, Full and outside off, pushed to the off side by Rashid. |
| 37.2 : M Shami to Rashid, Short in length and outside off, Adil goes on his back foot and runs it down through backward point for one. |
| 37.3 : M Shami to Curran, FOUR! Welcome boundary for England. Was that a chance? Yeah. But Dhawan fails to get any hand on it. Short in length and outside off, Curran stands back to slap it through the line but it takes the bottom edge and flies behind. Dhawan goes down low at first slip but it sneaks past his hands, maybe just brushed his fingers, before racing away. |
| 37.4 : M Shami to Curran, Short ball outside off, played down to point. |
| 37.5 : M Shami to Sam Curran, FOUR! Once again streaky! Shami darts in a length ball on off and gets it to straighten after landing, Curran gets completely squared up and edges it behind. Right through the slip cordon for another useful boundary. Lead is now 128! |
| 37.6 : M Shami to Curran, Shortish and on middle, Curran fails to work it around and is hit on the thigh pad. |
| 38.1 : I Sharma to Rashid, Lands it on a length and around off, Rashid gets forward and plays at it late. Drives it nicely through point and collects a run. Doing it easily, Adil. The partnership moves to 29 now. |
| 38.2 : I Sharma to Curran, FOUR! Suddenly runs are coming thick and fast. As soon as Curran spots the room outside off, he throws his bat at it. The ball finds the outside edge but flies over the slip cordon for a boundary at third man. |
| 38.3 : I Sharma to Curran, Sam can bat! A lovely back foot punch this time and he finds the gap at covers. The mid off fielder moves across to his right to make the stop. A single taken. |
| 38.4 : I Sharma to Rashid, On a length and outside off, Rashid gets on the front foot and pushes it towards covers. |
| 38.5 : I Sharma to Rashid, FOUR! Well played! A pitched up ball outside off, Rashid went for the drive through the line, opened the face of the bat a bit and placed it through backward point. It sped through and finds the fence before the fielder in the deep got to it. |
| 38.6 : I Sharma to Rashid, Good length delivery in the channel outside off, Rashid shoulders arms. Another good over for England, 10 from it. 19 in the last two and the lead is now 138 runs. |
| 39.1 : R Ashwin to Curran, Flatter and on middle, it's defended off the back foot. |
| 39.2 : R Ashwin to Curran, Flighted and full on off, Curran lets it go watchfully. |
| 39.3 : R Ashwin to Curran, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. |
| 39.4 : R Ashwin to Curran, Gets on the front foot and drives it back to the bowler. |
| 39.5 : R Ashwin to Sam Curran, FOUR! Fine shot! Curran spots the short delivery early, goes deep inside the crease and pulls it over mid-wicket for a boundary. |
| 39.6 : R Ashwin to Curran, Big spin away from the southpaw, Sam plants his front foot forward and leaves it alone. |
| Umesh Yadav to bowl for the first time in this innings. |
| 40.1 : U Yadav to Rashid, Angles in a length ball on off, Rashid presses forward and gets an inside edge onto the pads. |
| 40.2 : U Yadav to Rashid, Back of a length ball on off, Rashid is showing great technique. Eases his weight on the back foot, gets right behind the line of the delivery and blocks it to the off side. |
| 40.3 : U Yadav to A Rashid, Serves it full this time, outside off, Rashid drives it with an open face but finds the cover fielder. |
| 40.4 : U Yadav to A Rashid, DROPPED! Dhawan at it again. Rashid is lured into the drive by Yadav. He tries to go through the line but gets a thick outside edge to Dhawan at first slip. Karthik for a moment moves to his right but then lets it through. Dhawan tries taking the catch near his chest but fails to hang on. Smiles after that. Maybe, for a fraction of a second, Shikhar got distracted by DK. Anyway, England won't mind. |
| 40.5 : U Yadav to Rashid, Goes on the back foot and steers it through point for a single. |
| 40.6 : U Yadav to Curran, Speedy delivery, short and wide outside off, Curran slashes and misses. |
| 41.1 : R Ashwin to Rashid, Flighted and around off, Rashid defends it off his back foot. This one drifted in a little bit and spun the other way. More like a carrom ball. |
| 41.2 : R Ashwin to Rashid, Strides forward to a full ball and defends it. |
| 41.3 : R Ashwin to Rashid, Flatter and shorter around off, Rashid goes on the back foot and defends. |
| 41.4 : R Ashwin to Rashid, Sharp spin back into the batsman, it's played down to leg gully. |
| 41.5 : R Ashwin to Rashid, Leans forward to defend, plays for the inward spin there but it skids through to beat the outside edge. |
| 41.6 : R Ashwin to Rashid, Full and flighted on off, it's flicked with the spin through mid-wicket for a run. |
| It has turned very gloomy out there. The floodlights are switched on but the umpires feel that the natural light is not enough to carry on with the game. The players are leaving the field while the umpires are taking the reading. A huge chunk of clouds are approaching the field. For the moment, BAD LIGHT HAS STOPPED PLAY. India won't mind this break. They were going wayward a bit after doing all the hard work. The current partnership is worth 44 and that has taken the lead to 144. Stay tuned for |
| Back again! Virat Kohli sharing some words of wisdom with his teammates in a huddle. Out come Adil Rashid and Sam Curran. Umesh Yadav continues... |
| 42.1 : U Yadav to Rashid, A length ball in the channel outside off, shaping away a bit, Rashid shoulders arms. |
| 42.2 : U Yadav to Rashid, This one is way wide outside off, further shaping away, an easy leave this time for Adil. |
| 42.3 : U Yadav to Rashid, Better line this time. Umesh hurls it across on a length around off. Shaping away just a bit, Rashid is watertight in his defense. |
| 42.4 : U Yadav to Rashid, Nipping away from a length around off, Rashid watches the line closely and then leaves it. Showing good temperament. |
| 42.5 : U Yadav to Rashid, Good length ball on middle and leg, Rashid eases it down to fine leg and crosses for a run. |
| 42.6 : U Yadav to Curran, On a length and around off, Curran taps it down towards cover-point and takes a quick single. |
| 43.1 : R Ashwin to Curran, Flighted and full around off, it's driven off the front foot to covers. |
| 43.2 : R Ashwin to Curran, Slower through the air, landing around off and skidding in, Sam is forward in defense. |
| 43.3 : R Ashwin to Curran, Tossed up ball outside off, Curran swats it through the line and Pandya at covers makes a good stop. |
| 43.4 : R Ashwin to Curran, Presses forward and pushes it with the spin to the off side. |
| 43.5 : R Ashwin to Curran, Nicely tossed up ball on middle and off, Curran defends it down. |
| 43.6 : R Ashwin to Curran, Played to the mid-wicket region by the batsman. One run added to the total. |
| 44.1 : U Yadav to Curran, Fullish and on the pads, Curran deflects it fine down the leg side for a run. |
| 44.2 : U Yadav to Rashid, Play and a miss! It's still swinging. Yadav lets it out on a length outside off, a lazy waft by Adil and he misses. |
| 44.3 : U Yadav to Rashid, Nice delivery. Angling into the batsman around off, Rashid plays the line and gets beaten by the away movement. |
| 44.4 : Yadav to A Rashid, OUT! Right through the gate! A 135 kph delivery by Yadav. A rip-roaring one. He pitches it on a length around off, nipping in enough to breach Rashid's defense. It goes right through and uproots the off stump. A handy 48-run stand is open. Nicely set up by Umesh, bowled a couple of outswinger and then brought one in to dismiss Rashid. England lead by 148! |
| Stuart Broad is in next. He is no mug with the bat either. |
| 44.5 : U Yadav to Broad, Goes very full and around off, Broad defends it out safely. |
| 44.6 : U Yadav to Broad, Fullish and on middle, swinging down, Broad flicks it through square leg for a single. |
| 45.1 : R Ashwin to Broad, Loopy and full on off, Broad draws forward in defense. |
| 45.2 : R Ashwin to Broad, Once again a watchful forward defense by Broad. |
| 45.3 : R Ashwin to Broad, Leans forward to a full ball and pushes it with the spin towards cover-point. |
| 45.4 : R Ashwin to Broad, Oh, well played. Broad goes down on one knee, fetches it from outside off and sweeps it through square leg for a couple of runs. Lead crosses 150! |
| 45.5 : R Ashwin to Broad, This one is very full and on off, Broad jams it out back to the bowler. |
| 45.6 : R Ashwin to Broad, Sliding down the leg side, Broad moves inside the crease and eases it behind to fine leg for another run. |
| 46.1 : U Yadav to Broad, Spears in a very full ball on middle, Broad keeps his eyes on the ball and keeps it out on the leg side. |
| 46.2 : U Yadav to Broad, A length ball around leg, Broad moves back to cover the line and defends it on the leg side. |
| 46.3 : U Yadav to Broad, Beaten! Back of a length ball angling away from the batsman. Broad jumps on his back foot as he pushes at it and misses. |
| 46.4 : U Yadav to Broad, FOUR BYES! Bonus runs for England! A bouncer by Yadav. Broad ducks and Karthik fails to collect it with a jump. India will be worried. These runs can hurt them. |
| 46.5 : U Yadav to Broad, Broad opens the face of the bat and helps it to third man. The batsmen have run through for a single. |
| 46.6 : U Yadav to Curran, FOUR! Curran has impressed a lot in this Test match. Useful runs with the bat in the first innings, a 4-fer with the ball and this knock can prove to be a potentially match winning one. Yadav offers width outside off, Sam keeps his eyes on the ball and weight on the back leg. He then uses his long reach to guide it down to third man for a boundary. |
| 47.1 : R Ashwin to Broad, Goes down on on knee and sweeps it straight to short fine leg. |
| 47.2 : R Ashwin to Broad, Flatter and fuller on middle, jammed out by Broad. |
| 47.3 : R Ashwin to Broad, Once again connects with his sweep shot and this time finds the gap through backward square leg. A single to bring Sam on strike. |
| 47.4 : R Ashwin to Curran, SIX! High and handsome! Sam Curran is earning a lot of fans here. He is down the track in a flash to a full ball and hammers it over the bowler's head for a biggie. |
| 47.5 : R Ashwin to Curran, FOUR! Taking the attack to Ashwin. This time he stays back in anticipation of a quicker delivery. Ashwin sends across a flatter one on off and Curran thwacks it down the ground for a boundary at long on. |
| 47.6 : R Ashwin to Curran, Sensible batting. Just knocks a full ball down to long on and retains strike with a single. Lead is just 27 short of 200. |
| 48.1 : U Yadav to Curran, A length ball outside off, Curran flays at it and misses. |
| 48.2 : U Yadav to Curran, Beaten again. Full in length and around off, angling away, Curran pushes at it flat-footed and misses. |
| 48.3 : U Yadav to Curran, Another play and a miss. Three in a row. Umesh takes another length ball away from the batsman, Curran tries forcing it through the line and misses. Looks at the heavens in disappointment. |
| 48.4 : U Yadav to Curran, Make it four. Once again a length ball shapes away from the southpaw. Curran tries his best to put bat on ball but misses. Needs to catch a few breaths. Calm down. He does the sensible thing of moving across towards his partner. Has some words and then returns to his mark. |
| 48.5 : U Yadav to Curran, Five in a row. All that didn't help. Back of a length ball on off, moving away, Curran pushes inside the line and misses. |
| 48.6 : U Yadav to Curran, What a terrific over! Beats Curran for the sixth time. Yadav has a wry smile on his face. Almost made him edge six times in this over. This delivery is on a length and wide outside off, Sam shuffles across the stumps but still fails to get bat on ball. |
| Ishant Sharma is back on. |
| 49.1 : I Sharma to Broad, Played to the point region by the batsman. They pick up a single. |
| 49.2 : I Sharma to Curran, SIX! Smoking hot! What a way to get your first Test fifty! He gives the charge to the bowler, it's on the shorter side around middle and off and Curran clubs it over extra cover for a biggie. Raises his bat and the crowd is giving him a warm ovation. Lead is now 180! |
| 49.3 : I Sharma to Curran, A typical fast bowler's reply. Follows the batsman down the leg side with a lethal bouncer. Curran moves back, tries to sway away from the line of fire and eventually falls down as it goes to the keeper. |
| 49.4 : I Sharma to Curran, Outside off, played through point for one. |
| 49.5 : I Sharma to Broad, Back of a length delivery outside off, shaping away, Stuart pokes at it and misses. |
| 49.6 : I Sharma to Broad, Fullish and on middle and leg. Broad keeps it out off his pads to the leg side. |
| 50.1 : U Yadav to Curran, Good length ball around leg, Curran glances it off his hips through square leg and scampers back for the second run. |
| 50.2 : U Yadav to Curran, On a length around middle, Curran stays back and runs it down to deep backward point for a single. |
| 50.3 : U Yadav to Broad, Back of a length ball on off, Broad goes back and gently pushes it through point for a couple of runs. |
| 50.4 : U Yadav to Broad, Yadav goes full and outside off, some visible away movement, Broad gets across and tries to push at it. Misses. |
| 50.5 : U Yadav to Broad, Another delivery in the channel outside off, Broad keeps himself on the back foot, pushes at it from there and gets beaten. |
| 50.6 : U Yadav to Broad, Yadav goes closer to the off stump line, Broad pushes it through cover-point for a single. Another vital partnership for England, this one is worth 39. Lead is 187. |
| 51.1 : I Sharma to Broad, Full and around off, eased off the back foot through backward point. An easy single. |
| 51.2 : I Sharma to Curran, Digs in a short ball outside off, Curran rises on his back foot and strokes it through point for a run. |
| 51.3 : I Sharma to Broad, Shortish and angling in on middle and leg, Broad stays back and blocks it down safely. |
| 51.4 : I Sharma to Broad, Fuller delivery angling in around off, Broad somehow keeps it out on the off side. |
| 51.5 : I Sharma to Broad, Play and a miss! Beautiful delivery. Angling in on a good length around off, Broad remains back to play at it but it nips away to beat the outside edge. |
| 51.6 : I Sharma to S Broad, OUT! Miracle, Dhawan has taken a catch! It's a 5-wicket haul for Ishant Sharma, 8th in Tests and 2nd against England. Top effort. He pitches this one up outside off and gets it to shape away. Broad is sucked into a drive through the line with a straight bat but edges it behind to Dhawan. He makes no mistake at first slip and then gets up to do his trademark thigh-slap. Hmmm...doesn't look too good when you have been dropping those. Anyway, England lead by 189 runs. |
| James Anderson is the last batsman for England. |
| 52.1 : U Yadav to Curran, Bouncer! The batsman ducks under it at the last moment. |
| 52.2 : U Yadav to Curran, Short and outside off, Curran plays it down to third man and denies a single. |
| 52.3 : U Yadav to Curran, Another bumper. Curran ducks underneath it again. |
| 52.4 : U Yadav to Sam Curran, FOUR! Up and over the infield. Back of a length ball around off, Curran stays back and powers his pull shot over mid on. He is batting like Virat Kohli did yesterday. |
| Field comes up. |
| 52.5 : U Yadav to Curran, Beaten! Good length ball on off, shaping away, Curran pushes inside the line and misses. |
| 52.6 : U Yadav to Curran, OUT! ENGLAND ALL OUT FOR 180, SETTING A TARGET OF 194! Yadav angles across a back of a length ball outside off, Curran walks across a bit and then guides it behind towards Karthik. He catches the ball and then takes a needless tumble. End of a fantastic knock by Sam Curran, he though is disappointed in the manner he got out. The crowd is giving him a standing ovation. The young lad has kept England in the game. |
| TEA HAS BEEN TAKEN. You'd never have thought England would have got in this position after where they were before Sam Curran took charge of things. The last three wickets added 93 runs, and Sam Curran was responsible for scoring the bulk of those runs. Much like Virat Kohli yesterday, where 92 were scored by the last 2 wickets and he did most of the hitting. |
| The youngster Curran was oozing with confidence as he took the attack to the Indian bowlers. His quickfire 63 could just prove to be the turning point in this game. England were largely bundled up by a classy Ishant Sharma 5-fer and some more than handy assistance from Umesh Yadav and Ravichandran Ashwin. A lead of 150 would have been testing for the Indians with the swinging conditions, but now this has posed a different challenge altogether, and that can be attributed to some poor catching whi |
| India are now right up against it. An entire session left today to play out. How their openers go about their business could tell how this chase might pan out. How will they approach this? Be more cautious? Or take a leaf out of Curran's book and attack? We'll find out soon enough when they come out after getting some fluids in. Don't go anywhere, we'll be right back! |
| 0.1 : J Anderson to Vijay, Comes in from over the wicket and lands it on a good length around off, Vijay blocks it out. |
| 0.2 : J Anderson to Vijay, Fuller this time on that fourth stump line, Vijay cuts it to third man to get the first run of the innings. |
| 0.3 : J Anderson to Dhawan, Pitches this one up on off, it tails back in. Dhawan gets it off the inner half back to Jimmy. |
| 0.4 : J Anderson to Dhawan, Another one full but a little outside off, Dhawan shoulders his arms. |
| 0.5 : J Anderson to Dhawan, Half an appeal and the umpire is not interested. Lands this on a good length down leg, Dhawan misses his flick and gets hit on the pads. |
| 0.6 : J Anderson to Dhawan, Pushes this with soft hands towards covers and gets to the other end. |
| Stuart Broad to bowl from the other end. |
| 1.1 : S Broad to Dhawan, Comes from round the wicket and swings this away from Dhawan who is happy to leave it alone. |
| 1.2 : S Broad to Dhawan, Serves this into Dhawan who tucks it to the on side. |
| 1.3 : S Broad to Dhawan, FOUR! Shot! First of the innings. A positive intent from Shikhar and gets a boundary for it. Broad invites the drive around off, Dhawan leans ahead and creams it through covers to the fence. |
| 1.4 : S Broad to Dhawan, Outside off, a hint of away swing, Dhawan points his bat skywards and leaves it. |
| 1.5 : S Broad to Dhawan, Drops his shoulders and taps this for the point fielder to collect. |
| 1.6 : S Broad to Vijay, Length on off, Vijay plays it with a straight bat. |
| 2.1 : J Anderson to Dhawan, Pitches this one slight full on middle and leg, it angles into Dhawan who flicks this in front of his pads towards mid-wicket. A missfield will enable them to pick a run. |
| 2.2 : J Anderson to Vijay, The ball is way outside the off stump, easy leave for Vijay. |
| 2.3 : J Anderson to M Vijay, Full and around off, Vijay drives it to covers. |
| 2.4 : J Anderson to Vijay, Another similar ball, Anderson in search of swing. Gives it full, Vijay cannot find the gap and drives it to the same region. |
| 2.5 : J Anderson to Vijay, Bouncer! Tries to surprise Vijay by banging it in short. Does so down the leg side, Murali leaves it alone. |
| 2.6 : J Anderson to Vijay, Good length ball outside off, too far to entice Vijay to drive. |
| 3.1 : S Broad to Dhawan, Length ball outside off, Dhawan is not bothered to play at it. Broad needs to get it closer. |
| 3.2 : S Broad to Dhawan, A little bit closer. Fuller one outside off, Dhawan lets it through. |
| 3.3 : S Broad to Dhawan, Well bowled and a good leave. Serves this full on that fifth stump line, Dhawan watches the ball go past him. Bairstow doesn't hold onto it properly and the batsmen cross as the ball rolls back. |
| 3.4 : S Broad to Vijay, Back of a length ball on top of off pole, Vijay stands tall and blocks it. |
| 3.5 : S Broad to Vijay, Prods forward to this fuller ball around off and defends it. |
| 3.6 : S Broad to Vijay, Good ball. Length around off, Vijay knows where his stumps are and shoulders his arms. |
| 4.1 : J Anderson to Dhawan, Shot! This is the intent India need to show. Strides forward, doesn't try to hit it hard and just punches this through covers. Buttler chases it from covers and restricts it to three. |
| 4.2 : J Anderson to M Vijay, DROPPED! Oh dear! And guess who? It's Malan again! He surely wants to forget everything and needs to concentrate more. A perfect line on a good length around off, Vijay comes forward to drive it and gets a fat edge towards second slip. Malan, not in the right balance dives to his right gets two hands to it but the ball doesn't stick. They pick up a brace as the ball goes past him. England need these catches to be taken. |
| 4.3 : J Anderson to Vijay, Works this down the leg side and rotates the strike. |
| 4.4 : J Anderson to Dhawan, Wide outside off stump, Dhawan leaves it alone. |
| 4.5 : J Anderson to Dhawan, Full down the pads, Dhawan flicks it around the corner for a single. |
| 4.6 : J Anderson to Vijay, Beauty! Squares Vijay up and almost gets his outside edge. Good length ball on that fourth stump line, Vijay plays it with a straight bat but cannot make any contact. |
| 5.1 : S Broad to Dhawan, Full and outside off, Dhawan leaves it alone. |
| 5.2 : S Broad to Dhawan, Well played. Dhawan taps it towards cover-point and hares to complete the run. |
| 5.3 : S Broad to Vijay, Good leave! Broad comes in from over the wicket and serves this around off, the ball nips back in and just goes past the off pole. Vijay had his bases covered. |
| 5.4 : S Broad to Vijay, Lovely! Overpitched ball on leg, Vijay flicks it off his pads through mid-wicket for a couple of runs. |
| 5.5 : Broad to Vijay, OUT! Gone! Vijay is a dead duck! Broad gets another one to come back in and Vijay has to take the long walk back. Broad lands this around off, the ball jags back in sharply. Vijay shoulders his arms thinking the ball will move the other way. It goes on to hit him on the front leg. Broad appeals and the umpire raises his finger. Vijay has a chat with Dhawan but they opt not to take the review. And rightly so, since there was no shot offered the impact doesn't matter. And repl |
| KL Rahul is the new man in. |
| 5.6 : S Broad to Rahul, Length ball outside off, gets this one to move away. Rahul like he has to defend 8 sticks go after it and misses. |
| 6.1 : J Anderson to Dhawan, Outside off, Dhawan is happy to let it go. |
| 6.2 : J Anderson to Dhawan, Waits for this ball and taps it past the point fielder for a run. |
| 6.3 : J Anderson to Rahul, Good leave! Thinks of playing this and at the last moment withdraws. |
| A referral for run out. Looks to be safe but they take everything upstairs these days. |
| 6.4 : J Anderson to Rahul, Not out! Had to be. A full ball on middle and off, Rahul drives it to mid off and sets off for the run. Curran there picks it up and throws it at the non-striker's end, scoring a direct hit. The umpire takes it up after some English players ask him to. Replays show KL is way in. |
| 6.5 : J Anderson to Dhawan, The batsman shoulders arms to let that one through. |
| 6.6 : J Anderson to Dhawan, Outside off, left alone. |
| 7.1 : S Broad to Rahul, Length outside off, KL plays it to point for a single. |
| 7.2 : S Broad to Dhawan, A loud cheer from the crowd as they thought Dhawan got the nick. Jaffa from Broad on a good length, Dhawan pokes and misses. |
| 7.3 : S Broad to S Dhawan, OUT! There it is! Broad finds Dhawan's nick and gets his second. Beautiful bowling this from Stuart. For Dhawan, a very similar dismissal like the first innings. Broad pitches this full and outside off, Dhawan takes a step forward and looks to drive this. Gets a healthy edge and Bairstow moves to his left to take a simple catch. Both the openers back in the hut now and India need 172 more to win. |
| Virat Kohli is in at no. 4. India's hope. They will want him to stay in for as long as possible. |
| 7.4 : S Broad to Kohli, Kohli is off the mark straight away. In full control as he flicks the ball off his pads to deep square leg. |
| 7.5 : S Broad to Rahul, Outside off, Rahul drives but connects with thin air. |
| 7.6 : S Broad to Rahul, FOUR! Nice timing! This is a pitched up ball on middle and leg, Rahul flicks it away wristly through mid-wicket to the fence. |
| 8.1 : J Anderson to Kohli, The Anderson Kohli battle resumes. Bowls this outside off, Kohli leaves it alone. |
| 8.2 : J Anderson to Kohli, Full and outside off, moves away, Kohli covers his stumps and leaves it alone. |
| 8.3 : J Anderson to Kohli, Needs to make Kohli play at these. Serves another one just a little outside off, Kohli lets it be. |
| 8.4 : J Anderson to Kohli, Champion stuff! A beaut of a ball from Anderson. Kohli has to play at it and almost gets an outside edge to this where four slips are waiting for the edge. |
| 8.5 : J Anderson to Kohli, Kohli is being patient. Sees the ball outside off and shoulders his arms. |
| 8.6 : J Anderson to Kohli, End of a great over. Maiden for Jimmy and Kohli gives him due respect. Full and away from the batsmen who doesn't bother playing at it. |
| 9.1 : S Broad to Rahul, Full and around off, KL taps it in front of him. |
| 9.2 : S Broad to Rahul, Defended off the front foot by KL presenting the full face of the bat. |
| 9.3 : S Broad to L Rahul, Inside edge saves Rahul! Broad was up in appeal but the umpire stays put. Lands this around off, then ball comes back in. KL keeps his bat close to the pads and the ball gets the slightest of the edges. |
| 9.4 : S Broad to Rahul, Stays his in crease and blocks this one out. |
| 9.5 : S Broad to L Rahul, FOUR! Oh my god! What kind of an inside edge was that? Length ball around off, Rahul goes for the gentle push but gets a thick inside edge over the stumps, wide of Bairstow and to the fine leg fence. |
| 9.6 : S Broad to Rahul, The batsman lets the ball go outside his off stump. |
| 10.1 : J Anderson to Kohli, Well played! Pitched up ball around off, Kohli drives it through mid off and comes back for the second. |
| 10.2 : J Anderson to Kohli, Gets behind the ball and turns his bat to the on side. |
| 10.3 : J Anderson to Kohli, Another brace for Kohli. Gets behind the ball and whips this through square leg. An easy couple. |
| 10.4 : J Anderson to Kohli, Better from Anderson. This is the line he needs to bowl. Bowls it around off, Virat shoulders his arms. |
| 10.5 : J Anderson to V Kohli, Full on middle and leg, VK hits it to mid on. |
| 10.6 : J Anderson to Kohli, End of another Kohli-Anderson over. This one is outside off, Kohli watches it go past to the keeper. |
| 11.1 : S Broad to Rahul, Wide outside off stump, KL leaves it alone. |
| 11.2 : S Broad to Rahul, Full and outside off, Rahul drives it to cover-point to get off strike. |
| 11.3 : S Broad to Kohli, Soft hands, opens the face of the bat at the last moment and guides it past third slip. The deep point fielder runs to his left to mob it up and keep it to two. Coming to the ball, it was a slight fuller one just outside the off pole. |
| KL Rahul have had issues wafting outside the off stump. He has been out quite a few times inside edging the incoming deliveries. In the first innings too, he dragged one on off the inside edge. A few balls back also, Rahul inside edged one past the keeper. Seems a technical deficiency and he needs to sort it out soon. |
| 11.4 : S Broad to Kohli, Outside off, Kohli chooses to leave it alone. |
| 11.5 : S Broad to V Kohli, Back of a length ball around off, it comes back into Kohli who gets an inside edge to it. The ball rolls to the off side where they take a quick run. |
| 11.6 : Broad to Rahul, Nice from Broad. Gets another one to come back in from over the wicket. Rahul stays in his crease and leaves it alone. To his luck the ball does not go on to hit the off stick. |
| Ben Stokes is called into the attack. |
| 12.1 : Ben Stokes to Kohli, A mix up but all fine. Kohli hops a tad and taps it to the off side near the pitch. KL from the other end sets off but is rightly sent back by his skipper as Stokes does the fielding effort. |
| 12.2 : Ben Stokes to Kohli, Extra bounce surprises Kohli. This one is on a good length outside off, Kohli points his bat skywards and thinks of leaving it. The ball shoots up and hits Kohli on his forearm. No damage done. |
| 12.3 : Ben Stokes to Kohli, Brilliant from Jos. Saves a run for his team. Stokes bowls this full and outside off, Kohli reaches for it and finds the gap through covers. Buttler from covers, hares behind it and puts in a dive near the rope to save the boundary. They take three. |
| 12.4 : Ben Stokes to Rahul, Thick inside edge by the batsman, ball goes down to Fine Leg. One run added to the total. |
| 12.5 : Ben Stokes to Kohli, Defended off the front foot by Kohli presenting the full face of the bat. |
| 12.6 : Ben Stokes to Kohli, Full and wide outside off, Virat does not bother playing at it. |
| Sam Curran to bowl his first over. |
| 13.1 : Sam Curran to L Rahul, Loud shout for an lbw! But once again, the inside edge saves Rahul. Curran swings a length ball in from around off, KL is forward in defense. He's caught on the front pad but luckily for him, the ball takes the inside edge first before getting his pad. A single is taken as the ball rolls away on the off side. |
| 13.2 : Sam Curran to Kohli, This one goes away. Length delivery outside off, Kohli plays this behind point off the outer half. |
| 13.3 : Sam Curran to Rahul, Good length ball, on the stumps, blocked out safely. |
| 13.4 : Sam Curran to Rahul, The batsman shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the back foot. |
| 13.5 : Sam Curran to Rahul, Seaming back in on middle and off, Rahul is watchful as he keeps his bat close to his pad and defends it on the leg side. |
| 13.6 : Sam Curran to Rahul, Rock solid in defense again. Keeps it out with the full face of the bat to end the over. |
| 14.1 : Ben Stokes to Kohli, Good length ball outside off, it comes in a tad. Kohli shoulders his arms to it. |
| 14.2 : Ben Stokes to Kohli, Nice shot but no timing. Pitched up ball around off, Kohli goes for the drive but hits it straight to mid off. . |
| 14.3 : Ben Stokes to Kohli, Another full ball around off, Kohli turns his bat to the on side and takes an easy run. |
| 14.4 : Ben Stokes to Rahul, Full and outside off, Rahul watches it go to Bairstow. |
| 14.5 : Ben Stokes to Rahul, Gets the ball and taps in down. |
| 14.6 : Ben Stokes to L Rahul, OUT! What a peach of a ball from Stokes! Squares up Rahul and gets the better of him. Like we mentioned before KL has a problem outside off but this time he cannot do anything about it. Ben bowls this on a good length from round the wicket. It pitches and moves away sharply. Rahul looks to tuck it away but gets an edge to the keeper. The umpire raises his finger and Rahul walks. |
| Ajinkya Rahane walks in to accompany his skipper. |
| 15.1 : Curran to Kohli, Long and loud appeal but nothing from the umpire. Length ball around off, Kohli flirts at it but the ball goes to Bairstow. They all go up in unison but the umpire stays put. They think of the review but Jonny suggests them not to. Good idea as the replay show us there was daylight between bat and pad. |
| 15.2 : Sam Curran to Kohli, Kohli defends it from within the crease. |
| 15.3 : Sam Curran to Kohli, Defended off the back foot by the batsman. |
| 15.4 : Sam Curran to Kohli, Stays inside and plays it with a straight bat. |
| 15.5 : Sam Curran to Kohli, FOUR! Pure class! There is no stopping that. Pitched up outside off, Kohli leans in for the drive and creams it through covers. The ball races away. |
| 15.6 : Sam Curran to Kohli, INSIDE EDGE! On a good length around off, Kohli gets an inside edge trying to push it to the off side. The take the run as the ball is far from the fielder. |
| 16.1 : Ben Stokes to Kohli, Cuts this past point and gets to the other end. |
| 16.2 : Ben Stokes to Rahane, Good from Rahane. He is not in the best of forms but needs to stay there today. Flicks this off his pads through mid-wicket for a brace. |
| 16.3 : Ben Stokes to Rahane, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. |
| 16.4 : Ben Stokes to Rahane, Wide outside off, Rahane lets it be. |
| 16.5 : Ben Stokes to Rahane, Short ball down leg, Rahane does well to leave it alone. |
| 16.6 : Ben Stokes to Rahane, Rahane has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. |
| The last drinks break of the day has been taken. India lost three wickets in the first hour. The two most important batsmen are now in the middle. They need to stay there till the end of day's play. England will be the happier side as things stand. |
| 17.1 : Sam Curran to Kohli, FOUR! Minimal effort, maximum class! Shot from a man in form. Full and outside off, Kohli just connects bat with ball and like a sweet symphony, the ball just goes racing through the covers for a boundary. Beautiful. |
| 17.2 : Sam Curran to Kohli, Shaping back in on off, on a good length, Kohli blocks without any trouble. |
| 17.3 : Sam Curran to Kohli, Shortish delivery angling across, Virat rises on his toes and taps it down. Tries to beat Jennings at third slip but he stops it with a dive. |
| 17.4 : Sam Curran to Kohli, Opens the face of the bat and taps it away towards point. Single taken. |
| 17.5 : Sam Curran to Rahane, Fraction straight in line, Rahane works it to mid-wicket. Wants the single but Anderson there is quick to get to the ball and stop the batsmen from crossing over. |
| 17.6 : Sam Curran to Rahane, Fullish in length with some deviation in the air, Rahane presses forward and blocks it back down the track. |
| James Anderson is back into the attack. |
| 18.1 : J Anderson to Kohli, Beaten! Good movement off the seam for Anderson who drops it close to off. Makes it go away and whisker past the edge of Virat Kohli's bat. |
| 18.2 : J Anderson to Kohli, Timing. Just a firm punch and it's away. Kohli places it through the big gap in the covers and gets three for doing so. |
| 18.3 : J Anderson to Rahane, Too far outside off, no shot offered. |
| 18.4 : J Anderson to Rahane, Brings it in closer, Rahane leans across to get behind the line and meets it with the full face of the bat. |
| 18.5 : J Anderson to Rahane, The batsman shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the back foot. |
| 18.6 : J Anderson to Rahane, In the off stump channel, on a length, Rahane covers the line and lets it go. |
| 19.1 : Sam Curran to Kohli, Full and swinging away outside off, driven to mid off. |
| 19.2 : Sam Curran to Kohli, Almost! Almost. Not far away. But Kohli doesn't even think about it once. Just keeps his head down, already thinking about the next delivery. Good length ball angling across, just outside off, it whizzes past the edge to the keeper. |
| 19.3 : Sam Curran to V Kohli, On a fuller side of the length, pushed back down the track to the bowler. |
| Review time. It's for an lbw decision against Virat Kohli. Is he gone? Has the height saved him? Let's see now... |
| 19.4 : Curran to Kohli, KOHLI IS SAFE! The height has saved him. Not a bad delivery at all. Curran brings it back in from a length on off, Kohli, in defense (which has saved him), takes a big stride forward to defend. Brushes his front pad before hitting him on the back leg and an appeal goes up. The umpire says no but Curran and the rest of the English camp think long and hard as Root takes it upstairs. Replays show up on the big screen and they confirm that height is the problem. Kohli is safe |
| 19.5 : Sam Curran to Kohli, A touch straight in line, comfortably worked away to backward square leg for a single. |
| 19.6 : Sam Curran to Rahane, Short of a length on off, cramping Rahane for room, he can only stay back and block it down under his nose. |
| 20.1 : J Anderson to Kohli, Anderson keeps it full and Kohli offers a defensive blade in response. It begins again... |
| 20.2 : J Anderson to Kohli, Fuller length delivery further outside off, arms are shouldered to this one. |
| 20.3 : J Anderson to Kohli, Fired right up there, on off stump this time, Virat drives it straight back to the bowler. |
| 20.4 : J Anderson to Kohli, Well left. Jimmy shortens the length this time, keeps it outside off, VK covers his sticks and doesn't bother with it. |
| 20.5 : J Anderson to Kohli, Some extra bounce on this occasion. Outside off, same result though. |
| 20.6 : J Anderson to Kohli, Marginally ahead of a length outside off, tapped down in front of cover-point. End of the over. |
| 21.1 : Sam Curran to Rahane, Speared full , swinging in, Rahane gets perfectly behind the line and drives it to mid on. |
| 21.2 : Sam Curran to Rahane, Outside off this time, it's pushed to extra cover. |
| 21.3 : Sam Curran to Rahane, Short ball banged in on leg, Rahane hops and awkwardly fends it down on the leg side. |
| The umpire has gone upstairs to check whether Rahane really did edge that or not. There was a definite noise and the soft signal is out. They want to check whether the catch carried or not. |
| 21.4 : Sam Curran to Rahane, OUT! Sam Curran is continuing on with his fine form. Provides the breakthrough when it's needed. But, this wicket is largely down to Rahane's poor shot. It's a nothing delivery outside off, Rahane for some reason loosely feels for it and gets an under edge. It goes behind and Jonny Bairstow takes a low catch. He's up celebrating already but the umpire just wants to make sure if the catch was taken cleanly or not. He takes it upstairs and replays show that the catch is |
| Ravichandran Ashwin is sent in as the nightwatchman. |
| 21.5 : Sam Curran to Ashwin, Too straight and coming in on the pads, Ashwin closes the face early and pops a leading edge wide of short leg. |
| 21.6 : Sam Curran to Ashwin, FOUR! Perfect way to get off the mark. Too full and outside off, Ashwin leans into the shot and drives it crisply through the cover region for a boundary. |
| 22.1 : J Anderson to Kohli, Just back of a length outside off, Kohli walks out the crease to negate the movement and taps it wide of gully for a single. |
| 22.2 : J Anderson to Ashwin, Too wide outside off, Ashwin is not going to bother himself with that. |
| 22.3 : J Anderson to Ashwin, Short of a length on off, Ashwin stays behind the line and defends. |
| 22.4 : J Anderson to Ashwin, Comfortably beaten. Jimmy with a fuller length ball around off which shapes away and Ravi Ashwin with a drive and a miss. |
| 22.5 : J Anderson to Ashwin, Similar ball, similar shot. Just wider outside off. Same result. |
| 22.6 : J Anderson to Ashwin, Skidding off the surface a bit, it's clipped behind square leg for a run. |
| Ben Stokes returns. |
| 23.1 : Ben Stokes to Ashwin, Shorter in length in line of the stumps, blocked easily down the track. |
| 23.2 : Ben Stokes to Ashwin, Back of a length outside off, Ashwin deliberately hangs his bat inside the line and lets it be. |
| 23.3 : Ben Stokes to Ashwin, Angling in from wide of the crease, straightens up outside off, Ashwin once again hangs his bat inside the line and gets beaten. |
| 23.4 : Ben Stokes to Ashwin, FOUR! Superb shot. Second boundary for Ravi Ash. Bit too full and width offered outside off, Ashwin drives it square through point. Nobody there inside the ring or at the rope, so that's a sure boundary. |
| 23.5 : Ben Stokes to Ashwin, A needless push from Ashwin. Shortish outside off, could have easily left it alone but he still went after it and almost nicked it. |
| 23.6 : Ben Stokes to Ashwin, Shout for an lbw! Turned down. Fuller ball, keeping low and angling in a long way, catches Ashwin low on the pads and there's a big shout. The umpire correctly shuts it down as the ball was missing leg. |
| 24.1 : J Anderson to Kohli, Full outside off, Virat taps it to point and gets off strike. |
| 24.2 : J Anderson to R Ashwin, EDGY FOUR! Angling in at first and then seaming away, catches the outside edge of Ashwin's bat and flies wide of Jennings at wide third slip. No third man in place, so the ball will go away to the boundary line. |
| 24.3 : J Anderson to Ashwin, OUT! Edged and gone this time! Anderson strikes, showing his magic yet again. Keeps it in the channel outside off, a hint of away movement as Ravichandran Ashwin feels for it. Gets a feather behind and Jonny Bairstow does the rest. The move to send him at no.6 has not worked. England on top here, piling the pressure on the Indians. |
| Dinesh Karthik to bat next. |
| 24.4 : J Anderson to Karthik, Too wide outside off, but Karthik still goes after it. Almost edges it. The crowd is up on its feet, roaring with all its got. |
| 24.5 : J Anderson to Karthik, Off the mark. DK taps it down in front of point and crosses over. |
| 24.6 : J Anderson to Kohli, FOUR! Anderson errs in line and pays the price. Kohli moves inside the line, picks it off his hips and tickles it down across the fine leg fence for a boundary. |
| 25.1 : Ben Stokes to Karthik, Hurls in on the fourth stump line, with a hint of movement away, Karthik is beaten. |
| 25.2 : Ben Stokes to Karthik, Well left. Back of a length outside off, this time the batsmen leaves it alone. |
| 25.3 : Ben Stokes to Karthik, Loud scream from Stokes for a leg before, but height again has restricted the umpire from raising his finger. Angling in on middle and off, Karthik prods forward and is caught high on the pads. |
| 25.4 : Ben Stokes to Karthik, Run down to third man for an easy one. |
| 25.5 : Ben Stokes to V Kohli, Plays it with soft hands. Length delivery going away after angling in first, Kohli plays it off the outer half just in front of a diving Keaton Jennings at third slip. One run to the total. |
| 25.6 : Ben Stokes to Karthik, Worked through mid-wicket with the flick of the wrists and gets two comfortably for it. |
| 26.1 : J Anderson to Kohli, Curling away from a full length outside off, Kohli pushes it away just wide of mid off for a brisk single. |
| 26.2 : J Anderson to Karthik, Lands it wider outside off, on a length, arms are shouldered to that one. |
| 26.3 : J Anderson to Karthik, Angling in on middle and leg, Karthik walks a step across and flicks it through square leg for a single. |
| 26.4 : J Anderson to Kohli, The ball is way outside the off stump, easy leave for the batsman. |
| 26.5 : J Anderson to Kohli, Too far outside off, VK will not go near that. |
| 26.6 : J Anderson to Kohli, Shaping away from around off, a good length delivery which Kohli dabs to gully with an open face. |
| 27.1 : Ben Stokes to Karthik, Pounded in short, on middle and leg, DK ducks and evades. |
| 27.2 : Ben Stokes to Karthik, FOUR! This will do Karthik a lot of good. His first boundary of this Test. Full and outside off, DK drives this on the up and beautifully pierces the gap through the covers to send it across the boundary line. |
| 27.3 : Ben Stokes to Karthik, Moving away late on off, from a length, tapped down in front of point for a quick run. India need 100 more to win this game. |
| 27.4 : Ben Stokes to Kohli, Angles it in full from wide of the crease, just outside off, VK drives it to mid off with the full face of the bat. |
| 27.5 : Ben Stokes to Kohli, Bumper down the leg side, not bothered with by the batsman. |
| 27.6 : Ben Stokes to Kohli, Well left. Stokes lands it in the corridor of uncertainty, so Kohli doesn't take any chances and lets it be. |
| Stuart Broad is called back on. Can he get another wicket? Or more importantly, get Virat Kohli? |
| 28.1 : S Broad to Karthik, Wide outside off stump, the batsman leaves it alone. |
| 28.2 : S Broad to Karthik, A little too full outside off, driven right off the middle but straight to the cover fielder. |
| 28.3 : S Broad to Karthik, Too far outside off, Dinesh at first reaches out to play at it but then withdraws from the shot. |
| 28.4 : S Broad to Karthik, Leaves this ball outside the line of off stump. |
| 28.5 : S Broad to Karthik, FOUR! Off the edge but Karthik played that with hard hands. Walked a step out of the crease to negate the movement probably and drove, only to get it off the edge past Jennings at third slip who couldn't stop it with a dive. It ran down to third man for a boundary. |
| 28.6 : S Broad to Karthik, Length delivery kicking off the surface on off, catches the inside edge of DK's bat before crashing into his pads. |
| 29.1 : Ben Stokes to Kohli, Punches this length ball through cover-point and picks up a single. |
| 29.2 : Ben Stokes to D Karthik, Played it with soft hands. Nicely done. Shaping away from a length around off, Karthik gets an edge behind towards Jennings who dives and saves it this time. |
| 29.3 : Ben Stokes to Karthik, Short ball from Big Ben, the batsman ducks and evades. |
| 29.4 : Ben Stokes to Karthik, Shaping back in on middle and leg, goes off the thigh pad and through backward square leg. With this, the 100 comes up for India. |
| 29.5 : Ben Stokes to Kohli, Short of a good length outside off, punched off the back foot square through point. One run to the total. |
| 29.6 : Ben Stokes to Karthik, Another big shout! Turned down. Impact is outside off. Fuller length ball angling in from well outside off, Karthik plants his front foot across to block and wears it on the pads. Big appeal, but correctly the umpire says no. |
| 30.1 : S Broad to Kohli, In the corridor outside off, left alone. |
| 30.2 : S Broad to Kohli, Full and outside off, a firm punch from Virat Kohli to the man at cover. |
| 30.3 : S Broad to Kohli, Landed on a good length and well outside off, another simple leave from the Indian skipper. |
| 30.4 : S Broad to Kohli, Kohli opens his body up a bit, opens the face of the bat too and pushes it through point for one run. |
| 30.5 : S Broad to Karthik, Brings the length delivery in closer to off, Dinesh is firm in his defense. |
| 30.6 : S Broad to Karthik, A solid square drive from DK through point and he'll retain strike with that. |
| 31.1 : Ben Stokes to Karthik, Angling in on middle and off, he's right behind the line and keeps it out. |
| 31.2 : Ben Stokes to Karthik, Stays back and keeps it out with a straight blade. |
| 31.3 : Ben Stokes to Karthik, Short and angling in on leg, Karthik rises and fends it away behind square on the leg side. |
| 31.4 : Ben Stokes to Karthik, The batsman defends it from within the crease. |
| 31.5 : Ben Stokes to Karthik, Bends his back and hits the deck hard, at 140 clicks, Dinesh has nothing to do with it. |
| 31.6 : Ben Stokes to Karthik, Another bouncer, another left alone. |
| Seems play is further extended by an additional 20 minutes. Possibly to cover up for the overs lost due to bad light earlier in the day. Ironically, it's bright and sunny now... |
| 32.1 : S Broad to Kohli, Good length delivery outside off with some good pace on it. 142 kph. Kohli tries to have a poke at it but gets beaten. |
| 32.2 : S Broad to Kohli, Outside off again, on a length, left alone. |
| 32.3 : S Broad to Kohli, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. |
| 32.4 : S Broad to Kohli, Comes half-forward to this fuller length ball and keeps it out. |
| 32.5 : S Broad to Kohli, Virat Kohli chooses to leave the ball outside his off stump. |
| 32.6 : S Broad to Kohli, Rises to get on top of the bounce and guides it to third man for a single. |
| 33.1 : Ben Stokes to Kohli, Back of a length ball on middle and leg, Kohli hops and tucks it away to fine leg for a run. |
| 33.2 : Ben Stokes to Karthik, Short ball on off, DK sways away from it. |
| 33.3 : Ben Stokes to Karthik, Another back of a length ball down the leg side, no trouble for Karthik in leaving it alone. |
| 33.4 : Ben Stokes to Karthik, The ball is too wide on the off side for DK to make any contact. |
| 33.5 : Ben Stokes to Karthik, On a shorter length again outside off, easy leave for the Indian keeper. |
| 33.6 : Ben Stokes to Karthik, Angles this into the hips of DK who bunts it down. |
| Adil Rashid is on to have a go with the ball in these final few minutes. |
| 34.1 : A Rashid to V Kohli, Tossed up outside off, Kohli goes with the spin and drives it through the covers for a single. |
| 34.2 : A Rashid to Karthik, Good save from Root. Karthik leans into the floated ball and drives it to the left of mid off. Joe there moves swiftly to his left and keeps the batsmen to just one. |
| 34.3 : A Rashid to Kohli, Pushes this into the covers and changed ends. |
| 34.4 : A Rashid to Karthik, Karthik is resolute in defense as he comes forward and meets it with the full face of the bat. |
| 34.5 : A Rashid to Karthik, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground. |
| 34.6 : A Rashid to Karthik, This is driven square through point. Karthik wants the second as Broad chases it down, but Kohli very loudly says no. Just the single. |
| 35.1 : Ben Stokes to Karthik, Back of a length just outside off, Karthik rises on his toes and keeps it out. |
| 35.2 : Ben Stokes to Karthik, Sharp bumper on middle and leg, going further down, Dinesh crouches low and lets it sail over his head. |
| 35.3 : Ben Stokes to Karthik, Slower and short around off, Karthik is not interested in anything short. He arches back and lets it pass through. |
| 35.4 : Ben Stokes to Karthik, Banged in short again, on off, fended down well in front of gully. |
| 35.5 : Ben Stokes to Karthik, Full and on the pads from around the wicket, Karthik flicks it neatly through backward square leg. Easy single on offer. Kohli on strike for the last ball of the day. Can Stokes get him? |
| 35.6 : Ben Stokes to Kohli, No, he can't. Bit of a waste, really. Didn't even make Kohli play. Short ball angling down, the Indian skipper leaves it alone. STUMPS ON DAY 3! |
| Sam Curran is caught on the sidelines for a little chat. On being asked who is in a better position, he says that he feels they are as they have picked up five wickets. Says it is a special day and continues saying that this is going to be a good Test. On being asked if they need to get Virat Kohli, he mentions that they also need to get the four wickets at the other end. Thanks the Barmy Army for their support. Reckons that the first hour of Day 4 will be crucial and ends saying that hopefully |
| A fine end of a day where some more spectacular Test cricket was on display. The game isn't over by any means, but the balance is slightly tipped in England's favour. Sam Curran gave the hosts a chance to begin with. Had it not been for his attacking fifty, this game might have more or less been over by now. But the Englishmen are in it with a real chance. |
| Curran's good show with the bat was backed up by the bowling department well. Everybody except for Adil Rashid chipped in with the wickets to send half the Indian side back in the hut. The onus once again lies on India's fearless leader Virat Kohli. Much like the first innings, he holds the key to the visitors' success in this game. He is partnered by Dinesh Karthik at the other end and the pair will have a big job come the morning of Day 4. |
| With still 84 runs to win, if England break this current partnership early, or somehow manage to get Kohli, this match is theirs for the taking. The fourth day is going to be the final one, one way or the other, and you'd be missing out on a gem if you don't tune in. Join in at 1100 local (1000 GMT) to catch all the action. Goodbye and cheers! |
| ...DAY 4, FIRST SESSION... |
| Five wickets, 84 runs - Pick your winner, folks, and then sit back tight to enjoy the ride. The coming morning session could be the last one of this edge-of-the-seat Edgbaston Test and it promises to be nerve-wracking. Hello and welcome everyone, the action is not far away. Stay with us as we build up... |
| It was a topsy-turvy Day 3 which ended with England having their noses just in front. It all started with Ishant Sharma's terrific spell where he claimed a fifer to put England on the mat. But then Sam Curran led a fightback along with the tail and swelled the lead to 193. If dropped catches were the highlights of the second day and made Dawid Malan infamous, the dropped catches by Shikhar Dhawan yesterday could very well make him the villain if India lose this Test match. It goes without saying |
| The Indian skipper on the past two days has shown tremendous mental toughness and all eyes will be on him. It won't be wrong to assume that if he stays till the end, the chase-master, as he is known, has the ability (more than that) to hand India the series lead. The bigger question though is who will support him? So far, Dinesh Karthik has shown that desire and the touring team will be hoping that he sticks around for a longer duration on this decisive day. |
| Pitch Report - For the fourth day in a row, Sanjay Manjrekar stands by the square and analyzes it. Says the rough patches haven't got deeper which says a lot about the nature of the surface. Adds there is lateral movement and variable bounce, as shown clearly in these past few days. Mentions the difference, as there were no patches of soil on Day 1, but there is wear and tear now as the days have gone by. Zooms in on the deck and says that there is variable bounce because the ball bounces half o |
| 'We will go to bed dreaming about getting Kohli out first thing' said James Anderson in the press conference last evening. Let's see if that dream comes true. Here he is, running in to bowl with Dinesh Karthik on strike. Three slips in place. |
| 36.1 : J Anderson to Karthik, Starts with an outswinger outside off, it's on a length, Karthik watches the line closely before making a leave. The idea seems to tempt him into a drive. |
| 36.2 : J Anderson to Karthik, Another outswinger by Anderson. On a good length this time, just outside off, Karthik stays back and allows it through. |
| 36.3 : J Anderson to Karthik, Action replay. Good probing lines by Anderson. Keeping it on and around off, making it to leave the batsman, Karthik, so far, has been assured in leaving those. Watch out for that inswinger! |
| 36.4 : J Anderson to Karthik, Back of a length ball angling into the batsman, it nips away a bit with extra bounce, Karthik tries defending from the crease with soft hands and ends up playing it off the outside edge. Goes wide of the slip cordon for a couple of runs. |
| 36.5 : J Anderson to Karthik, Here comes the inswinger. Karthik is forward to defend but is beaten by the inward movement. He is rapped on the pads, the Englishmen roar along with the English crowd but the umpire shakes his head. Impact was the issue, Jimmy knows that and advises his skipper against going for the DRS. Good call. |
| Caught behind! Huge celebration from England. Karthik has started to walk. Is near the rope but is stopped as the umpire wants to check for the front foot no ball and the cleanliness of the catch. Let's see... |
| 36.6 : J Anderson to Karthik, OUT! Everything is fine in the replays and DK continues with his long walk back to the pavilion. Fantastic bowling by Anderson. Backs up the last inswinger with a delivery shaping away. Lands it close to the off stump line and keeps it on the shorter side. Karthik stays back to play the line but doesn't account for the away movement. It takes the outside edge and flies behind towards second slip. Dawid Malan there makes no mistake this time as he grabs a low catch in |
| Hardik Pandya is in next. 82 more needed. Stuart Broad to bowl from the other end. |
| 37.1 : S Broad to Kohli, Good length delivery in the channel outside off, Kohli covers the line and shoulders arms. |
| 37.2 : S Broad to Kohli, Gentle hands from Kohli as he pushes it through backward point for a single. |
| 37.3 : S Broad to Pandya, Well played. A length ball outside off, Hardik has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. |
| 37.4 : S Broad to Pandya, Beaten! Full and outside off, Hardik is on the front foot in defense and is beaten. No need to do that when the line is wide. |
| 37.5 : S Broad to Pandya, Goes short and wide outside off, Hardik shows a lot of restrain as he lets it be. His temperament will be tested today. |
| 37.6 : S Broad to Pandya, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. |
| 38.1 : J Anderson to Kohli, Lands it full and just around off, Kohli pushes it with soft hands to cover-point and steals a single. England won't mind that. |
| 38.2 : J Anderson to Pandya, Pitches it full around off, moving in, Pandya gets forward and across before pushing it off the inner half of the bat to mid-wicket. |
| 38.3 : J Anderson to Pandya, Watchful, very watchful. A length delivery in the channel outside off, shaping back in a shade, Pandya, who is standing a bit outside his crease to counter the movement, allows it through. |
| 38.4 : J Anderson to Pandya, Anderson alters his length and tries to surprise the batsman. But his short delivery is way wide outside off to bother Hardik. |
| 38.5 : J Anderson to Pandya, This one moves back into the batsman from a length around off, Pandya walks across a bit and tucks it off his pads through backward square leg. A couple of runs taken. Hardik is off the mark. 78 more needed by India. |
| 38.6 : J Anderson to Pandya, A little short and around middle, once again Pandya works it across the line towards square leg and crosses. |
| 39.1 : S Broad to Pandya, Full and angling in on off, Pandya lunges and defends it back. |
| 39.2 : S Broad to Pandya, Beaten! That's the downside of overly committing yourself on the front foot without reading the line and length. It's around off, holding its line, Hardik draws forward to play the line but misses. |
| 39.3 : S Broad to Pandya, Better from Pandya. Gets on the front foot to a full ball angling into him around off. He then offers a straight bat in defense. |
| 39.4 : S Broad to Pandya, Another sound defense shown by Hardik Pandya. Broad is working on a good line here. Making the batsman play every ball. |
| 39.5 : S Broad to Pandya, Well left in the end. Broad hurls it on a good length outside off, getting it to curve back in a bit off the seam, Pandya takes a stride forward to cover the line and then shoulders arms. |
| 39.6 : S Broad to Pandya, A real tempter by Broad. Serves it up and invites the drive. The usually aggressive Pandya keeps his calm, senses the situation and lets it be. It's never easy for a batsman like him to let go those tempters. Fine over by Broad. |
| 40.1 : J Anderson to Kohli, Anderson bowls a length delivery in the channel outside off, Kohli makes a safe leave. |
| 40.2 : J Anderson to Kohli, Kohli has been brilliant playing with soft hands. An outswinger outside off, the Indian skipper presses forward and strokes it square of the wicket for a single. As we said earlier, England won't mind it much. But they also need to be careful. If Hardik gets his eye in, we all know how quickly he can finish this chase. |
| 40.3 : J Anderson to Pandya, On a length around off, defended off the back foot by Pandya. |
| 40.4 : J Anderson to Pandya, This one is wider outside off, Pandya is in no mood to flirt with anything not in his half. |
| 40.5 : J Anderson to Pandya, Keeps on probing around off. Another outswinger, angling in and leaving the batsman, Hardik lets it go to Bairstow. |
| 40.6 : J Anderson to Pandya, Back of a length ball on off, Pandya plays it late this time which allows him to place his shot with the movement. He dabs it past the gully fielder and retains strike with a single. |
| 41.1 : S Broad to Pandya, Full and swinging in around off, Pandya gets forward and pushes it back. They show a clip of this morning where there was a long conversation between Pandya and Kohli. The skipper has already planned the move and now it's all about the execution. |
| 41.2 : S Broad to Pandya, The ball is way outside the off stump, easy leave for the batsman. |
| 41.3 : S Broad to H Pandya, A confident drive off the front foot by Pandya but he finds the mid off fielder. |
| 41.4 : S Broad to H Pandya, Risky, very risky. Direct hit would have been interesting. Angling into the batsman, Pandya forces it down to mid on and scampers across to the other end. Anderson there picks up the ball but misses his shy at the bowler's end. The replays show Pandya would have been in. Good part is that there was no hesitation between the batsmen for this run. Still is there a need to take these unnecessary chances? |
| 41.5 : S Broad to Kohli, Rising delivery around off, Kohli goes on his toes and defends it down without much discomfort. This is only the sixth ball he has faced this morning. |
| 41.6 : S Broad to Kohli, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. |
| 42.1 : J Anderson to Pandya, Good length delivery in the channel outside off, shaping away, Hardik shoulders arms. |
| 42.2 : J Anderson to Pandya, Another delivery outside off, Pandya makes another leave. |
| 42.3 : J Anderson to Pandya, Play and a miss! Nervy moment for Pandya and the Indian team. Anderson makes the ball talk yet again. Serves an out-curler. Gives good direction to this delivery as he lands it on a length close to off stump. Pandya stays back, pushes inside the line and misses. |
| 42.4 : J Anderson to Pandya, Smart thinking by Jimmy but Hardik also was up to the challenge. Reads the inswinger quite well and nudges it off his pads to backward square leg for a single. |
| 42.5 : J Anderson to Kohli, Shortish and outside off, left alone by Kohli. |
| 42.6 : J Anderson to Kohli, Kohli has played that off the front foot and into the ground. He is rock solid. Won't be easy for England to breach his watertight defense. Need to keep working on the batsmen at the other end as the success rate promises to be higher there. |
| 43.1 : S Broad to Pandya, Good length ball on off, defended. |
| 43.2 : S Broad to Pandya, The ball is too wide on the off side for the batsman to make any contact. |
| 43.3 : S Broad to Pandya, Full and angling in around off, Pandya strides forward and pushes it down towards mid off. |
| 43.4 : S Broad to Pandya, FOUR! Shot! Huge cheer from the Indian contingent in the crowd. Broad goes searching for the magical ball but ends up serving a juicy half-volley around off. Pandya brings down a straight bat and drives it crisply down the ground for a glorious boundary. Confidence-booster! |
| 43.5 : S Broad to Pandya, Well left. In the channel outside off, Pandya doesn't get carried away after the last shot, returns to being watchful as he makes a leave. |
| 43.6 : S Broad to Pandya, Nearly edges it. Back of a length delivery around off, some late movement there, Pandya is a bit squared up as he play inside the line and misses. |
| 44.1 : J Anderson to Kohli, It's a plan surely. Give a single to Kohli and get him off strike. A delivery around middle and leg, Kohli deflects his off his pads to fine leg for a single. |
| 44.2 : J Anderson to Pandya, Too full in length and on middle, Pandya leans forward and flicks it across the line. Curran moves across to his left from mid-wicket, puts in a dive but fails to make a clean stop. It probably brushes his fingers as it speeds behind. Broad chases it down from mid on and they take three runs. |
| 44.3 : J Anderson to Kohli, Wide outside off stump, the batsman leaves it alone. |
| 44.4 : J Anderson to Kohli, FOUR! 17th fifty for Virat Kohli. India's hope is going strong. Anderson once again is too straight in his line to the Indian skipper. Kohli moves across and tickles it fine down the leg side for a boundary. Not any celebration, he is focused, knows that the job is not done yet. 61 more needed. |
| 44.5 : Anderson to Kohli, Shout for an lbw! Anderson with a sharp inswinger. It nips back in from a length outside off, Kohli is drawn forward in defense but misses the ball. He is struck on the pads, James appeal but the umpire shakes his head. Point of impact looking outside off. |
| 44.6 : J Anderson to Kohli, Back of a length delivery outside off, Kohli stands back and taps it down to gully. Nicely controlled. |
| 45.1 : S Broad to Pandya, FOUR! Sublime! Broad once again overpitches outside off, Pandya takes a little stride forward, doesn't look to hit it hard and just caresses it through the line. It goes past the bowler and the left side of the mid off fielder for a boundary. |
| 45.2 : S Broad to Pandya, Good length ball angling into the batsman, Hardik defends it off his back foot. |
| 45.3 : S Broad to Pandya, FOUR! Another boundary for India! The target is reducing every minute and England will start to feel the heat. An inswinger by Broad around off, Pandya gets forward and across before clipping it with beautiful timing through mid-wicket for a boundary. |
| 45.4 : S Broad to Pandya, Before this delivery, Broad and Anderson had a chat. Maybe, discussing the line to bowl to Pandya. After that, Stuart delivers it full and outside off, skidding off the surface, Pandya allows it through. |
| 45.5 : S Broad to Pandya, Well negotiated. Short in length around off, jumping onto the batsman, Pandya rises on his back foot and defends it down. |
| 45.6 : S Broad to Pandya, Ugly but effective. Short in length just outside off, Pandya almost got lured into playing at it but then at the last moment he left it. |
| Ben Stokes is the first bowling change of the morning. 53 more needed. |
| 46.1 : Ben Stokes to Kohli, Fractionally short in length and around middle, Kohli covers the line and plays it down with soft hands to mid-wicket. |
| 46.2 : Ben Stokes to Kohli, On a length and outside off, Kohli taps it down towards the gully region and looks for a run. His partner sends him back. |
| Virat Kohli is adjudged lbw! He looks a dead duck but has reviewed it. England are celebrating. They are very sure. Let's have a look... |
| 46.3 : Stokes to Kohli, OUT! Stokes has struck gold! Massive, massive moment in the game. Kohli trudges off the ground. He is getting a standing ovation though. Knowing him, he will be deeply disappointed. It was a good delivery to be honest. Stokes surprises the Indian skipper with an inswinger. It jags back in from around off, Kohli plants his front foot forward and across as he attempts to flick it. Misses the ball completely to get rapped on the pads and they let out a huge cry for an lbw. Um |
| Mohammed Shami is the new batsman. 53 more needed. |
| 46.4 : Ben Stokes to Shami, Short in length and outside off, Shami initially looks to play at it but the withdraws his bat. |
| 46.5 : Ben Stokes to Shami, What a delivery! Short around off, zipping off the surface and beats Shami all ends up. |
| 46.6 : Ben Stokes to Shami, OUT! Stokes with the double strike and this leaves India reeling in some serious trouble. Edgbaston roars in unison along with Ben Stokes. Back of a length, Big Ben hits the deck hard and angles it in on off, Shami hangs his bat to defend and the edge is drawn. It goes behind and Jonny Bairstow completes the formalities. 53 runs runs still to win, only two wickets in hand. Hardik Pandya is the last remaining hope for India. It's all going down in Birmingham. |
| Ishant Sharma is in next. Sam Curran is also into the attack. |
| 47.1 : Sam Curran to H Pandya, A fullish ball on off, Pandya drives it towards wide mid off and crosses. |
| 47.2 : Sam Curran to Sharma, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. |
| 47.3 : Sam Curran to Sharma, Appeal for a catch! Is it a bump ball? The umpires get together before going upstairs. A low full toss outside off, Ishant pushes at it and gets it away off the outside edge. The gully fielder catches it and they appeal. It's referred upstairs and the replays detect a bump ball. |
| 47.4 : Sam Curran to Sharma, Sharma has played that off the front foot and into the ground. |
| 47.5 : Sam Curran to Sharma, A length ball on off, shaping in and staying a bit low too, Sharma defends it well. |
| 47.6 : Sam Curran to I Sharma, Plays a delightful drive to this full ball but finds the fielder at cover-point. |
| 48.1 : Ben Stokes to Pandya, Hardik strangely is not looking to farm strike. A length ball on middle, Pandya works it wide of mid on and takes a single. |
| 48.2 : Ben Stokes to Sharma, FOUR! Well played, Ishant! A length ball outside off, Sharma stays back to play at it with an angled bat. Gets it away from the sweet spot of the bat as it races down past gully for a boundary. Under 50 needed now for India! |
| 48.3 : Ben Stokes to Sharma, Fullish and on off, Ishant keeps his weight on the back foot and pushes it to the off side. |
| Point moves a little backward. No third man in place still. |
| 48.4 : Ben Stokes to Sharma, FOUR! Another boundary down to third man. Surely, Root will be thinking now to put a fielder there. Ishant though was in no control this time. Stokes bangs it in short, takes Sharma by surprise with the extra lift. The tall batsman fends at it and it flies off the splice of the bat. Goes over gully and speeds away to the fence. |
| 48.5 : Ben Stokes to Sharma, On a shorter length and around middle, Sharma works it to fine leg for one. Some altercation between Stokes and Hardik there. Not sure what the issue is! |
| 48.6 : Ben Stokes to Pandya, Chooses to leave the ball outside his off stump. 10 from the over, great for India in the context of this chase. |
| Drinks break. The players need it. It has been an electrifying first hour. India are under the pump after losing three wickets although the current pair has given them a slight hope. 42 more needed. |
| Massive moment! Adil Rashid to bowl. Hardik Pandya will be desperate to get on strike. |
| 49.1 : A Rashid to Sharma, Full flighted ball around off, Sharma gets forward with a big lunge and defends. He is so much forward and that loses his balance a bit. |
| 49.2 : A Rashid to Sharma, Wow, nicely swept. Ishant is down on one knee and works it across the line with a horizontal bat. The ball travels to deep square leg and they take two. |
| 49.3 : A Rashid to Sharma, Sharma has played that off the front foot and into the ground. |
| 49.4 : A Rashid to Sharma, Flatter and shorter on off, Ishant goes on the back foot and pushes it to covers. |
| 49.5 : A Rashid to Sharma, Appeal for a catch! Although only the bowler is interested. Flighted leg spinner outside off, turning away, Ishant tries to drive but misses. It spins so much that the first slip fielder catches it. |
| Ishant Sharma is not given out lbw! England have taken the DRS. Looks plumb. |
| 49.6 : Rashid to Sharma, OUT! It's plumb and the number 9 goes down for India. Adil Rashid has done the job for England. A well-disguised googly by the leggie, not read by Ishant, who gets forward to defend. Misses the ball completely and is rapped on the pads. They appeal but the umpire remains unmoved. Rashid is very sure and Joe Root gets convinced. Takes the DRS and the replays show three reds. No inside edge also though there is some spike on the Snicko. But it can be of the bat touching the |
| Umesh Yadav is the last batsman for India. |
| 50.1 : Ben Stokes to Pandya, Fired full and outside off, Hardik drills it to wide mid off. Won't take the run this time, maybe should have done the same with Ishant too in the previous over. |
| 50.2 : Ben Stokes to Pandya, Good length delivery around off, kept out off the back foot. |
| 50.3 : Ben Stokes to Pandya, Stokes goes a little fuller, keeps it close to off, Hardik comes half-forward and blocks it. |
| 50.4 : Ben Stokes to H Pandya, Hardik drives this full delivery down through mid off with the full face of the bat. Root has his men spread out in the deep now, doesn't mind Pandya getting off strike. No run taken though. |
| 50.5 : Ben Stokes to Pandya, Back of a length angling in, on leg, strikes Pandya on the hips and falls on the leg side. |
| 50.6 : Ben Stokes to Pandya, FOUR! Finds the fence with a crunching shot! He gets four runs but that means Umesh Yadav will be on strike for the next over. Fuller around off, Pandya lofts it cleanly over extra cover for a boundary. 36 to win now. |
| 51.1 : A Rashid to Yadav, Leans forward to a full ball and drives it with the spin to backward point. |
| 51.2 : A Rashid to Yadav, Floated and full outside off, Yadav once again draws forward and blocks. He needs to be careful as Adil will be eyeing a googly anytime now. |
| 51.3 : A Rashid to Yadav, Another forward press by Umesh as he blocks it to the off side. |
| 51.4 : A Rashid to Yadav, A leg spinner again but the line is on middle this time. Yadav stretches forward in defense. |
| Jos Buttler comes in at silly point. |
| 51.5 : A Rashid to Yadav, Beaten! Tossed up ball around off, turning away, Umesh plays inside the line and gets beaten. Not too far away from the outside edge. |
| 51.6 : A Rashid to Yadav, A low full toss on off, it's driven to sweeper cover. No run taken. |
| 52.1 : Ben Stokes to Pandya, Fractionally short in length around off, Pandya gets behind the line and pushes it down to long on. Denies the single. |
| 52.2 : Ben Stokes to Pandya, Pitches it full and outside off, Hardik drives it back with good timing but Stokes does well in his followthrough to stop the ball. |
| 52.3 : Ben Stokes to Pandya, Shortish and outside off, Pandya stands back and slap it to deep point. Comes out of the crease but then decides against the run. |
| 52.4 : Ben Stokes to H Pandya, Good length ball angling in, Pandya pushes it down to long off. Not taking singles. |
| 52.5 : Ben Stokes to H Pandya, Stokes sprays it full and wide outside off, Pandya bunts it to extra cover and takes a single. Umesh has one ball to survive. |
| 52.6 : Ben Stokes to Yadav, Angles in a length ball around off, Yadav gets behind the line and blocks it safely. |
| Hardik Pandya on strike now. Will Joe Root risk bowling Adil Rashid now? 35 more needed. Yes, the English skipper has taken a punt. |
| 53.1 : A Rashid to Pandya, Tossed up ball around off, Pandya pushes it with the spin to the off side. |
| 53.2 : A Rashid to Pandya, Flighted and full around off, Pandya swings his bat across the line, gives a mighty hack but gets it away off the inner half of the bat. It goes over mid-wicket and Anderson in the deep makes a diving stop near the fence. Saves two for his team. |
| 53.3 : A Rashid to Pandya, Shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the back foot. |
| 53.4 : A Rashid to Pandya, Stays back and punches it down to long on. Turns down the single. |
| 53.5 : A Rashid to Pandya, Full and floated on middle, forced down to long on for a run. |
| Silly point comes in. Googly? |
| 53.6 : A Rashid to Yadav, Nopes. Bowls a flatter leg spinner on off, Yadav defends it off his back foot. This is not over yet. |
| 54.1 : Ben Stokes to Pandya, Good length ball angling into the batsman, Pandya gets forward and pushes it back off the inner half of the bat. |
| 54.2 : Ben Stokes to H Pandya, OUT! Stokes hunts down Pandya! ENGLAND WIN BY 31 RUNS! It's a back of a length delivery in the channel outside off, holding its line, Pandya could have left it alone but instead has a needless poke inside the line. Gets a thick outside edge behind to Cook at first slip who makes no mistake. Joe Root runs in joy, the English team is ecstatic as they take a 1-0 lead in the series. |
| If next time your friend tells you that Test cricket is dying, either unfriend him or show him this match. Really fortunate to watch two of the best teams producing a gem of a contest. Take a bow, England. Commiserations, India. |
| This match was nicely set up in the morning. 84 runs and five wickets - that was the equation. India's hopes were pinned on Virat Kohli. They lost Dinesh Karthik very early but kept on believing. England probably derived a strategy to have Kohli off strike by giving him easy singles. As a result, we saw Hardik Pandya facing more balls in that partnership. But once Ben Stokes dismissed the Indian skipper, the writing was on the wall. Although Pandya was still there, the pressure was immense and h |
| This Test match had all the ingredients for a spicy movie. Root's knock on Day 1, Kohli running him out with the mic drop celebration. Sam Curran's swinging spell to destroy India's top half. Stokes-Anderson's top spells to put India in tatters. Dawid Malan dropping the Indian skipper twice. Virat Kohli hurting him and England with a crafty century. Not to forget his vital stands worth 92 runs with the tail. |
| Phew. Let me catch some breath before I continue. There were never-ending heart-pumping moments. Day 3 saw Ishant Sharma running amok with a fifer, followed by Sam Curran's delightful knock. The dropped catches by Shikhar Dhawan hurt India badly as England managed to stretch their lead to 193. After that, it was over to England's bowlers in typical English conditions. India were soon reduced into half with their batsmen barring Kohli showing zero skill and application. Ben Stokes finished things |
| Ben Stokes, completely overwhelmed by the situation, says on Day 3 they were magnificent with the ball. Praises Sam Curran's heroics with the bat as he think it was the turning point in the game. States Virat Kohli played brilliantly in the first innings, but since the ball was swinging, there was always a chance. Reckons it's a great start to this Test series. Adds he wasn't sure what to expect when he came into the game, but applauds India as a team and is expecting a tough battle as the serie |
| Indian skipper, Virat Kohli says it was a great game of cricket for everyone watching. Is glad to be a part of such an exciting Test match. States England were relentless in the areas they hit with the ball and made them work hard for every run. Feels a little disappointed his team lost out but is happy with the fight his players showed. Will focus on the positives from this game and build on from that. Stresses that application is the key and that's something they must carry forward into the ne |
| England skipper, Joe Root says he feels thrilled to win and it was a fantastic team performance. Mentions it's an easy thing to do to criticize the batters, but the bowlers did extremely well. He mentions he told the guys to show some passion and keep their calm, and that would ultimately win them the game. Praises the atmosphere and states that he was feeling calm throughout. On Virat Kohli's wicket, he mentions that he didn't think the game was over by any means and didn't get ahead of himself |
| Man of the Match, Sam Curran is overwhelmed and feels the atmosphere is quite special in the stadium. Feels glad that Ben Stokes got rid of Virat Kohli because everyone knows what a big wicket his is. Praises the Barmy Army for their continuous support and is happy he was able to experience it. Mentions he took a leaf out of Kohli's book on how to play with the tail, which is part of the reason why he was able to do well. He's grateful that he's able to share the dressing room with experienced c |
| Time to bring down the curtain on this outstanding Test match. Both teams gave it their all and we are expecting more similar contests in the upcoming games. We have only started, folks. It's a 5-match series. The second Test is at Lord's, starting from 9th August, at 1100 local (1000 GMT). Don't forget to join us again. Until next time, goodbye and cheers! |
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