| 0.0 : Hello and welcome everyone! England's tour of India kicks off today with the first of the 5-match Test series beginning in Rajkot. The visitors are coming after a drawn series in Bangladesh and will need to raise their game considerably if they are to compete with the hosts. India haven't lost a Test at home since late 2012 which was coincidentally against their current opponents. England are also the only side to win a Test series in India in this decade. While all this is a morale booster for |
| India's Test form is on an upswing and are looking particularly flawless at home. They are just coming after thumping New Zealand. For England to challenge the home side, they'll have to solidify their batting which looked shaky from what one saw in Bangladesh recently. Alastair Cook and Joe Root need to step up although the tourists boast of arguably the best lower order in Test cricket at the moment. The visitors will need to adapt better to spin than what they did against Bangladesh. Toss wil |
| Pitch report - Sunil Gavaskar feels that there is a bit grass on the track but adds that it is deceptive. There might be a little movement in the first hour but is still a bat-first pitch. The track will crack up as the game progresses to assist the spinners and the uneven bounce will come into play. |
| Time for the toss, Virat Kohli is ready to flip the coin. Heads is the call, it is a head. ENGLAND WIN THE TOSS AND OPT TO BAT. |
| ALASTAIR COOK says that they will bat first. Feels that it's a good pitch and expects the surface to crack up due to the heat. Opines that it'll take spin as the game progresses. States that the experience in Bangladesh has helped although it will be a tougher challenge facing India. Admits that his side is short of experience but feels that it is an exciting thing to have. Says that they are playing with 3 seamers and 3 spinners. |
| VIRAT KOHLI states that it's a good pitch and feels it has enough for both the batsmen and bowlers. Hopes that his side can start well in the first session. Feels that India have played good cricket in recent times but doesn't want the hosts to be complacent. Insists that it's important to win crucial sessions. Says that they are playing with five bowlers which is mainly due to England's strong lower order. |
| There was a lot of confusion regarding India's fifth bowler. It seemed like Hardik Pandya was set to debut while the team sheets showed Amit Mishra. It's confirmed now that the leg spinner is playing. So, two seamers and three spinners for the hosts. |
| The teams are out there for their respective National Anthems. |
| The players and umpires are making their way out to the middle. ALASTAIR COOK and HASEEB HAMEED to open the batting for England. It shall be MOHAMMED SHAMI to take the new ball. Three slips and a gully in place. We are ready to roll! |
| 0.1 : M Shami to Cook, Squared up first ball! Good start by Shami. Back of a length closer to off, rears off the deck as Cook is beaten on the poke. |
| 0.2 : M Shami to Cook, Length ball well outside off, this is an easier leave for Cook. |
| Switches to around the wicket. |
| 0.3 : M Shami to Cook, DROPPED AT GULLY! Back of a length from outside off, Cook plays a loose push away from the body. The outside edge flies to gully where Rahane gets to it but spills the chance. It was a sharp chance but you expect fielders like him to take it with ease. How much will this cost India? Cook is a very difficult batsman to dislodge once set. |
| 0.4 : M Shami to A Cook, Full and outside off, Cook pushes at it but gets the edge again. This time goes on the bounce past Rahane for a single. |
| 0.5 : M Shami to Hameed, Good length outside off, no shot offered to that one. |
| 0.6 : M Shami to Hameed, Length ball on off, Hameed gets across and blocks it out well. |
| UMESH YADAV to share the new ball. |
| 1.1 : U Yadav to Cook, Fullish around off, Cook gets well forward and blocks it well. |
| 1.2 : U Yadav to Cook, ANOTHER EDGE! Cook is looking nervous. Length ball outside off, he pushes tentatively but gets the nick that goes just past the left of Kohli at second slip. Another shape chance that hasn't been taken. A brace taken. |
| 1.3 : U Yadav to Cook, Beaten again! Length ball outside off, Cook is beaten on the poke. |
| 1.4 : U Yadav to Cook, Fuller on the pads, Cook works it to the leg side. |
| 1.5 : U Yadav to Cook, Keeps it outside off, Cook is beaten on the poke once more. The England skipper is looking unusually tentative. |
| 1.6 : U Yadav to Cook, Full and angled in closer to off, blocked solidly from the crease. |
| 2.1 : M Shami to H Hameed, Length ball closer to off, Hameed pushes at it with soft hands. Gets the edge towards third slip on the bounce. |
| 2.2 : M Shami to Hameed, Fuller around off, Hameed gets forward to that one and pushes it to the off side for a quick single. The debutant is off the mark in his Test career. |
| 2.3 : M Shami to Cook, Full and sliding down the leg side, Cook misses the flick. Saha dives to his left but cannot gather it cleanly. A bye taken. |
| 2.4 : M Shami to Hameed, FOUR! Streaky boundary! Shortish outside off, Hameed flashes at it without any footwork. Gets a thick slice that flies over the slips to the fence. Nerves of the debutant in play here. |
| 2.5 : M Shami to Hameed, Dug in short closer to off, Hameed evades the bumper. |
| 2.6 : M Shami to Hameed, FOUR! Good shot! This is nicely done by Hameed. Sees it short and wide outside off, he stays back and cuts it away uppishly over backward point. Aerial shot but also in the gap to find the fence. |
| 3.1 : U Yadav to Cook, Good length angled in from outside off, Cook pushes tentatively at it and is beaten once more. |
| 3.2 : U Yadav to Cook, That's a peach! Cook is really struggling at the moment although this delivery was too good for any batsman. Length ball angled in closer to off, Cook pushes at it but is beaten comprehensively. |
| 3.3 : U Yadav to Cook, Fuller outside off, Cook gets on the front foot and defends it well. |
| 3.4 : U Yadav to Cook, Back of a length outside off, Cook hangs back and punches it through the covers for a brace. |
| 3.5 : U Yadav to Cook, Full and outside off, Cook gets on the front foot and defends it. |
| 3.6 : U Yadav to Cook, Length ball around off, pushed off the back foot through cover for a single. |
| 4.1 : M Shami to Cook, Fuller outside off, driven firmly towards short cover. |
| 4.2 : M Shami to Cook, Short of a length on leg stump, Cook gets across and taps it towards the silly mid on region. |
| 4.3 : M Shami to Cook, Fullish and outside off, no stroke offered to that one. |
| 4.4 : M Shami to Cook, Good length closer to off, blocked from the crease towards short cover. |
| 4.5 : M Shami to Cook, Play and a miss! Good length closer to off, angling in, holds its line to beat the outside edge. |
| 4.6 : M Shami to Cook, FOUR! Another edge goes away! Full and outside off, Cook drives away from the body once more. Gets the edge that flies past gully towards the fence. India's slip cordon is being tested big time very early in the game. |
| 5.1 : U Yadav to Hameed, Full and down the leg side, Hameed misses the flick. |
| 5.2 : U Yadav to Hameed, FOUR! Nicely done! Good length on the pads, glanced down to fine leg for a boundary by Hameed. Deft touch by the young opener. He's looked to be positive. |
| 5.3 : U Yadav to Hameed, Good length around off, defended well from the crease. |
| 5.4 : U Yadav to Hameed, Fuller outside off, blocked well off the front foot to the off side. |
| 5.5 : U Yadav to H Hameed, DROPPED BY VIJAY! India's slip cordon cannot seem to catch anything at the moment. Length ball outside off, Hameed drives loosely at it. Gets the outside edge that is put down by Vijay at first slip. It goes through the cordon. Single taken. India cannot afford to spill chances like this. |
| 5.6 : U Yadav to Cook, Good length outside off, left alone to the keeper. |
| 6.1 : M Shami to Hameed, Length ball outside off, angling in, Hameed lets it pass. |
| 6.2 : M Shami to Hameed, Fuller outside off, blocked firmly off the front foot. |
| 6.3 : M Shami to Hameed, Good length outside off, a hint of shape away, Hameed lets it pass. |
| 6.4 : M Shami to H Hameed, Another edge! This doesn't carry though. Good length outside off, Hameed pokes at it but gets the edge. Played with soft hands and so the nick doesn't carry to Kohli at second slip. |
| 6.5 : M Shami to Hameed, Length ball outside off, shaping away, Hameed doesn't offer a shot. |
| 6.6 : M Shami to Hameed, Fuller on off, blocked firmly off the front foot to the covers. |
| 7.1 : U Yadav to Cook, Fuller outside off, Cook gets the stride forward and eases it through the covers for a couple. |
| 7.2 : U Yadav to Cook, Good length on middle stump, Cook pushes at it but gets the edge towards point. |
| 7.3 : U Yadav to A Cook, Fullish outside off, Cook shuffles across and bunts it to the ground. |
| 7.4 : U Yadav to Cook, Good length around off, Cook blocks it solidly from the crease. |
| 7.5 : U Yadav to Cook, Dug in short outside off, Cook swivels and pulls it through backward square leg for a single. |
| 7.6 : U Yadav to Hameed, Fuller on middle and leg, clipped to the right of mid on for a single. |
| 8.1 : M Shami to Hameed, Good length on middle and leg, Hameed gets across to block it out. |
| 8.2 : M Shami to Hameed, Pitched up around off, solid push past the bowler towards mid off. |
| 8.3 : M Shami to Hameed, Full and wide outside off, Hameed is beaten as he looks to drive away from the body. |
| 8.4 : M Shami to Hameed, Banged in short outside off, Hameed ducks under the bumper. |
| 8.5 : M Shami to Hameed, Pitched up on middle and off, Hameed gets across and bunts it to the ground. |
| 8.6 : M Shami to Hameed, Pitched up on middle and leg, punched down the ground by Hameed through the vacant mid on region to the deep. Ashwin from mid off gives chase to keep the batsmen down to two. |
| 9.1 : U Yadav to Cook, Good length angled in from around off, Cook works it towards mid-wicket. |
| 9.2 : U Yadav to Cook, Length ball outside off, pushed off the front foot towards cover. |
| 9.3 : U Yadav to Cook, Good length closer to off, Cook blocks it from the crease. |
| 9.4 : U Yadav to Cook, Full and around off, Cook gets forward and defends it solidly. |
| 9.5 : U Yadav to Cook, FOUR! Crashed! First shot of authority from Cook this morning! Back of a length outside off, hint of width and Cook stays back to punch it through point to find the fence. That's one of his favorite scoring zones. |
| 9.6 : U Yadav to Cook, Good length outside off, blocked off the back foot towards cover. |
| RAVICHANDRAN ASHWIN comes on to bowl. A slip, leg slip and a forward short leg in place. |
| 10.1 : R Ashwin to Hameed, Tossed up outside off, Hameed gets forward to smother it. |
| 10.2 : R Ashwin to Hameed, A bit short outside off, Hameed goes back to cut towards point. |
| 10.3 : R Ashwin to Hameed, Full toss but Hameed cannot put it away. Whips it towards mid on. |
| 10.4 : R Ashwin to Hameed, Beaten! Floated outside off, Hameed plays for the turn but this skids through to whiz past the outside edge. Extra bounce too on offer. |
| 10.5 : R Ashwin to Hameed, Fuller outside off, blocked off the front foot solidly. |
| 10.6 : R Ashwin to Hameed, Drifting in from outside off, Hameed gets back and lets it through. Dicey leave. |
| The local boy, RAVINDRA JADEJA is on from the other end. |
| 11.1 : R Jadeja to A Cook, Floated on middle and leg, Cook works it away through wide mid on. It goes to the deep where it is pulled back in by Yadav. Three runs taken. |
| 11.2 : R Jadeja to H Hameed, Tossed up outside off, Hameed drives it away firmly to the covers. |
| 11.3 : R Jadeja to Hameed, Flighted outside off, Hameed presses forward and defends it. |
| 11.4 : R Jadeja to Hameed, Fuller on off, Hameed gets on the front foot and defends firmly. |
| 11.5 : R Jadeja to Hameed, Very full on middle and leg, Hameed digs it out towards mid-wicket. |
| 11.6 : R Jadeja to Hameed, FOUR! Superb shot! Floated outside off, very full and Hameed drives it elegantly through the covers to find the fence. Good footwork by the young man. |
| 12.1 : R Ashwin to Cook, Drifting in from around off, Cook gets well forward and blocks it to cover. |
| 12.2 : R Ashwin to Cook, Loopy on off, Cook gets forward and taps it to the off side. |
| 12.3 : R Ashwin to Cook, Fuller on off, Cook gets across and pushes it to the bowler. |
| 12.4 : R Ashwin to Cook, Slider on leg stump, Cook gets back and tucks it past short leg for a single. Technically a chance as it ricocheted off Pujara's legs but cannot call it as a drop as it would be too harsh. |
| 12.5 : R Ashwin to Hameed, Full toss and Hameed bunts it back to the bowler. |
| 12.6 : R Ashwin to Hameed, Tossed up outside off, blocked firmly off the front foot towards short cover. |
| 13.1 : R Jadeja to Cook, Flatter around off, blocked off the back foot to the covers. |
| 13.2 : R Jadeja to Cook, Flighted outside off, Cook gets on the front foot and defends it to the off side. |
| 13.3 : R Jadeja to Cook, Flatter on off, defended well off the front foot towards cover. |
| 13.4 : R Jadeja to Cook, Slider outside off, Cook goes for the sweep but is hit on the front pad. Appeal for lbw, not sure why as impact is well outside the line. |
| 13.5 : R Jadeja to Cook, Fuller on off, blocked solidly from the crease. |
| 13.6 : R Jadeja to Cook, Tossed up around off, Cook gets well forward to block it. |
| 14.1 : R Ashwin to Hameed, Tossed up outside off, Hameed reaches out and blocks it out well. |
| 14.2 : R Ashwin to Hameed, Flighted outside off, blocked solidly off the front foot to the covers. |
| 14.3 : R Ashwin to Hameed, FOUR! Superb shot! Tossed up outside off, very full and Hameed reaches out to drive it sweetly through extra cover to find the fence. He is looking very assured at the moment. |
| 14.4 : R Ashwin to Hameed, Tossed up outside off, Hameed gets well forward and pads up to it. Stifled appeal but not much turn on it. |
| 14.5 : R Ashwin to H Hameed, Fuller outside off, Hameed drives it firmly towards wide mid off. |
| 14.6 : R Ashwin to Hameed, Flighted outside off, Hameed reaches out and defends it well. |
| Drinks break. Flurry of dropped catches early on and thereafter the two England openers have slowly grown in confidence. The pitch had some movement early on but has eased out. |
| 15.1 : R Jadeja to Cook, OUT! Jadeja deceives Cook with a beauty! Slow through the air outside off and on a length, turns in sharply. Cook goes deep in his crease to flick it through but is rapped low on the pads. There is a huge appeal from India and the umpire obliges and rules it out. Cook thinks about the review and consults with his partner but does not take it. The replays show that it was going down the leg side. Big wicket for the home side! |
| JOE ROOT is the new man in. |
| 15.2 : R Jadeja to Root, Full on off, Root lunges and pushes it towards mid off. |
| 15.3 : R Jadeja to Root, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground. |
| 15.4 : R Jadeja to Root, Fullish ball on middle, pushed back to the bowler. |
| 15.5 : R Jadeja to Root, A bit quicker on middle and off, Root defends it to the leg side. |
| 15.6 : R Jadeja to Root, FOUR! Floated outside off, Root strides forward and drives it beautifully through to the covers for a boundary. Gets off the mark! |
| 16.1 : R Ashwin to Hameed, Fullish ball on off, clipped through square leg for a single. |
| 16.2 : R Ashwin to Root, Slow through the air outside off, pushed towards the cover region. |
| 16.3 : R Ashwin to Root, Full on middle, Root clips it towards short mid-wicket. Kohli who is stationed there has a shy at the striker's end and hits the stumps. Root had got back in time. |
| 16.4 : R Ashwin to Root, Almost a yorker length on off, Root digs out to the off side. |
| 16.5 : R Ashwin to Root, Tossed up outside off, pushed towards point for a single. |
| 16.6 : R Ashwin to Hameed, Hameed strides forward and defends it. |
| 17.1 : R Jadeja to Root, Full around off, Root strides forward and pushes it towards mid off. |
| 17.2 : R Jadeja to Root, Allows the ball to come to him and places it from his front foot behind point for a single. |
| 17.3 : R Jadeja to Hameed, On a length around off, Hameed camps back and defends solidly down the pitch. |
| 17.4 : R Jadeja to Hameed, On a length outside off, Hameed stays back and defends it towards point. |
| 17.5 : R Jadeja to Hameed, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. |
| 17.6 : R Jadeja to Hameed, Slow through the air and full outside off, Hameed comes forward and defends it with soft hands towards point. |
| 18.1 : R Ashwin to Root, Tossed up outside off, Root pushes it with soft hands. Thinks about the single but decides against it. |
| 18.2 : R Ashwin to Root, Slow through the air outide off, Root lunges forward and caresses it nicely through the covers. Three runs taken! |
| 18.3 : R Ashwin to Hameed, Tossed up outside off, Hameed defends it with an angled blade towards point. |
| 18.4 : R Ashwin to Hameed, Very full outside off, defended towards short cover. |
| 18.5 : R Ashwin to Hameed, Hameed presses forward and blocks. |
| 18.6 : R Ashwin to Hameed, Hameed drills it with the spin down to long on for a single. |
| 19.1 : R Jadeja to Hameed, On a length outside off, skids through the pitch. Hameed comes forward and lets it through. Brave leave that one! |
| 19.2 : R Jadeja to H Hameed, FOUR! STREAKY RUNS! Shortish delivery outside off, this time Hameed camps back and tries to force it through covers but gets an outside edge past first slip that runs through to the boundary. |
| 19.3 : R Jadeja to Hameed, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground. |
| 19.4 : R Jadeja to Hameed, Floated outside off, defended to silly point. |
| 19.5 : R Jadeja to Hameed, The batsman shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the back foot. |
| 19.6 : R Jadeja to Hameed, This time he presses forward and blocks it. |
| 20.1 : R Ashwin to Root, Floated up on off, Root comes forward and defends to Ashwin. |
| 20.2 : R Ashwin to Root, Tossed up outside off, Root clips it towards mid-wicket. |
| 20.3 : R Ashwin to Root, Root drives it with the spin through mid on for a single. |
| 20.4 : R Ashwin to Hameed, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. |
| 20.5 : R Ashwin to Hameed, Hameed strides forward and defends it down the pitch. |
| 20.6 : R Ashwin to Hameed, Tossed up around middle, defended towards the off side. |
| 21.1 : R Jadeja to Root, Played to the point region by the batsman. |
| 21.2 : R Jadeja to Root, Root works it against the spin down the leg side for a single. |
| 21.3 : R Jadeja to Hameed, This time he stays back and defends. |
| 21.4 : R Jadeja to Hameed, Quicker one outside off, Hameed lets it go. |
| 21.5 : R Jadeja to Hameed, This time he strides forward and defends. |
| 21.6 : R Jadeja to Hameed, Hameed camps back to the quicker delivery and defends. |
| 22.1 : R Ashwin to Root, FOUR! Beautifully played! Tossed up outside off, Root lunges forward and drives it through the covers for a boundary. |
| 22.2 : R Ashwin to Joe Root, FOUR! Even better this time! Similar delivery, driven to perfection through covers and the ball races to the fence. |
| 22.3 : R Ashwin to Root, Root stays back and defends. |
| 22.4 : R Ashwin to Root, Floated outside off, defended towards point. |
| 22.5 : R Ashwin to Root, The batsman works it down the leg side. |
| 22.6 : R Ashwin to Root, Shortish ball outside off, Root stays back and works it towards mid-wicket. |
| 23.1 : R Jadeja to Hameed, Hameed strides forward and defends it to short leg. |
| 23.2 : R Jadeja to Hameed, Tossed up around off, defended towards the off side. |
| 23.3 : R Jadeja to Hameed, No ball! He lost his gripping this time and landed it way down the pitch. No ball signaled by the umpire! |
| Stumping appeal against Hameed. |
| R Jadeja to Hameed, THAT'S A BEAUTY! Tossed up outside off, Hameed looks to defend but is beaten. Saha clips the bails off and there is a stumping appeal that is referred upstairs. Replays show that he was in. |
| 23.4 : R Jadeja to Hameed, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. |
| 23.5 : R Jadeja to Hameed, This time he stays back and defends it towards the leg side. |
| 23.6 : R Jadeja to Hameed, Hameed camps back and defends. |
| 24.1 : R Ashwin to Root, Root drives it with the spin through mid on for a single. |
| 24.2 : R Ashwin to Hameed, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. |
| 24.3 : R Ashwin to Hameed, Hameed presses forward and defends it down the pitch. |
| 24.4 : R Ashwin to Hameed, Full on middle and off, defended off the front foot. |
| 24.5 : Ashwin to Hameed, Tossed up outside off from around the wicket, turns in a bit. Hameed strides and pads it away. Muted appeal for LBW turned down! |
| 24.6 : R Ashwin to Hameed, Hameed defends it from within the crease. |
| 25.1 : R Jadeja to Root, Around off, pushed back towards the bowler. |
| 25.2 : R Jadeja to Root, Shortish ball outside off, Root rocks back and punches it to the man at silly point. |
| 25.3 : R Jadeja to Root, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. |
| 25.4 : R Jadeja to Root, Root camps back and defends it with the spin towards the off side. |
| 25.5 : R Jadeja to Root, Tossed up around off, Root presses forward and blocks. |
| 25.6 : R Jadeja to Root, Root clips it with the spin through square leg for a couple. |
| 26.1 : R Ashwin to Hameed, Beautifully bowled just outside off, Hameed stays back to defend but is beaten as the ball skids through. |
| 26.2 : R Ashwin to Hameed, CLOSE SHAVE! This time it keeps low, Hameed hops back to defend but is beaten all ends up. |
| Hameed has been given out LBW. He has taken a review. |
| 26.3 : R Ashwin to Hameed, OUT! ASHWIN STRIKES WITH A BEAUTY! Tossed up delivery on middle and off, angling across at first but straightens a touch. Hameed comes forward and plays down the wrong line and is rapped on the pads. There is a huge appeal and the umpire raises his finger. Root straightaway tells him to take the review. The Hawk Eye shows three reds and he is a dead duck. The resolute knock from Hameed comes to an end. |
| BEN DUCKETT comes into bat. |
| 26.4 : R Ashwin to Duckett, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat |
| 26.5 : R Ashwin to Duckett, He again comes forward and defends it down the pitch. |
| 26.6 : R Ashwin to Duckett, Duckett stays back and defends. |
| 27.1 : R Jadeja to Root, Root stays back and defends. |
| 27.2 : R Jadeja to Root, FOUR! SHOT! Full toss on middle and leg, clipped beautifully through mid-wicket for a boundary. |
| 27.3 : R Jadeja to Root, Root clips it nicely through mid-wicket for a couple. |
| 27.4 : R Jadeja to Root, Root comes forward and pushes it down the ground. |
| 27.5 : R Jadeja to Root, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground. |
| 27.6 : R Jadeja to Root, Outside off, defended solidly off the front foot. |
| 28.1 : R Ashwin to Duckett, Duckett strides forward and defends it. |
| 28.2 : R Ashwin to Duckett, Shortish delivery outside off, cut towards point. |
| 28.3 : R Ashwin to Duckett, Duckett presses forward and defends it from the inner half towards short leg. |
| 28.4 : R Ashwin to Duckett, Quicker one on off, defended to the leg side. |
| 28.5 : R Ashwin to Duckett, The batsman flicks it away with a wristy shot. One run added to the total. |
| 28.6 : R Ashwin to Root, Full on middle, swept down to fine leg for a single. |
| AMIT MISHRA comes into the attack. |
| 29.1 : A Mishra to Root, Tossed up on off, defended towards covers. |
| 29.2 : A Mishra to Root, Root plays it with the spin to mid-wicket. |
| 29.3 : A Mishra to Root, Skids through after pitching on middle and leg, Root looks to sweep it but is hit on the forearm. There is an appeal for LBW but the umpire shakes his head. |
| 29.4 : A Mishra to Root, FOUR! Good shot! Tossed up outside off, Root strides forward and drives it nicely through the covers for a boundary. |
| 29.5 : A Mishra to Root, Root sweeps this one down to fine leg for a couple. |
| 29.6 : A Mishra to Root, Root comes forward and pushes it to the covers. |
| 30.1 : R Ashwin to Duckett, Tossed up on leg stump, Ben defends it from the crease. |
| 30.2 : R Ashwin to Duckett, FOUR! Well played! Outside leg, Ben kneels and sweeps it nicely round the corner and the ball races to the fence. |
| 30.3 : R Ashwin to Duckett, Tossed up on off, Duckett stays back and defends. |
| 30.4 : R Ashwin to Duckett, FOUR! Fast hands from Ben! Tossed up outside off, Ben extends his arms and drives it nicely through the covers for a boundary. |
| 30.5 : R Ashwin to Duckett, FOUR! Three boundaries in the over! Floated on middle, Ben sweeps it aerially over square leg and the ball speeds to the fence. |
| 30.6 : R Ashwin to Duckett, This time he strides forward and defends. |
| 31.1 : A Mishra to Root, Played to the point region by the batsman |
| 31.2 : A Mishra to Root, Outside off, Root leaves it alone. |
| 31.3 : A Mishra to Root, Flighted on off, pushed with soft hands to covers. |
| 31.4 : A Mishra to Root, Full around middle, flicked against the spin to mid-wicket. |
| 31.5 : A Mishra to Root, Root presses forward and blocks. |
| 31.6 : A Mishra to Root, Floated outside off, defended towards covers. |
| 32.1 : R Ashwin to Duckett, Floated outside off, driven towards short cover. |
| 32.2 : R Ashwin to Duckett, Tossed up from around the stumps on off, Duckett looks to defend but gets an inside edge onto his pads. |
| A referral has been made upstairs to check whether the catch of Duckett has been taken cleanly or not. |
| 32.3 : R Ashwin to Ben Duckett, OUT! India have come back hard and Ashwin has weaved his magic! Tossed up on middle, turning away. Duckett comes half-forward as he stays on his leg stump and gets an outside edge that flies towards Rahane at first slip. He dives to his right and takes a brilliant catch! Duckett is unsure whether that one has carried cleanly or not and the umpires refer it upstairs. The soft signal is out. The replays roll in and they show that Rahane has grabbed it cleanly. Ducke |
| India's session after having lost the toss. It didn't start well for them though as a flurry of catches were put down off the seamers early. There was a bit of movement off the deck but the dropped chances allowed Cook and debutant Hameed to settle in. It seemed like the England skipper would bat long but he was removed by Jadeja to a dubious lbw call that the former didn't review. Ashwin removed the debutant and then derailed Duckett at the stroke of lunch to give India the session's honors. |
| It was a good bowling performance from all of India's bowlers. The pacers were unlucky not to get wickets with the new ball due to the fielders' mistakes. The spinners didn't get much purchase as you would expect on a normal day one pitch. Yet, Ashwin and Jadeja have used the other factors like angle, change in pace and drift to trouble the batsmen. Still a fairly good batting deck and Root is key for the tourists. First innings score is always vital in the sub-continent. Join us in a while for |
| .....DAY 1, SESSION 2.... |
| Welcome back for the second session. Can England get their innings back on track or will India continue to make further inroads? We shall find out as the players and umpires make their way out to the middle. JOE ROOT will continue his innings and MOEEN ALI comes to the crease. RAVICHANDRAN ASHWIN to continue his over. |
| 32.4 : R Ashwin to Ali, Nicely tossed up on middle and off, Ali presses forward and defends solidly. |
| 32.5 : R Ashwin to M Ali, CLOSE SHAVE FOR ALI! He comes down to the loopy delivery to defend but gets an inside edge onto his pads that falls just short of Pujara at short leg. The Indians looked interested but Pujara admitted that it just dropped short. |
| 32.6 : R Ashwin to Ali, Tossed up delivery at the stumps, Ali comes forward and defends. |
| MOHAMMED SHAMI to bowl from the other end. |
| 33.1 : M Shami to Root, Fuller on middle and leg, worked to mid-wicket for a single. |
| 33.2 : M Shami to Ali, Shortish on middle and off, Ali gets across and tucks it through mid-wicket for a couple. Good running although the throw wasn't great. |
| 33.3 : M Shami to Ali, Dug in short around off, Ali sways away from the line of the bumper. |
| 33.4 : M Shami to Ali, Length ball closer to off, Ali lets it pass as the ball goes away very late. |
| 33.5 : M Shami to M Ali, Fuller outside off, Ali drives it firmly towards mid off. |
| 33.6 : M Shami to Ali, Good length outside off, no shot offered to that one. |
| 34.1 : R Ashwin to Root, Flatter around leg stump, worked off the back foot through backward square leg for a single. |
| 34.2 : R Ashwin to Ali, Flighted on off, driven towards mid on for a single. |
| 34.3 : R Ashwin to Root, Drifting in around off, keeps a bit low as Root blocks off the back foot. |
| 34.4 : R Ashwin to Root, Floated on middle stump, clipped towards short mid-wicket. |
| 34.5 : R Ashwin to Root, Floated off break on off, works it with the turn towards the leg side. |
| 34.6 : R Ashwin to Root, Drifting in on middle and leg, turns in, Root glances it with a shuffle down to long leg for a single. He just got his bat down in time to avoid the lbw. |
| 35.1 : M Shami to Root, FOUR! Streaky! Good length just around off, tails in sharply with low bounce. Root hangs back to block but gets a bottom edge between slip and keeper to the fence. |
| 35.2 : M Shami to Root, Length ball on the pads, Root clips it down to fine leg for a single. |
| 35.3 : M Shami to Ali, Length ball angled in from outside off, Ali gets a bottom edge on the bounce to gully. He was in two minds whether to play or leave. |
| 35.4 : M Shami to Ali, Full and just outside off, watchfully left alone to the keeper. |
| The ball has started to reverse. England won't mind it as it is an important part of their bowling plans. |
| 35.5 : M Shami to Ali, Fuller on middle and off, Ali works it behind square for a single. |
| 35.6 : M Shami to Root, Almost got the nick! Full and outside off, shapes away a bit as Root is beaten on the poke. |
| 36.1 : R Ashwin to M Ali, Tossed up on middle and off, whipped towards mid on. |
| 36.2 : R Ashwin to Ali, Drifting in on leg stump, Ali leans into it and taps it to short leg. |
| 36.3 : R Ashwin to Ali, Floated around off, Ali steps out to flick it away. Gets it off the inside half through mid-wicket. Shami gives chase to pull it back inside the ropes. Three runs taken. |
| 36.4 : R Ashwin to Root, Flatter on middle and leg, worked off the back foot towards mid-wicket for a single. |
| 36.5 : R Ashwin to Ali, Floated on leg stump, Ali gets across and nudges it just past short leg. |
| 36.6 : R Ashwin to Ali, Flighted around off, Ali gets on the front foot and blocks. |
| 37.1 : M Shami to Root, Good length outside off, shaping away, left alone to the keeper. |
| 37.2 : M Shami to Root, Length ball outside off, Root hangs back to push it but gets it off the bottom half towards point. Quick single taken. |
| 37.3 : M Shami to Ali, Full and angled in from outside off, Ali makes a leave to that one. |
| 37.4 : M Shami to Ali, Length ball outside off, Ali pushes at it but gets an inside edge on to the pads. |
| 37.5 : M Shami to Ali, Fuller on the pads, Ali flicks but straight to mid-wicket. |
| 37.6 : M Shami to Ali, Length ball angled away outside off, no shot offered to that one. |
| 38.1 : R Ashwin to Root, Fullish on the pads, tucked through mid-wicket for a single. |
| 38.2 : R Ashwin to Ali, Tossed up fuller on off, Ali clips it to mid-wicket for a single. |
| 38.3 : R Ashwin to Root, Drifting in from around off, Root gets forward and nudges it to cover-point. |
| 38.4 : R Ashwin to Root, Tossed up very full outside off, dug out to cover for a sharp single. |
| 38.5 : R Ashwin to Ali, Drifting in from outside off, Ali gets forward and blocks it. |
| 38.6 : R Ashwin to Ali, Tossed up outside off, Ali skips down the track and drives it down to long off. Single taken. |
| 39.1 : M Shami to Ali, Full and angled into the pads, Ali works it through mid-wicket for a brace. |
| 39.2 : M Shami to Ali, Pitched up on off, Ali gets across and bunts it firmly to mid on. |
| 39.3 : M Shami to Ali, Full and down the leg side, Ali looks to flick but cannot connect. |
| 39.4 : M Shami to Ali, Length ball outside off, Moeen doesn't offer a stroke. |
| 39.5 : M Shami to Ali, Very full and on the pads, Ali flicks but cannot find the gap at mid-wicket. |
| 39.6 : M Shami to Ali, Good length closer to off, Ali stays in the crease and blocks it. |
| 40.1 : R Ashwin to Root, Floated outside off, pushed off the front foot to the off side. |
| 40.2 : R Ashwin to Root, Flighted outside off, driven firmly towards the covers. |
| 40.3 : R Ashwin to Root, Fuller outside off, Root drives it firmly to mid off. |
| 40.4 : R Ashwin to Root, Floated outside off, Root leans forward and pushes it to the covers. |
| 40.5 : R Ashwin to Root, Flatter on leg stump, Root goes across and sweeps it down to fine leg for a single. Had he missed it, he could have been in trouble. |
| 40.6 : R Ashwin to Ali, Floated on middle and leg, Ali works it through square leg for a single. |
| UMESH YADAV is back on. |
| 41.1 : U Yadav to Ali, Good length angled in from around off, no shot offered to that one. |
| 41.2 : U Yadav to M Ali, FOUR! Length ball angled in from outside off, Ali pushes at it with soft hands. The edge flies on the bounce past gully to the third man fence. He was in control though as he played with soft hands. |
| 41.3 : U Yadav to Ali, Flatter outside off, Ali chops it towards point for a single. |
| 41.4 : U Yadav to Root, Good length outside off, Root steers it through point for a single. |
| 41.5 : U Yadav to Ali, FOUR! Crashed! Back of a length from outside off, Ali sees the width and opens the bat face to glide it through backward point. The fielder dives but cannot stop it as it races to the fence. Moeen used the bowler's pace well there. |
| 41.6 : U Yadav to Ali, Good length outside off, no stroke offered to that one. |
| 42.1 : R Ashwin to Joe Root, Tossed up on middle and leg, whipped away down to long on for a single. Fine knock by Root so far but he needs to carry on. |
| 24th Test fifty for Root. |
| 42.2 : R Ashwin to Ali, Drifting away from around off, blocked well off the front foot to the covers. |
| 42.3 : R Ashwin to Ali, Loopy on middle and leg, Ali gets across and tucks it past short leg. |
| 42.4 : R Ashwin to Ali, Floated on middle stump line, Ali blocks it by staying leg side of the ball. |
| 42.5 : R Ashwin to Ali, Fuller on middle and off, Ali gets across and defends it solidly. |
| 42.6 : R Ashwin to Ali, Flighted around off, Moeen gets forward and smothers it to the ground. |
| 43.1 : U Yadav to Root, Full and sliding down the leg side, Root goes across to flick but misses. Good take by Saha diving to his left. |
| 43.2 : U Yadav to Root, Good length outside off, Root lets it pass through to the keeper. |
| 43.3 : U Yadav to Root, Fullish on middle and leg, Root shuffles and clips it through mid-wicket. A single added. |
| 43.4 : U Yadav to Ali, Full and around off, Ali gets forward and blocks it towards mid off. |
| 43.5 : U Yadav to Ali, Good length outside off, a bit wide to make Ali play. |
| 43.6 : U Yadav to Ali, Good length on the pads, worked off the back foot to deep backward square leg. Single taken. |
| 44.1 : R Ashwin to Ali, Floated on middle and off, blocked well off the front foot to the off side. |
| Direct hit at the bowler's end by Gambhir. They are going upstairs for the run out. Didn't look close at all. |
| 44.2 : R Ashwin to Ali, Fuller on middle and off, Ali works it to mid-wicket where Gambhir makes a good stop. Mix up in running but they eventually go for the single. Direct hit at the bowler's end which is referred upstairs. The southpaw was in comfortably. |
| 44.3 : R Ashwin to Root, Flatter outside off, blocked well off the back foot. |
| 44.4 : R Ashwin to Root, Fuller on middle and leg, Root works it through square leg for a single. |
| 44.5 : R Ashwin to Ali, Drifting in on the pads, Ali clips it to mid-wicket for a single. |
| 44.6 : R Ashwin to Root, Fuller outside off, Root gets forward and blocks it well. |
| 45.1 : U Yadav to Ali, Back of a length outside off, Ali hangs back and jabs it to third man for a single. |
| 45.2 : U Yadav to Joe Root, FOUR! Class shot! Full ball but a bit wide as Root crunches the front foot drive through the covers. Timed it really well and found the fence to perfection. |
| 45.3 : U Yadav to Root, Almost chopped on! Good length outside off, Root hangs back to drive it through the covers but gets a bottom edge. The ball goes just over the stumps. Joe had no idea where the ball had gone and was thinking about a run. |
| 45.4 : U Yadav to Root, Length ball outside off, Root punches it off the back foot through the covers for a brace. |
| 45.5 : U Yadav to Root, Good length on off, tails in sharply to rap Root high on the thigh. That was bowled at almost 145 kph. Sharp pace! |
| 45.6 : U Yadav to Root, Full and well down the leg side, Root misses the flick. |
| RAVINDRA JADEJA is back on. |
| 46.1 : R Jadeja to Ali, Full and around off, blocked off the front foot to the off side. |
| 46.2 : R Jadeja to M Ali, Floated around off, Ali steps out and pushes it down the ground to long on for a single. |
| 46.3 : R Jadeja to Root, Drifting in on leg stump, Root works it towards mid-wicket. |
| 46.4 : R Jadeja to Root, Floated on middle and off, Root reaches out and works it to mid-wicket. |
| 46.5 : R Jadeja to Root, Darts it in on off, Root hangs back and blocks it to the covers. |
| 46.6 : R Jadeja to Root, Flighted outside off, Root reaches out and eases it through the covers for a single. |
| 50-run stand between Ali and Root. |
| 47.1 : U Yadav to Root, Dug in short on middle and leg, Root ducks under the bumper. |
| 47.2 : U Yadav to Root, Length ball around off, blocked well off the back foot towards mid-wicket. |
| 47.3 : U Yadav to Root, Fuller on the pads, Root clips it through square leg for a single. |
| 47.4 : U Yadav to Ali, Good length on leg stump, Ali works it through square leg for a brace. Good running. |
| 47.5 : U Yadav to Ali, Full outside off, nicely driven by Ali but straight to cover. |
| 47.6 : U Yadav to Ali, Full and outside off, Ali pushes it towards the covers. |
| 48.1 : R Jadeja to Root, Flighted outside off, defended off the front foot to the off side. |
| 48.2 : R Jadeja to Root, Fuller on middle and leg, worked away to the leg side. Ashwin fumbles to allow the single. |
| 48.3 : R Jadeja to Ali, Drifting in from around off, defended well off the front foot. |
| 48.4 : R Jadeja to Ali, Darted in fuller outside off, Ali defends it off the front foot. |
| 48.5 : R Jadeja to Ali, Fuller outside off, blocked well off the front foot. |
| 48.6 : R Jadeja to Ali, Drifting in from outside off, Ali reaches out to that one and smothers it. |
| Drinks break. Just like the first session, England have had a good first hour with both batsmen looking untroubled. The key will be not to lose the plot in the second hour. |
| AMIT MISHRA to have a bowl. |
| 49.1 : A Mishra to Root, Going down leg, swept round the corner for a couple. |
| 49.2 : A Mishra to Joe Root, Slow through the air and on off, dug out towards mid on. |
| 49.3 : A Mishra to Root, Tossed up around off, defended to silly point off the front foot. |
| 49.4 : A Mishra to Root, A bit quicker through the air, defended to silly point again. |
| 49.5 : A Mishra to Root, Full on middle and off, Root makes a bit of room but only manages to drive it to the fielder at silly point again. |
| 49.6 : A Mishra to Root, Root lunges forward to the loopy delivery and defends it to the off side. |
| 50.1 : R Jadeja to Ali, Tossed up outside off, turning in. Ali defends it down the track. |
| 50.2 : R Jadeja to Ali, Tossed up outside off, Ali reaches out to it and defends towards point. |
| 50.3 : R Jadeja to Ali, Ali connects well with the sweep shot but hits it straight to Pujara on the pads at short leg. |
| 50.4 : R Jadeja to M Ali, Ali drives it with the spin through mid on for a single. |
| 50.5 : R Jadeja to Root, Outside off, spinning away, Root stays back and defends it with the outer half of his bat towards the slip region. |
| 50.6 : R Jadeja to Root, Very full on middle, clipped wide of mid on for a single. |
| 51.1 : A Mishra to Root, Hits the full delivery on off hard to the man at mid on. |
| 51.2 : A Mishra to Root, Tossed up on middle and off, defended well off the front foot. |
| 51.3 : A Mishra to Root, Quicker one on middle, Root camps back and keeps it out. |
| 51.4 : A Mishra to Root, FOUR! EASY PICKINGS! Juicy full toss on off, Root kneels and sweeps it through mid-wicket and the ball races to the fence. |
| 51.5 : A Mishra to Joe Root, Tossed up around off, spinning away. Takes the outer half of his bat towards the slip region. |
| 51.6 : A Mishra to Root, Floated on off, defended down the pitch off the front foot. |
| 52.1 : R Jadeja to Ali, Full on middle and leg, nudged round the corner for a single. |
| 52.2 : R Jadeja to Root, Root defends the full delivery to silly mid on. |
| 52.3 : R Jadeja to Root, On a length down, angling down with the arm. Root is deep in his crease as he looks to clip it through but misses. |
| 52.4 : R Jadeja to Root, A tad short outside off, Root rocks back and punches it through covers for single. |
| 52.5 : R Jadeja to Ali, Ali drives the tossed up delivery back to the bowler. |
| 52.6 : R Jadeja to Ali, Ali comes down the track and defends it past the short leg fielder. Wants the single but is sent back as the fielder at short mid-wicket was quick to get across to it. |
| 53.1 : A Mishra to Root, Tossed up outside off, defended off the front foot to the off side. |
| 53.2 : A Mishra to Root, On middle and leg, Root waits for it and works it through mid-wicket for a couple. |
| 53.3 : A Mishra to Root, Drifts in from off, Root goes for the sweep shot and hits it down to fine leg. It is stopped in the deep. Had he missed, he would have been a goner! Three runs taken! |
| 53.4 : A Mishra to Ali, Ali drives it with the spin through mid on for a single. |
| 53.5 : A Mishra to Root, Root waits for it and works it from outside off through square leg for a couple. |
| 53.6 : A Mishra to Root, Root whips the full delivery wide of mid on. |
| 54.1 : R Jadeja to Ali, Tossed up around off, defended off the front foot solidly. |
| 54.2 : R Jadeja to Ali, On middle and leg, Ali comes down the track and helps it with the spin through mid-wicket for a single. |
| 54.3 : R Jadeja to Root, Floated up on off, defended off the front foot to short cover. |
| 54.4 : R Jadeja to Root, This time he stays back and defends it to short cover again. |
| 54.5 : R Jadeja to Root, Full on middle, Root makes room and drives it to long off for a single. |
| 54.6 : R Jadeja to Ali, Slow through the air on middle, turning in. Ali comes forward and defends it with the inner half of his bat just wide of short leg. |
| 55.1 : A Mishra to Root, Short and wide outside off, Root camps back and punches it to sweeper cover for a single. Failed to capitalize on that! |
| 55.2 : A Mishra to Ali, Slow through the air on leg stump, nudged with soft hands round the corner for a single. |
| 55.3 : A Mishra to Root, Pushed quicker through the air on middle and leg, looking for the LBW. Root manages to keep it out past short leg. |
| 55.4 : A Mishra to Root, THAT'S A JAFFA! Bowls it just outside off, turning away viciously. Root comes forward and looks to drive but is beaten all ends up. |
| 55.5 : A Mishra to Root, Root comes forward and pushes it through covers. |
| 55.6 : A Mishra to Root, Tossed up on middle and leg, Root sweeps it through square leg for a couple. A probing over by Mishra! |
| 56.1 : R Jadeja to Ali, Bowls it wider of the crease and on middle, defended to short leg. |
| 56.2 : R Jadeja to Ali, Flatter one on middle and off, Ali defends it towards short mid-wicket. |
| 56.3 : R Jadeja to Ali, Ali presses forward and defends it down the track. |
| 56.4 : R Jadeja to Ali, Tosses it up on a length around off, spinning in. Ali gets into an uncomfortable position as he looks to sweep but only manages to glove it over the keeper. Two runs taken! |
| 56.5 : R Jadeja to Ali, Darts it in on off, pushed back to the bowler. |
| 56.6 : R Jadeja to Ali, Tossed up outside off, Ali stays back and defends. |
| 57.1 : A Mishra to Root, Straying on the pads, clipped through square leg for a single. |
| 57.2 : A Mishra to Root, FOUR! SHOT! Root fetches the full toss from outside off and sweeps it in the gap between mid on and mid-wicket. The ball speeds away to the fence. |
| 57.3 : A Mishra to Root, Comes around the wicket and pitches it outside leg, Root stays back and works it towards short fine leg for a single. |
| 57.4 : A Mishra to Ali, Ali presses forward and defends it down the pitch. |
| 57.5 : A Mishra to Ali, Stays back to this one and works it through square leg for a single. |
| 57.6 : A Mishra to Root, Full on middle and leg, clipped with soft hands towards square leg for a single. |
| 58.1 : R Jadeja to Root, A bit short around off, Root rocks back and places it through covers for a single. |
| 58.2 : R Jadeja to Ali, A bit quicker around off, Ali camps back and defends it. |
| 58.3 : R Jadeja to Ali, Moeen advances down the track and clips it towards mid on. |
| 58.4 : R Jadeja to Ali, On middle and off, Ali goes across and defends it to short leg. |
| 58.5 : R Jadeja to Ali, Ali comes down the track and defends it as the length is not quite there to knock it around. |
| 58.6 : R Jadeja to Ali, FOUR! WELL PLAYED! Outside leg, Ali brings out the sweep shot to good effect and places it down to the vacant fine leg region for a boundary. |
| 59.1 : A Mishra to Root, Full on off, Root lunges forward and defends it to the right of Mishra. |
| 59.2 : A Mishra to Root, Floated up on off, holds its line. Joe defends it down the track. |
| 59.3 : A Mishra to Root, Root makes room and drives the loopy delivery through the covers for a single. |
| 59.4 : A Mishra to Ali, Going across with the angle, Moeen stays back and gets it from the outer half of his bat towards short third man for a single. |
| 59.5 : A Mishra to Root, Root flicks it away with a wristy shot. The batsmen have run through for a single. |
| 59.6 : A Mishra to Ali, Tossed up outside off, Ali lunges forward and defends it towards short cover. |
| MOHAMMED SHAMI comes back into the attack. |
| 60.1 : M Shami to Root, On a length and straight, a hint of reverse on that. Joe is right behind it as he defends it stoutly down the track. |
| SHAMI seems to have stretched his hamstring on his followthrough. It doesn't look good and the physio is attending him. Seems to be in pain and is holding his hamstring. Finally he is going off the field. Hope it is not bad and he returns soon. Yadav to continue the over in his place. |
| 60.2 : U Yadav to Root, Back of a length ball on off, Root camps back and defends it nicely. |
| 60.3 : U Yadav to Root, Similar delivery, Root hangs back and defends it to the off side. |
| 60.4 : U Yadav to Root, He is staying deep in his crease and defends this one solidly off his back foot again. |
| 60.5 : U Yadav to Root, On a length, shaping in. Root covers the line and defends. |
| 60.6 : U Yadav to Joe Root, GOOD DELIVERY! On a length outside off, tailing in. Joe looks to clip it but gets an inside edge onto his pads. |
| RAVICHANDRAN ASHWIN comes back to bowl. |
| 61.1 : R Ashwin to Ali, FOUR! GOOD SHOT! Tossed up on middle and leg, Ali comes down the track and hits it over mid on for a boundary. Didn't come from the meat of his bat but was good enough! |
| 100-run stand up for Ali and Root. |
| 61.2 : R Ashwin to Ali, Ali drives this one to the cover region. |
| 61.3 : R Ashwin to Ali, Around middle, worked to the leg side. |
| 61.4 : R Ashwin to Root, Tossed up on off, defended towards short leg. |
| 61.5 : R Ashwin to Root, Joe drives it wide of mid off against the spin for a single. |
| 61.6 : R Ashwin to Ali, On the pads, nudged round the corner for a single. |
| 62.1 : U Yadav to Ali, Full and outside off, Ali lunges forward and pushes it to the cover region. |
| 62.2 : U Yadav to Ali, Full on middle, clipped through mid-wicket for a single. |
| 62.3 : U Yadav to Root, On a good length at the stumps, Root clips it towards mid-wicket. |
| 62.4 : U Yadav to Root, Back of a length outside off, shaping in a touch. Root is up on his toes as he defends it solidly. |
| India have taken a review against Joe Root. It is regarding an LBW decision. |
| 62.5 : U Yadav to Root, NOT OUT! Fuller length ball outside off, tailing in sharply. Root goes across and looks to clip it through but misses and is rapped on the pads. There is a loud appeal for LBW but the umpire shakes his head. Indians are consulting with each other and Kohli decides to take the review. There are two reds but it would have just clipped the leg stump. So, the on-field call stays and Root survives! |
| 62.6 : U Yadav to Root, Leg bye! Too close for comfort again as Root looks to clip it away again but is rapped on the pads. Muted appeal for LBW turned down! It was probably going down leg! |
| 63.1 : R Ashwin to Root, Root plays it with the spin through mid-wicket for a single. |
| 63.2 : R Ashwin to Ali, Floated up outside off, Ali presses forward and defends it to the covers. |
| 63.3 : R Ashwin to Ali, Outside off, Moeen comes forward and defends it nicely. |
| 63.4 : R Ashwin to Ali, Ali defends it against the spin towards mid-wicket. |
| 63.5 : R Ashwin to Ali, Loopy ball on off, defended towards the cover region. |
| 63.6 : R Ashwin to Ali, On middle and leg, straightening a bit. Moeen keeps it out watchfully. THAT'S TEA ON DAY 1! |
| This session - 31.3 overs, 107 runs, 0 wickets. Dominant session for England. Root and Ali have stitched a valuable century stand that is still unbroken with both batsmen hardly looking in any trouble. The former is inching towards another Test ton while the all-rounder is nearing a half century. The duo's efforts have ensured that England are going to the tea break in a fairly good position. |
| Kohli tried all his bowlers with the spinners getting longer spells but nobody could create constant pressure on the batsmen. The fact that the hosts have bowled very few maidens till now shows how busy Root and Ali have been. The track has been good to bat on although a touch slow. A hint of reverse swing is available with the older ball but nothing alarming for the spinners just yet. Join us in a short while for the final session to find out which team takes the day's honors. |
| .....DAY 1, SESSION 3..... |
| Welcome back for the final session of the day. Players and umpires are making their way to the middle. Can England consolidate on their position to drive home the advantage? It'll surely be a morale-booster for the tourists if they can win the first day of this long series. India need quick wickets to get back in the game. UMESH YADAV to begin proceedings after tea. |
| 64.1 : U Yadav to Root, Fuller and tailing in from around off, bunted past the bowler down the ground. Mid off goes to his right to stop it. |
| 64.2 : U Yadav to Root, Good length around off, curving in, Root blocks it off the front foot. |
| 64.3 : U Yadav to Root, Fuller and on the pads, clipped with the swing towards mid-wicket. |
| 64.4 : U Yadav to Root, Length ball outside off, Root pushes it to the covers for a single. |
| 64.5 : U Yadav to Ali, Full and wide outside off, Ali squeezes it through backward point for a single. |
| 64.6 : U Yadav to Root, Fuller on middle and off, tails in sharply as Root works it down to fine leg for a brace. |
| RAVICHANDRAN ASHWIN to bowl from the other end. |
| 65.1 : R Ashwin to Ali, Floated around off, defended well off the front foot. |
| 65.2 : R Ashwin to Ali, Slider on off, Ali gets across and works it to the leg side. |
| 65.3 : R Ashwin to Ali, Drifting away from outside off, Ali eases it through the covers for a brace. Smart knock so far from the all-rounder. |
| 9th Test fifty for Ali. |
| 65.4 : R Ashwin to Ali, Loopy on leg stump, Ali gets across and defends it to the leg side. |
| 65.5 : R Ashwin to M Ali, Flighted on middle and off, dug out towards mid on. |
| 65.6 : R Ashwin to Ali, Loopy outside off, Ali gets on the front foot and defends it solidly. |
| 66.1 : U Yadav to Root, Good length outside off, shaping away a bit, Root steers it to deep backward point for a single. |
| 66.2 : U Yadav to Ali, Fuller outside off, Ali bunts it strongly back to the bowler. |
| 66.3 : U Yadav to Ali, Shortish down the leg side, Ali swivels to pull but misses. |
| 66.4 : U Yadav to Ali, Good length angled in on middle and off, Ali shuffles and tucks it to mid on. |
| 66.5 : U Yadav to Ali, Length ball outside off, steered towards deep backward point for a single. |
| 66.6 : U Yadav to Root, Fuller on middle and off, Root gets across and clips it towards mid on. |
| Mohammed Shami is back on the field. Seems to be moving well which is good news for India. |
| 67.1 : R Ashwin to Ali, Fuller on middle and off, Ali goes for a wild slog but gets the inside edge through square leg for a single. |
| 67.2 : R Ashwin to Root, Floated on leg stump, Root steps out to that one and whips it away to long on. Single taken. |
| 67.3 : R Ashwin to Ali, Slider on middle and leg, Ali goes across to flick but it goes off the bat face. In the air for a while but gets through Pujara at short leg. Single taken. |
| 67.4 : R Ashwin to Root, Fuller on middle and leg, Root goes across and clips it to the leg side. |
| 67.5 : R Ashwin to Root, Drifting in from around off, Root gets for the lap sweep. In the air but goes through the vacant short fine leg region towards the deep. Brace taken. Well played Joe! Calmly accepts the response of the crowd. |
| 11th Test ton for Root, 3rd against India and this is his first in Asia. Good innings! |
| 67.6 : R Ashwin to Root, Fuller outside off, defended well off the front foot. |
| 68.1 : U Yadav to Ali, Fuller on middle and off, Ali goes across and clips it through mid-wicket to the deep. Three more added. |
| 68.2 : U Yadav to Root, Back of a length outside off, punched off the back foot through the covers for a single. |
| 68.3 : U Yadav to Ali, FOUR! Fab shot! Full and wide outside off, Ali leans into it and drives it through point as the ball races away to the fence for a boundary. That was in the air but also in the gap. Terrific stroke. |
| 68.4 : U Yadav to Ali, Good length outside off, steered towards point. |
| 68.5 : U Yadav to Ali, Fuller and outside off, driven firmly towards mid off. |
| 68.6 : U Yadav to Ali, Fuller on middle and leg, Ali gets across and pushes it towards mid on. |
| 69.1 : R Ashwin to Joe Root, Floated on middle, Kohli drives it to silly mid on. |
| 69.2 : R Ashwin to Root, Bowls it on middle and leg, clipped through square leg for a single. |
| 69.3 : R Ashwin to Ali, Tossed up on middle and leg, Ali comes forward and defends it. |
| 69.4 : R Ashwin to Ali, Floated on middle, Ali comes forward and defends it. |
| 69.5 : R Ashwin to Ali, Ali comes forward and pushes this to mid on off his crease. |
| 69.6 : R Ashwin to Ali, On off, Ali pushes it to short extra cover. |
| RAVINDRA JADEJA back on for a bowl. |
| 70.1 : R Jadeja to Root, Bowls it on middle, pushed towards Root off his crease. |
| 70.2 : R Jadeja to Root, SIX! SIGN OF INTENT! Flight from Jadeja, Root comes down the wicket in a jiffy and clobbers it over the bowlers's head for a maximum. |
| 70.3 : R Jadeja to Root, Short outside off, Root punches it off the outer half towards the offside. |
| 70.4 : R Jadeja to Root, Stays back and Root defends it back down the wicket. |
| 70.5 : R Jadeja to Root, Flatter on off, Root goes back and works it through mid-wicket for a single. |
| 70.6 : R Jadeja to Ali, Ali works it through square leg off his crease for a single. That went off the pads and the umpire signals it a leg bye. |
| 71.1 : R Ashwin to Ali, Floated outside off, Ali comes down and drives it hard towards short extra cover where Kohli dives to his right and parries it towards mid off. Good effort! |
| 71.2 : R Ashwin to Ali, Floated on off, Ali comes forward and defends it. |
| 71.3 : R Ashwin to Ali, Ali comes down the wicket and looks to clip it through but is hit on his pads. The players appeal but the umpire says no. Ashwin asks if there was an edge, the keeper and the umpire says there was one. The replays show that there was a slight inside edge there. |
| 71.4 : R Ashwin to Ali, Pushes this one to mid off from the crease. |
| 71.5 : R Ashwin to Ali, Takes a quick single with a push towards mid off. There is a direct hit but no harm done. |
| 71.6 : R Ashwin to Root, Root keeps this one out off his back foot. |
| 72.1 : R Jadeja to Ali, Floated outside off, Ali comes down the wicket and defends it back down the wicket. |
| 72.2 : R Jadeja to Ali, Slower on off, turns in, Ali stays back and defends it towards short leg. |
| 72.3 : R Jadeja to Ali, Ali comes down a touch and clips it nicely through mid-wicket for a single. |
| 72.4 : R Jadeja to Root, Flatter on the pads, Root clips it down to fine leg for a single. |
| 72.5 : R Jadeja to Ali, Shorter on middle, Ali stays back and works it nicely down to fine leg. Pujara comes across, stops the ball and saves a couple of runs for his side. |
| 72.6 : R Jadeja to Ali, Floated outside off, Ali comes down and defends it. |
| 73.1 : R Ashwin to Root, Root goes back to work it through mid-wicket where Kohli stops the ball and prevents it. |
| 73.2 : R Ashwin to Root, On off, worked through mid-wicket for a single. |
| 73.3 : R Ashwin to Ali, FOUR! Shots coming from England now! Floated on middle, Ali goes for the heave through the leg side. The ball goes just over mid on fielder for a boundary. |
| 73.4 : R Ashwin to Ali, Ali comes down and flicks it in the air towards mid-wicket. |
| Ashwin has a chat with Kohli. The mid on drops back to long on. |
| 73.5 : R Ashwin to Ali, Fuller on off, Ali gets what he wanted, an easy single through mid on for a single. |
| 73.6 : R Ashwin to Root, Floated outside off, Root looks to square drive it but finds the fielder at cover-point. |
| 74.1 : R Jadeja to Ali, Shorter on middle, Ali clips it towards mid-wicket but not for any runs. |
| 74.2 : R Jadeja to Ali, Fuller on off, Ali comes forward and clips it to mid-wicket. |
| 74.3 : R Jadeja to Ali, Floated outside off, Ali comes down the wicket and defends it. |
| 74.4 : R Jadeja to Ali, Stays back and punches it towards point off his crease. |
| 74.5 : R Jadeja to Ali, On middle and off, Ali comes down the track and flicks it towards mid-wicket. |
| 74.6 : R Jadeja to Ali, Again Ali is down the track but spots the ball is not there for him to play the big shot, he drives it back down the wicket. |
| 75.1 : R Ashwin to Root, Outside off, Root lunges forward and clips it through mid on for a single. |
| 75.2 : R Ashwin to Ali, FOUR! More shots! Floated on middle, Ali slinks down the wicket and clobbers it over mid on for a boundary. The 150-run stand is up! |
| Long on in place now. |
| 75.3 : R Ashwin to Ali, Fuller on off, and again Ali has pushed the field back and gets a single to long on. |
| 75.4 : R Ashwin to Root, FOUR! More pressure on India here! Floated outside off, Root gets down quickly on it and reverse sweeps it through backward point for a boundary. Ashwin looks a bit rattled. |
| 75.5 : R Ashwin to Root, Stays back and defends it to the leg side. |
| 75.6 : R Ashwin to Root, Root lunges forward and clips it towards mid on. Kohli fields and scores a direct hit at the striker's end. The frustration is beginning to show on India. |
| 76.1 : R Jadeja to Ali, Flatter around off, worked off the back foot towards mid-wicket. In the air for a while but doesn't carry to the fielder. |
| 76.2 : R Jadeja to Ali, Flighted outside off, blocked off the front foot on to the track. |
| 76.3 : R Jadeja to Ali, Floated on off, Ali steps out and flicks it through square leg for a single. |
| 76.4 : R Jadeja to Root, Darted in from around off, blocked solidly off the back foot. |
| 76.5 : R Jadeja to Root, Fired in on off, Root hangs back and jams it on to the pitch. |
| 76.6 : R Jadeja to Root, Slider on middle and leg, worked away through mid-wicket for a brace. |
| 77.1 : R Ashwin to Ali, Fuller on middle and off, dug out to short mid-wicket. |
| 77.2 : R Ashwin to Ali, Flatter and a bit short outside off, punched off the back foot to the covers. |
| 77.3 : R Ashwin to Ali, Drifting in from around off, blocked off the front foot on to the track. |
| 77.4 : R Ashwin to Ali, Loopy and outside off, Moeen steps out and pushes it to short extra cover where Kohli makes a fine diving stop. |
| 77.5 : R Ashwin to Ali, Drifting in around leg stump, Ali gets the lap sweep away off the glove down to fine leg. Got it very fine as the batsmen get three more. |
| 77.6 : R Ashwin to Root, FOUR! More runs off sweeps! Floated outside leg, Root gets across to that one and gets the paddle away down to the fine leg fence for a boundary. |
| 78.1 : R Jadeja to M Ali, Flatter and a bit short, Ali goes for the pull but mistimes it a bit. Clears square leg and goes to the deep for a single. |
| 78.2 : R Jadeja to Root, Flatter outside off, punched off the back foot through the covers for a single. |
| 78.3 : R Jadeja to Ali, Flighted on middle and leg, blocked off the front foot to the leg side. |
| 78.4 : R Jadeja to Ali, Drifting in on off, Ali steps out and blocks it. |
| 78.5 : R Jadeja to Ali, Slider on middle and leg, worked away to the leg side. |
| 78.6 : R Jadeja to Ali, Fuller outside off, Ali drills it through the covers for a single. |
| 79.1 : R Ashwin to Ali, Flatter on off, Moeen goes for the cut but ends up chopping to point. |
| 79.2 : R Ashwin to Ali, FOUR! Crunched! Flatter and a bit short outside off, punched off the back foot through the covers for a boundary. Positive stroke. |
| 79.3 : R Ashwin to Ali, Floated outside off, Ali digs it out to the off side. |
| 79.4 : R Ashwin to Ali, Fuller outside off, Ali reaches out and bunts it towards mid off. |
| 79.5 : R Ashwin to Ali, Fuller on middle and leg, clipped through square leg for a single. |
| 79.6 : R Ashwin to Root, Fuller on middle and leg, worked away towards short mid-wicket. |
| The second new ball is now available. India haven't taken it just yet. |
| UMESH YADAV is back on for another spell. |
| 80.1 : U Yadav to Ali, Good length outside off, Ali gets back and pushes it through point for a single. |
| 80.2 : U Yadav to Root, Length ball outside off, Root taps it to point for a single. |
| 80.3 : U Yadav to Ali, Good length outside off, Ali blocks it firmly towards the bowler. |
| 80.4 : U Yadav to Ali, Length ball on the pads, pulled down to fine leg for a single. |
| Yadav seems to have taken a return catch but has spilled it at almost the last moment. The umpires want to check if he held it long enough before it popped out. Soft signal is out. |
| 80.5 : Yadav to Root, OUT! GONE! Big strike by Yadav! He almost made a mess of it though. Fuller outside off, Root drives it but cannot keep the stroke down. Pops back at Yadav who takes it initially but the ball pops out late. The umpires want to check if the bowler has celebrated too early. Soft signal is out from the umpire. The third umpire feels that Umesh had held it for a decent period of time before it spilled apparently in celebration. A bit confusing in the end but Root has to go after |
| Time for Drinks. A crucial breakthrough as Root was stamping his authority and threatening India big time. The home side will be breathing a bit easy and would look to take more. Meanwhile, BEN STOKES comes to the crease. |
| 80.6 : U Yadav to Stokes, Full length ball outside off, left alone by Stokes. |
| MOHAMMED SHAMI comes in for a spell. Can he get some reverse swing here? |
| 81.1 : M Shami to Ali, Comes from around the wicket and bowls a fullish delivery that tails back in, Ali clips it towards mid-wicket. |
| 81.2 : M Shami to Ali, Bowls it on a length, coming in with the angle. Ali camps back and looks to defend it but is rapped low on the pads. A loud appeal for LBW turned down by the umpire. Hawk Eye shows that it would have missed leg. |
| 81.3 : M Shami to Ali, On a length wide outside off, Moeen doesn't flirt with that one. |
| 81.4 : M Shami to Ali, Length delivery around off, angling in. Ali comes forward and defends it with the inner half of his bat down the pitch. |
| SHAMI is again having trouble with his hamstring. Physio comes to attend him. He first looks to go back but decides to complete the over first. |
| 81.5 : M Shami to Ali, Ambles in and bowls a fullish delivery outside off, Moeen lets it go through. |
| 81.6 : M Shami to Ali, Bowls it on a length on off, Ali comes forward and defends it towards mid on. |
| 82.1 : U Yadav to Stokes, On a length just outside off, Stokes camps back and defends it towards short cover. |
| 82.2 : U Yadav to Stokes, Follows it up with a full length delivery at 141 clicks, attacking the stumps. Ben is up to it as he strides forward and defends it down the track. |
| 82.3 : U Yadav to Stokes, Full length ball outside off, Stokes leans forward and defends nicely towards covers. |
| Short point comes in place. |
| 82.4 : U Yadav to Stokes, Bowls a beautiful delivery on back of a length outside off, angling in. Stokes pushes at it tamely and gets beaten. |
| 82.5 : U Yadav to Stokes, On a good length wide outside off, Ben lets it go through. |
| 82.6 : U Yadav to Stokes, Back of a length delivery outside off, zips through after pitching. Stokes is surprised by the bounce as he fends at it and gets beaten. Stifled appeal for caught behind turned down! |
| 83.1 : M Shami to Ali, Pacy delivery attacking the stumps, Ali clips it through square leg for a single. |
| 83.2 : M Shami to Stokes, Fullish delivery wide outside off, Stokes points his bat skywards and lets it through. |
| 83.3 : M Shami to Stokes, On a length angling into Stokes. He clips it towards mid-wicket. |
| 83.4 : M Shami to Stokes, Fullish ball outside off, Stokes comes forward and defends it to short cover. |
| 83.5 : M Shami to Stokes, Stokes drives this one through mid off and gets a single |
| 83.6 : M Shami to Ali, Full length ball going down leg, Ali looks to clip it through but the ball strikes the pad and carries to the keeper. |
| 84.1 : U Yadav to Stokes, He is cranking up the pace here! Bowls a length delivery outside off, at 145 clicks, zips through after pitching. Stokes shoulders his arms to that one. |
| 84.2 : U Yadav to Stokes, Fuller length ball outside off, Stokes leans forward and defends it to the covers. |
| 84.3 : U Yadav to Stokes, Very full ball just outside off, pushed back in the direction of the bowler. |
| 84.4 : U Yadav to Stokes, In between full and good length on off, Ben puts a big stride in and defends solidly. |
| 84.5 : U Yadav to Ben Stokes, FOUR! FINE SHOT! Shortish delivery directed at the body, Stokes stands tall and pulls it down to the vacant long leg boundary. |
| 84.6 : U Yadav to Stokes, Full length ball outside off, Ben lunges forward confidently and defends it to short cover. |
| 85.1 : M Shami to Ali, Fuller length ball outside off, Ali pushes it from the inner half of his bat towards mid off. |
| 85.2 : M Shami to Ali, Angling down leg side, Ali fails to flick it as it kisses his pads and goes through to the keeper. |
| 85.3 : M Shami to Ali, On a length and at the stumps, Ali defends it to the leg side. |
| Shami is down again in pain. The physio is out there to attend to him. It would be good for him if he decides to walk off the field now. Can take a good rest and start afresh tomorrow. Ravi Shastri on air is livid and feels that the pacer's actions are 'bordering on stupidity'. Well, Shami decides to continue again. |
| 85.4 : M Shami to Ali, Length ball around middle, Moeen stays back and pushes it down the track. |
| 85.5 : M Shami to Ali, Sprayed down the leg side, Ali looks to flick it but doesn't connect. |
| 85.6 : M Shami to Ali, On a length outside off, punched through the covers for a single. Moves to 90. |
| 86.1 : U Yadav to Ali, WELL BOWLED! Good length ball outside off, Ali pushes at it tentatively away from the body and is beaten. |
| 86.2 : U Yadav to Ali, FOUR! LOVELY SHOT! Fractionally overpitched outside off, Ali strides forward and creams it through covers for a superb boundary. |
| 86.3 : U Yadav to Ali, On a length and at the stumps, Moeen defends it from the crease. |
| 86.4 : U Yadav to Ali, Back of a length ball outside off, punched to point. |
| 86.5 : U Yadav to M Ali, Full length ball outside off, Ali lunges forward and plays a free flowing drive straight to extra over. |
| 86.6 : U Yadav to Ali, Straying on the pads, nudged down to fine leg for a single. |
| RAVICHANDRAN ASHWIN comes back to bowl. A slip and short leg in place. |
| 87.1 : R Ashwin to Ali, Tossed up on off, Ali strides forward and defends down the pitch. |
| 87.2 : R Ashwin to Ali, Advances down the track to the loopy delivery and clips it towards short mid-wicket for a brisk single. |
| 87.3 : R Ashwin to Stokes, Stokes stays back to this one on leg stump and defends it. |
| 87.4 : R Ashwin to Ben Stokes, Stokes plays for the turn but gets squared up as it straightens a touch. Takes the outside edge and goes down to third man. Couple taken! |
| 87.5 : R Ashwin to Stokes, Angling towards leg stump, helped towards the leg side for a single. |
| 87.6 : R Ashwin to Ali, Moeen advances down the track and defends it. Nervous nineties for him. |
| 88.1 : U Yadav to Stokes, Full length ball outside off, Stokes puts in a good stride forward and defends it to short cover. |
| 88.2 : U Yadav to Stokes, Almost a replica of the previous delivery as Stokes again defends to short cover. |
| 88.3 : U Yadav to Stokes, Shortish delivery going down leg, Ben looks to pull it hard but misses. |
| 88.4 : U Yadav to Stokes, Fuller length ball at the stumps, pushed towards mid on. |
| 88.5 : U Yadav to Stokes, Stokes gets hurried on to the pull shot as the length was a bit up to attempt it. He fails to connect and is hit on the thigh pad. |
| 88.6 : U Yadav to Stokes, Straying on the pads, nudged round the corner for a single. |
| 89.1 : R Ashwin to Stokes, SIX! SHOT! Stokes comes down the track to the loopy delivery and lofts it beautifully over long on. The ball clears the boundary easily. |
| 89.2 : R Ashwin to Stokes, Stokes comes forward and defends it. |
| 89.3 : R Ashwin to Stokes, Ben stays back this time and defends it past short leg. |
| 89.4 : Ashwin to Stokes, Stokes advances down the track and is hit on the pads as he kept his bat behind. There is an appeal for LBW but it's turned down. |
| 89.5 : R Ashwin to Stokes, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. |
| 89.6 : R Ashwin to Stokes, Tossed up at the stumps, Ben stays back and defends. |
| AMIT MISHRA comes back. |
| 90.1 : A Mishra to Ali, Stays back to the length delivery and defends it down the pitch. |
| 90.2 : A Mishra to M Ali, Ali drives it against the spin through mid off for a single. |
| 90.3 : A Mishra to Stokes, FOUR! Loose delivery and it gets the treatment! Short delivery at the stumps, Stokes rocks back and pulls it through square leg for a boundary. |
| 90.4 : A Mishra to Stokes, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground. |
| 90.5 : A Mishra to Stokes, Full delivery, Stokes comes forward and defends. |
| 90.6 : A Mishra to Stokes, Ben steps down the track and looks to defend but gets an inside edge onto his back pad and the ball bounces over the stump to the keeper. |
| 91.1 : R Ashwin to Ali, Outside off, spinning in. Ali defends it from the crease. |
| 91.2 : R Ashwin to Ali, Floated on off, defended back to the bowler. |
| 91.3 : R Ashwin to Ali, Ali presses forward and blocks. |
| 91.4 : R Ashwin to Ali, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground. |
| 91.5 : R Ashwin to Ali, Moeen advances down to the loopy delivery and is struck on the pads. There is an appeal for LBW but turned down. He was way down the pitch. |
| 91.6 : R Ashwin to M Ali, Ali drives it with the spin through mid off for a single. Moves to 98. |
| 92.1 : Mishra to Ali, Juicy full toss on off, Ali mistimes his shot as he hits it aerially down to long on for a single. Moves to 99. Can he get his century in this over? |
| 92.2 : A Mishra to Stokes, Floated up outside off, Ben strides forward and defends. |
| 92.3 : A Mishra to Stokes, Outside off again, defended to the off side. |
| 92.4 : A Mishra to Stokes, Ben pushes it against the spin towards mid off. |
| 92.5 : A Mishra to Stokes, On a length on middle, Ben camps back and defends. |
| 92.6 : A Mishra to Stokes, Floated up outside off, Stokes lunges forward and defends it to the off side. THAT'S STUMPS ON DAY 1! |
| A very good day for England after opting to bat. Joe Root's century and Moeen Ali's unbeaten 99 were the highlights of the day for the visitors. The duo's 179-run stand put the tourists on track after going to lunch at a slightly wobbly 102/3 which included the big one of skipper Cook. Although Root departed towards the fag end of the day to a debatable decision, Ali batted on with Stokes to prevent further damage. |
| It was a hard day's work for India's bowlers. With the surface not offering much turn, the spin trio weren't quite able to trouble the batsmen. Ashwin and Jadeja did bowl well in the first session but thereafter weren't quite effective while Mishra had an off day. Umesh and Shami got the ball to reverse although they could have been more accurate in their spells. The latter did have slight issues with fitness too. |
| India would be ruing the dropped catches early in the first session that could have given them the early momentum. Apart from that though, England's batsmen haven't offered any chances at all especially against spin. The track has played well although it's been a bit slow. The visitors will want to pile on the runs tomorrow as well. India will hope to restrict England as much as possible. Tune in at 0930 IST tomorrow for the second day's play. Till then, it's goodbye from us. |
| ...DAY 2, SESSION 1... |
| Hello and a warm welcome on Day 2 of the first Test between India and England in Rajkot. England are poised nicely at the moment and would look to press the advantage further. Ali is playing a brilliant knock and has countered the Indian bowlers nonchalantly. He is nearing his ton and Stokes seems to have got his eye in. |
| The home side would look to make early inroads and have a go at the lower middle order with the new ball. The pitch is playing true but there is a possibility of it taking a bit more turn today. Let's see if the hosts are able to fight back. It promises to be a cracking day of cricketing action! |
| We are ready to kick start the first session. The players and umpires walk out into the middle. MOEEN ALI and BEN STOKES to continue their innings. Ali will take strike and he would be itching to get that single to complete his 4th ton. Meanwhile, INDIA HAVE TAKEN THE NEW BALL. MOHAMMED SHAMI to begin with the new cherry. Two slips, a gully and forward short leg in place. Here we go... |
| 93.1 : M Shami to Ali, Shortish delivery outside off, doesn't bounce that high. Ali sways away from the line and leaves it alone. |
| 93.2 : M Shami to Ali, This time the bouncer is well directed angling into middle. Ali drops his wrists and lets it go with good technique. |
| 93.3 : M Shami to Ali, Back of a length ball outside off, Ali camps back and plays it with soft hands towards point. Sets off for the run and reaches home safely to complete his ton. Lifts his arms skywards and the dressing room appreciates his fine effort. It has been a superb innings and he would look to carry on. |
| 4th Test century for Moeen Ali! |
| 93.4 : M Shami to Stokes, On a length angling in from outside off, Stokes watches it closely and leaves it. |
| 93.5 : M Shami to Stokes, Back of a length around off, Ben camps back and pushes it through the covers for a couple. |
| 93.6 : M Shami to Stokes, On a length angling into Stokes. He stands tall and defends it down the pitch. |
| UMESH YADAV to share the new cherry. |
| 94.1 : U Yadav to Ali, Fullish delivery around off, angling away. Moeen points his bat skywards and lets it go. |
| 94.2 : U Yadav to Ali, Almost a replica of the previous delivery! |
| 94.3 : U Yadav to Ali, FOUR! BEAUTIFULLY PLAYED! Fullish delivery on middle, Ali is well balanced at the crease as he clips it beautifully through mid-wicket. Jadeja gives a good chase but fails to keep the ball in with his slide. |
| 94.4 : U Yadav to Ali, FOUR! Poor effort from Gambhir! On a length wide outside off, Moeen stays back and cuts it fiercely towards point. Gambhir fumbles and allows the ball to go through to the boundary. |
| 94.5 : U Yadav to Ali, Fuller length ball outside off, Ali doesn't flirt with that. |
| 94.6 : U Yadav to M Ali, FOUR! In between full and good length outside off, angling away. Ali leans forward and drives it through cover-point for a superb boundary. 12 runs off the over! |
| 95.1 : M Shami to Stokes, Fulll length ball outside off, Stokes leans forward and defends it to covers. |
| 95.2 : M Shami to Stokes, THAT'S A PEACH! In the corridor of uncertainty outside off, angling in. Stokes pushes at it tamely and is beaten all ends up. |
| 95.3 : M Shami to Stokes, Shortish and wide outside off, Stokes throws his bat at it but misses. |
| 95.4 : M Shami to Stokes, FOUR! THAT'S PLAYED WITH AUTHORITY! Shortish ball directed at the body, Stokes stands tall and pulls it fiercely through mid-wicket. The ball rockets to the fence. |
| 95.5 : M Shami to Stokes, Pacy delivery attacking the stumps, Stokes comes forward and defends it nicely. |
| 95.6 : M Shami to Stokes, On a good length outside off, shapes in after pitching. Stokes hops back to defend but is beaten. |
| 96.1 : U Yadav to Ali, Full length ball outside off, Ali strides forward and defends it solidly. |
| 96.2 : U Yadav to Ali, Back of a length ball outside off, Ali glides it through gully for a single. |
| 50-run stand up between Ali and Stokes. |
| 96.3 : U Yadav to Stokes, FOUR! SHOT! Fractionally overpitched outside off, Ben leans into the drive and caresses it through point and the ball whistles away to the boundary. |
| 96.4 : U Yadav to Stokes, Fullish ball around off, pushed off the front foot to covers. |
| 96.5 : U Yadav to Stokes, On a similar length at the stumps, Stokes drives it towards mid on. |
| 96.6 : U Yadav to Stokes, A bit loose that time! Back of a length ball outside off, Stokes is off balance as he looks to pull it but misses. |
| 97.1 : M Shami to Ali, Back of a length ball angling across Ali. He looks to defend it but gets an inside edge towards square leg. |
| 97.2 : M Shami to Ali, Bouncer on middle and leg, Moeen ducks underneath it. |
| 97.3 : M Shami to Ali, FOUR! Straying on the hips, Ali stays back and nudges it to the vacant fine leg region for a boundary. |
| 97.4 : M Shami to Ali, On a length wide outside off, stays a bit low. Ali has his feet planted at the crease as he plays away from the body but misses. |
| Comes around the wicket. |
| 97.5 : M Shami to Ali, Fullish ball around off, defended off the outer half of the bat towards covers. |
| 97.6 : M Shami to Ali, Ali strides forward and defends it back to the bowler. |
| RAVICHANDRAN ASHWIN comes to bowl. |
| 98.1 : R Ashwin to Stokes, Flatter ball from around the wicket, Stokes camps back and defends. |
| 98.2 : R Ashwin to Stokes, Quicker one on off, Ben defends it towards covers. |
| 98.3 : R Ashwin to Stokes, Floated up on middle and leg, defended off the front foot. |
| 98.4 : R Ashwin to Stokes, Stokes looks to sweep the loopy delivery but misses and is hit on the pads. |
| 98.5 : R Ashwin to Stokes, FOUR! THAT'S DRILLED! Advances down the track and drives it hard through mid on for a superb boundary. |
| 98.6 : R Ashwin to Stokes, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. |
| 99.1 : M Shami to Ali, Fullish ball around off, swinging in. Ali strides forward and defends nicely. |
| 99.2 : M Shami to Ali, Full length ball attacking the stumps, Moeen blocks it. |
| 99.3 : M Shami to Ali, On a length angling into Moeen. He camps back and pushes it towards wide mid on. |
| 99.4 : M Shami to Ali, OUT! WHY DID YOU LEAVE THAT MOEEN? On a length outside off, it is always going to be angling in from there. Ali for some reason points his bat skywards and only turns back to see his off stump going for a toss. A tragic end to a brilliant knock. He has truly put England in a comfortable position. |
| JONNY BAIRSTOW walks in next. |
| 99.5 : M Shami to Bairstow, Bouncer to Bairstow to start with! He ducks under it nicely. |
| 99.6 : M Shami to Bairstow, Sprayed down the leg side, Bairstow looks to clip it through but misses. End of a successful over, a wicket maiden! |
| 100.1 : R Ashwin to Stokes, Nicely tossed up on middle and leg, Stokes stays leg side to defend it. |
| 100.2 : R Ashwin to Ben Stokes, Pitches it on leg stumps, turning in. Stokes is squared up as he looks to defend but gets an outside edge past first slip. |
| 100.3 : R Ashwin to Stokes, Stokes presses forward and defends down the pitch. |
| 100.4 : R Ashwin to Stokes, Going down leg, Stokes nudges it round the corner. |
| 100.5 : R Ashwin to Stokes, Quicker one at the stumps, Stokes flicks it through square leg for a single. |
| 100.6 : R Ashwin to Bairstow, Tossed up outside off, Bairstow comes forward and defends. |
| 101.1 : M Shami to Stokes, Fullish delivery wide outside off, Stokes drives it through covers for a couple. |
| 101.2 : M Shami to Stokes, On a length on off, Stokes camps back and defends it to mid on. |
| 101.3 : M Shami to Stokes, Full length ball at 141 clicks outside off, Stokes leans forward and defends it down the track. |
| 101.4 : M Shami to Stokes, FOUR! HE IS LOOKING OMINOUS! Fullish ball shaping in from outside off, Stokes has the line covered and drives it emphatically down the ground. The ball races to the fence! |
| 101.5 : M Shami to Stokes, On a length outside off, Stokes watches it closely and lets it go. |
| 101.6 : M Shami to Stokes, Comes over the wicket and bowls a length ball on off, Ben hangs back and defends it nicely. |
| 102.1 : R Ashwin to Bairstow, Nicely tossed up outside off, Bairstow leans forward and defends it to the off side. |
| 102.2 : R Ashwin to Bairstow, Good running between the wickets! Jonny brings out the paddle sweep down to backward square leg for a couple. |
| 102.3 : R Ashwin to Bairstow, Tossed up just outside off, Bairstow gets it from the outer half of his bat past slip for a couple. |
| 102.4 : R Ashwin to Bairstow, Bairstow defends it with the spin towards short mid-wicket. |
| 102.5 : Ashwin to Bairstow, Tossed up around off, turning in. Jonny looks to defend but gets an inside edge onto his pads. Muted appeal for LBW turned down. |
| 102.6 : R Ashwin to Bairstow, Jonny works it with the spin down the leg side. |
| AMIT MISHRA comes to bowl. |
| 103.1 : A Mishra to Stokes, Floated up on middle, spinning down. Stokes goes back and looks to nudge it but misses. There is an appeal for caught behind but in vain! |
| 103.2 : A Mishra to Stokes, Tossed up on middle and leg, defended towards the leg side. |
| 103.3 : A Mishra to Stokes, Stokes sweeps it with the spin through backward square leg for a single. |
| 103.4 : A Mishra to Bairstow, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. |
| 103.5 : A Mishra to J Bairstow, Tossed up on middle, Bairstow makes room and places it towards covers. Jadeja is quick to get around it and hurls in a throw at the bowler's end but misses. Jonny was safely in. |
| 103.6 : A Mishra to Stokes, Stokes pushes it gently to the covers. |
| 104.1 : R Ashwin to Bairstow, Comes down the track and clips it through mid-wicket. |
| 104.2 : R Ashwin to Bairstow, Down the leg side, nudged round the corner for a single. |
| 104.3 : R Ashwin to Stokes, A tad short outside off, punched through covers for a single. |
| 104.4 : R Ashwin to Bairstow, Bairstow stays back and defends. |
| 104.5 : R Ashwin to Bairstow, Floated outside off, defended off the front foot. |
| 104.6 : R Ashwin to Bairstow, Outside off, pushed to covers. |
| 105.1 : A Mishra to Stokes, Quicker one at the stumps, Stokes comes forward and defends it to the off side. |
| 105.2 : A Mishra to Stokes, Stokes advances down the track converting it into a full toss and drills it to long on for a single. |
| 105.3 : A Mishra to Bairstow, Tossed up outside off, defended with an angled bat towards point. |
| 105.4 : A Mishra to Bairstow, Quicker one on off, Bairstow camps back and defends it to covers. |
| 105.5 : A Mishra to Bairstow, Flatter again on middle and leg, clipped towards mid-wicket. |
| 105.6 : A Mishra to Bairstow, Pressed forward to the full delivery outside off and defends nicely. |
| 106.1 : R Ashwin to Stokes, Pitched outside leg, spinning back in. Stokes defends it to short leg. |
| 106.2 : R Ashwin to Stokes, THAT ONE TURNED! On a length on middle, spins venomously. Stokes looked to play at first but has to withdraw. |
| 106.3 : R Ashwin to Stokes, Quicker on leg stump, Stokes looks to defend but is rapped on the pads. A stifled appeal but in vain. |
| 106.4 : R Ashwin to Stokes, The batsman shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the back foot. |
| 106.5 : R Ashwin to Ben Stokes, A tad short outside off, cut through covers for a couple. |
| 106.6 : R Ashwin to Stokes, Full around middle, defended off the front foot. |
| 107.1 : Mishra to Bairstow, Going down leg, Jonny looks to clip it but misses and the ball lobs to the short leg fielder off his pads who pouches it. A shout for a catch is turned down. They were anyways not confident. The replays show that there was no bat involved. |
| 107.2 : Mishra to Bairstow, SIX! THAT'S HAMMERED! Bairstow advances to the loopy ball on middle and off and hits it cleanly down the ground for a maximum. Clean strike that! |
| 107.3 : A Mishra to Bairstow, Floated outside off, defended towards point. |
| 107.4 : A Mishra to Bairstow, Bairstow drives it with the spin through mid off for a single. |
| 107.5 : A Mishra to Stokes, Tossed up on middle and leg, Stokes kneels and sweeps it towards Pujara at short leg who takes it on the body and deflects it behind for a single. |
| 107.6 : A Mishra to Bairstow, Loopy ball on off, Bairstow strides forward and defends it to the off side. |
| Time for Drinks. A good first hour for the English side as they scored at a fast click to add 60 runs on the board. They would be disappointed to lose Ali but Stokes and Bairstow haven't allowed the Indian bowlers to settle down. Can the home side fight back? |
| 108.1 : R Ashwin to Stokes, Flighted ball around off, turning away, Stokes tries to defend but misses it completely. |
| 108.2 : R Ashwin to Stokes, Shortish outside off, Stokes goes onto his back foot and cuts it through point for a single. |
| 108.3 : R Ashwin to Bairstow, FOUR! Fine shot! Fullish outside off, Bairstow drives it through the cover region for a boundary. |
| 108.4 : R Ashwin to J Bairstow, Driven through mid on by Bairstow for a single. |
| 108.5 : R Ashwin to Stokes, Turn and bounce! On middle and off, Stokes tries to play it off his back foot but misses. |
| 108.6 : R Ashwin to Stokes, On middle and leg, Stokes punches it through mid on and takes a single to bring up his fifty. It's been a fine knock so far. |
| 8th Test fifty for Ben Stokes! |
| 109.1 : A Mishra to Stokes, Full on middle and off, Stokes digs it out to the leg side. |
| 109.2 : A Mishra to Stokes, Short ball around off, turning in, Stokes goes onto his back foot and pulls it hard to deep mid-wicket for a single. |
| 109.3 : A Mishra to J Bairstow, Around off, turns away a bit, Bairstow tries to push it back to the bowler but gets an outside edge towards slip. |
| 109.4 : A Mishra to Bairstow, Landed outside off, Bairstow pushes it towards point. |
| 109.5 : A Mishra to Bairstow, Loopy outside off, pushed to the point fielder yet again. |
| 109.6 : A Mishra to Bairstow, Fullish outside off, Jonny pushes it to the left of the bowler. |
| 110.1 : R Ashwin to Stokes, FOUR! Stokes attacking Ashwin here! Full on middle and off, Stokes slog sweeps it hard through mid-wicket for another boundary. The last time Ashwin conceded these many runs in an innings at home, vs England in Kolkata in 2012. |
| 110.2 : R Ashwin to Stokes, Landed around off, Stokes stays back in his crease and defends. |
| 110.3 : Ashwin to Stokes, Appeal for an LBW! Stokes steps down the track to play this one but he's hit on the pads. The Indians appeal for a leg before but the umpire says not out. He was way down the track. |
| 110.4 : R Ashwin to Stokes, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. |
| 110.5 : R Ashwin to Stokes, Full on off, defended watchfully by Stokes. |
| 110.6 : R Ashwin to Stokes, FOUR! Well played! On the pads, Stokes works it to the fine leg region. The ball wins the race and goes past the fence. |
| 111.1 : A Mishra to Bairstow, SIX! Aggression from Bairstow as well! Googly by Mishra, the English keeper picks it early and lofts it high over long on for a biggie all the way. |
| 111.2 : A Mishra to Bairstow, Fullish outside off, driven through mid off for a single. |
| 111.3 : A Mishra to Stokes, On middle and leg, Stokes stays back in his crease and defends. |
| 111.4 : A Mishra to Stokes, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. |
| 111.5 : A Mishra to Stokes, Full ball on off, Stokes blocks it out. |
| 111.6 : A Mishra to Stokes, Fullish ball on middle and off, swept away through square leg for a single. |
| Umesh Yadav is back. |
| 112.1 : U Yadav to Stokes, Good length ball around off, Stokes covers the line and defends. |
| 112.2 : U Yadav to Stokes, Wide outside off, swinging away, Stokes goes after it but misses. |
| 112.3 : U Yadav to Stokes, Fullish on off, Ben drives it towards mid on. |
| 112.4 : U Yadav to Ben Stokes, Fuller length ball outside off, Stokes drives it to covers but there is a fielder. |
| 112.5 : U Yadav to Ben Stokes, DROPPED! Tough chance though! Landed just outside off, Stokes pushes it with hard hands and gets a thick outside edge. The ball flies to left of Saha who gets his hands on it but fails to grab it cleanly. Another chance put down. Single taken. |
| 112.6 : U Yadav to Bairstow, FOUR! Placement! Length ball outside off, Bairstow guides it through the gap between gully and first slip with perfection. The fielders didn't even move there and Bairstow gets a boundary. 400 up for England! |
| 113.1 : A Mishra to Stokes, Tossed up outside off, Stokes drives it towards mid off. |
| 113.2 : A Mishra to Stokes, Appeal for an LBW! Landed just outside off, turning in sharply, Stokes goes for the sweep but misses and gets hit on the pads. The umpire says not out. Would have probably missed the leg stump. |
| 113.3 : A Mishra to Stokes, FOUR BYES! Down the leg side, turning sharply yet again, Stokes misses it and the keeper fails to stop the ball as well. The umpire signals four byes. |
| 113.4 : A Mishra to Stokes, Landed around off, Stokes defends it with soft hands. |
| 113.5 : A Mishra to Stokes, The batsman shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the back foot. |
| 113.6 : A Mishra to Stokes, Outside off, Ben comes down the track and blocks. |
| 114.1 : U Yadav to Bairstow, Angles it down the leg side, Bairstow tries to flick but misses. The ball goes off the pads and the batsmen take a leg bye. |
| 114.2 : U Yadav to Stokes, Good length ball around off, Stokes defends it watchfully. |
| 114.3 : U Yadav to Stokes, Wide outside off, Stokes leaves it alone. |
| 114.4 : U Yadav to Stokes, DROPPED AGAIN! This is poor stuff by India. It's a length ball outside off, Stokes tries to push but gets an outside edge. The ball goes to the left of Saha again who drops a relatively easier catch this time. It's a regulation catch for a keeper actually and he's put it down. Stokes is the lucky man once again. England take a single too. |
| 114.5 : U Yadav to Bairstow, Good length ball on off, Bairstow defends it from within his crease. |
| 114.6 : U Yadav to Bairstow, Around off, Bairstow tries to drive but gets a bit of an inside edge through square leg. Single taken. |
| 115.1 : A Mishra to Bairstow, FOUR! Another boundary! Outside off, Bairstow lofts it over the cover region. The ball races away to the fence. |
| 115.2 : A Mishra to Bairstow, Full on off, Jonny drives it back to the bowler. |
| 115.3 : A Mishra to J Bairstow, FOUR! Full toss and put away! On middle and leg, Bairstow uses his wrists and hits it through wide mid on for a boundary. |
| 115.4 : A Mishra to Bairstow, Outside off, Bairstow defends it into the ground. |
| 115.5 : A Mishra to Bairstow, Tossed up around off, Bairstow defends it solidly again. |
| 115.6 : A Mishra to Bairstow, The batsman defends it from within the crease. |
| 116.1 : U Yadav to Stokes, Back of a length ball on off, Stokes flicks it through mid-wicket for a single. |
| 116.2 : U Yadav to Bairstow, Back of a length ball again, Bairstow defends it. |
| 116.3 : U Yadav to Bairstow, BEATEN! Tad short on off, Bairstow tries to push but misses. There is some extra bounce as well as Saha collects the ball near his face. |
| 116.4 : U Yadav to J Bairstow, Full on off, Bairstow drives it to mid off. |
| 116.5 : U Yadav to Bairstow, Short of a length ball on off, Bairstow goes for the pull but misses and gets hit on the thigh pad. |
| 116.6 : U Yadav to Bairstow, Full on off, driven back to the bowler. |
| 117.1 : A Mishra to Stokes, Landed around off, Stokes drives it back to Mishra. |
| 117.2 : A Mishra to Stokes, Flatter outside off, Stokes comes down the track and blocks it to the off side. |
| Jadeja warming up... |
| 117.3 : A Mishra to Stokes, FOUR! Take that! Wide outside off, Stokes uses his feet and smacks it through the cover region for another boundary. |
| 117.4 : A Mishra to Stokes, Stokes comes down the track and takes it on the full, hits it down the ground for a single. |
| 117.5 : A Mishra to Bairstow, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground. |
| 117.6 : A Mishra to Bairstow, FOUR! Bad ball and punished yet again! Short ball outside off, Jonny quickly goes onto his back foot and cuts it through point for a boundary yet again. England have hammered each and every poor ball. |
| 118.1 : U Yadav to Stokes, PLAY AND A MISS! Good length ball outside off, Stokes comes half-forward and tries to push but misses. There is a stifled appeal for a caught behind but the umpire is totally unmoved. |
| 118.2 : U Yadav to Stokes, Full outside off, driven straight to the mid off fielder. |
| 118.3 : U Yadav to Stokes, Full on off, mistimed towards mid on. The batsmen take a single. Mishra scores a direct hit too at the non-striker's end but Stokes was safely in. |
| 118.4 : U Yadav to Bairstow, CHANCE OF A CATCH! Short of a length ball on off, Bairstow pulls it away. The ball is hit on the knee of the short mid-wicket fielder and ricochets towards Kohli at silly mid on. The Indian skipper shows quick reflexes and puts in a dive too but the ball falls just short of him. All the players are smiling out there. |
| 118.5 : U Yadav to Bairstow, JUST SHORT AGAIN! Shortish on middle and off, Bairstow pulls it away. The ball goes towards mid on where the fielder puts in a dive forward but it falls just short of him. Two runs taken. |
| 118.6 : U Yadav to Bairstow, The batsman has flicked the ball off his pads. They manage to come back for the second. |
| Ravindra Jadeja into the attack. |
| 119.1 : R Jadeja to Stokes, FOUR! Welcome, Jadeja! Stokes steps down the track and launches it over the mid off region. No fielder in the deep and Stokes gets another boundary. |
| 119.2 : R Jadeja to Stokes, Around off, Stokes sweeps it through square leg and takes a couple as the fielder is fine. |
| 119.3 : R Jadeja to Stokes, FOUR! More runs! Stokes shuffles across a tad and paddles it to the fine leg region for another boundary. Runs are coming thick and fast for England. |
| 119.4 : R Jadeja to Stokes, The batsman dances down the track and does well to block the ball. |
| 119.5 : R Jadeja to Stokes, Tad short outside off, Stokes punches it through point for a single. |
| 119.6 : R Jadeja to Bairstow, TURN! Tossed up ball outside off, Bairstow tries to push but gets beaten by the turn there. |
| Mohammed Shami is back. |
| 120.1 : M Shami to Stokes, OUCH! Angles in a length ball outside off, Stokes tries to hit it across but gets hit on the box. That must have hurt. |
| 120.2 : M Shami to Ben Stokes, Short of a length ball, Stokes comes down the track and mistimes it towards mid on. The fielder fumbles too but no damage done, just a single taken. |
| 120.3 : M Shami to Bairstow, Good length ball outside off, angling in, Bairstow is hit on the thigh pad. There's a stifled appeal for a leg before but the umpire is not interested. |
| 120.4 : M Shami to Bairstow, Landed outside off, Bairstow defends it off his front foot. |
| 120.5 : M Shami to Bairstow, OUT! Edged and taken finally! After dropping two catches today, Saha has taken a regulation catch. Fuller length ball outside off, hint of away movement, Bairstow goes after it but gets a faint edge to the keeper behind. Saha makes no mistake and Shami picks up his second wicket. The crowd is suddenly cheering out loudly. The dangerous 99-run stand is broken. |
| CHRIS WOAKES walks out to bat. |
| 120.6 : M Shami to Woakes, Fullish on off, Woakes covers the line and defends. |
| Umesh Yadav is back. |
| 121.1 : U Yadav to Stokes, In the corridor outside off, Stokes allows it through. |
| 121.2 : U Yadav to Stokes, Good length ball outside off, Stokes plays it through backward point for a single. |
| 121.3 : U Yadav to Woakes, Length delivery outside off, guided towards gully. |
| 121.4 : U Yadav to Woakes, Good length ball outside off, Woakes pushes it towards point. |
| 121.5 : U Yadav to Woakes, Landed around off, Woakes defends it with soft hands. |
| 121.6 : U Yadav to Woakes, FOUR! Poor delivery and it's been punished again! Full and on the pads, Woakes flicks it to the fine leg region for a boundary. |
| 122.1 : M Shami to Stokes, Fuller length ball outside off, Stokes shoulders his arms. |
| 122.2 : M Shami to Stokes, Worked away to the deep backward square leg region for a couple. |
| 122.3 : M Shami to Stokes, Length delivery outside off, slower one, Stokes defends it watchfully. |
| 122.4 : M Shami to Stokes, Angles it on the pads, Stokes tries to flick but misses. There is an appeal for a leg before by the bowler but the umpire signals a leg bye. 450 up for England! |
| 122.5 : M Shami to Woakes, Down the leg side, Woakes misses his flick. |
| 122.6 : M Shami to C Woakes, Fuller length ball outside off, Woakes tries to play it to the off side but the ball goes off the inside half of the bat towards mid-wicket. That's LUNCH ON DAY 2! |
| A terrific session for the English side as they have scored runs at will and have pushed India back. Scoring 139 runs in 30 overs speaks for itself! Ali went on to score his 4th ton and was placing the ball around but he got bowled because of a rare misjudgement. There was aggressive intent from Shami and Yadav with the new ball but Stokes and Bairstow countered that by throwing caution to the wind. |
| Stokes is still lucky to be out there as he was dropped twice by Saha. He is nearing his century and it has been a fast paced knock. The no. 1 Test side has been bogged down and that has reflected on the field today. India's magician with the ball, Ashwin has been off colour so far and that has taken a toll. The visitors have already posted a huge score on the board and a curvy road lies ahead of the home side. England would look to dominate and put more pressure on India when they come out in t |
| ...DAY 2, SESSION 2... |
| We are back for the second session. The players and umpires walk out into the middle. Ben Stokes and Chris Woakes will continue their innings. The former will take strike. Both of them would look to be positive. Interesting to see how Virat arranges his field. Ravindra Jadeja to bowl first up. |
| 123.1 : R Jadeja to Stokes, Around off, turning in. Stokes stays back and defends. |
| 123.2 : R Jadeja to Stokes, This time he gets forward to the loopy delivery and defends down the pitch. |
| 123.3 : R Jadeja to Stokes, On a length outside off, spinning in. Stokes goes back and clips it to mid-wicket for a single. |
| 123.4 : Jadeja to Woakes, OUT! Jadeja strikes early! Tossed up outside off from around the wicket, Woakes prods forward to defend but is deceived by the ball straightening a bit and gets a faint nick that carries to Saha. He makes no mistake and pouches it safely. Good breakthrough for India. |
| ADIL RASHID walks in next. |
| 123.5 : R Jadeja to Rashid, Rashid presses forward and blocks. |
| 123.6 : R Jadeja to Rashid, Floated outside off, pushed to the covers. |
| MOHAMMED SHAMI to continue his spell. |
| 124.1 : M Shami to Stokes, Fullish delivery outside off, Stokes comes forward and gets an inside edge that goes back towards the stumps. He shows his football skills and deflects it away. |
| 124.2 : M Shami to Stokes, On a length angling into Stokes. He camps back and defends to the leg side. |
| 124.3 : M Shami to Stokes, On a length wide outside off, Ben leaves it alone. |
| 124.4 : M Shami to Ben Stokes, Full length ball angling in on off, Stokes drives it hard towards Shami who half stops it to his left and the ball rolls towards mid off. They set off for a single. Kohli is sharp to get across and throws at the striker's end but misses. Rashid would have been a goner if that had hit! |
| 124.5 : M Shami to Rashid, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. |
| 124.6 : M Shami to Rashid, Outside off, left alone by Rashid. |
| 125.1 : R Jadeja to Stokes, Stokes stays back and defends it towards mid-wicket. |
| 125.2 : R Jadeja to Stokes, Quicker one on off, keeps low. Stokes stays back and defends. |
| 125.3 : R Jadeja to Stokes, Stokes sweeps this one through square leg for a single. |
| 125.4 : R Jadeja to Rashid, On a length outside off, extra bounce on that one. Left alone by Rashid. |
| 125.5 : R Jadeja to A Rashid, Outside off, driven through the covers. |
| 125.6 : R Jadeja to Rashid, Rashid looks to drive again but gets it from the inner half of his bat back to the bowler. |
| 126.1 : M Shami to Stokes, Fullish ball on middle and leg, clipped through square leg for a couple. |
| 126.2 : M Shami to Stokes, On a length wide outside off, Stokes lets it sail through to the keeper. |
| 126.3 : M Shami to Stokes, This time it angles in from outside off, still not close enough to make Ben play who makes a watchful leave. |
| 126.4 : M Shami to Stokes, Fullish ball around off, defended towards covers. |
| 126.5 : M Shami to Stokes, Poor in the field from Mishra. Almost a yorker length ball on off, Stokes digs it out towards Mishra at wide mid on and sets off for a single. Rashid stutters a bit but the fumble by Mishra and his laziness in reaching the ball allows them to complete the single. |
| 126.6 : M Shami to Rashid, Fullish ball at the stumps, Rashid defends it towards short mid-wicket. |
| 127.1 : R Jadeja to Stokes, Stokes gets lucky! Tossed up outside off, Stokes goes for the slog sweep but top edges it towards the vacant mid on region. Kohli sprints after it from mid-wicket but the ball eludes him. It would have been better if Vijay from long on had been after it. |
| 127.2 : R Jadeja to Rashid, That's a risky leave! Quicker one outside off, coming in with the arm. Rashid leaves it and it passes past off pole by a whisker! |
| 127.3 : R Jadeja to Rashid, Rashid drives it to the covers. |
| 127.4 : R Jadeja to Rashid, Outside off, pushed to the cover region. |
| 127.5 : R Jadeja to A Rashid, FOUR! A tad short outside off, Rashid goes for the cut but edges it through the slip region for a bounday. |
| 127.6 : R Jadeja to Rashid, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. |
| 128.1 : M Shami to Ben Stokes, Stokes plays this one towards mid-wicket and sets off for a brisk single. Mishra picks it and throws it at the striker's end but misses. It would have been a close call if that had hit. |
| 128.2 : M Shami to Rashid, The batsman has played it to the point region. The batsmen have run through for a single. |
| 128.3 : M Shami to Stokes, On a length around off, Stokes goes back and defends it to short cover. |
| 128.4 : M Shami to Stokes, Yorker on middle and off, dug out well through square leg for a coupld. |
| 128.5 : M Shami to Stokes, Fullish ball attacking the stumps, Stokes comes forward and defends it back to the bowler. |
| 128.6 : M Shami to Stokes, Stokes drives this one to covers. |
| 129.1 : R Jadeja to Rashid, Rashid presses forward and blocks it. |
| 129.2 : R Jadeja to Rashid, Around off, defended to silly point. |
| 129.3 : R Jadeja to Rashid, Quikcer one at the stumps, Rashid goes back and defends it to the off side. |
| 129.4 : R Jadeja to Rashid, Very full around middle and off, Rashid digs it out towards short cover. |
| 129.5 : R Jadeja to Rashid, Loopy delivery around off, pushed to the covers. |
| 129.6 : R Jadeja to Rashid, OUT! Rashid's short stay comes to an end! This time he looks to loft the loopy delivery against the turn but mistimes it towards Yadav at mid on. He has to turn back and leaps to take a well judged catch. Jadeja is bowling well here and he is getting the rewards! Can India bowl them out quickly? |
| ZAFAR ANSARI walks in next. |
| 130.1 : M Shami to Stokes, On a length outside off, Stokes doesn't bother to play at it. |
| 130.2 : M Shami to Stokes, Similar delivery and it's pretty wide to make Stokes play. |
| 130.3 : M Shami to Stokes, Fullish delivery angling into off, Ben puts a big stride forward and defends down the track. |
| 130.4 : M Shami to Stokes, Fullish delivery outside off, Stokes comes forward and sees his through to the keeper. |
| 130.5 : M Shami to Ben Stokes, Fullish ball around off, Stokes pushes it towards mid off and it bounces off well to Ashwin. He picks up the ball and throws at the bowler's end but misses. Stokes had dived in. The replays show that it would have been very tight! |
| 130.6 : M Shami to Ansari, Ansari prods forward to the full ball and pushes it to the covers. |
| 131.1 : R Jadeja to Stokes, Stokes stays back to the quicker one and defends it down the pitch. |
| 131.2 : R Jadeja to Stokes, On a length, turning in. Stokes stays back and clips it towards mid-wicket. |
| 131.3 : R Jadeja to Stokes, Ben drives it with the spin through mid on for a single. |
| 131.4 : R Jadeja to Ansari, Around off, turning in. Zafar stays back and defends. |
| 131.5 : R Jadeja to Ansari, The batsman shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the back foot. |
| 131.6 : R Jadeja to Ansari, Ansari comes forward and defends it to covers. |
| Ravichandran Ashwin into the attack. |
| 132.1 : R Ashwin to Stokes, Full on middle and off, defended nicely off the front foot. |
| 132.2 : R Ashwin to Stokes, Slow through the air and turning in from outside leg, Stokes stays back and defends it easily. |
| 132.3 : R Ashwin to Stokes, Pitched outside leg, turning in. Stokes shapes to play the reverse sweep but gets an inside edge onto his forearm that deflects towards square leg. Single taken! Moves to 97! |
| 132.4 : R Ashwin to Ansari, Floated on off, defended solidly. |
| 132.5 : R Ashwin to Ansari, Ansari steps down the track and drives it to long on for a single to get off the mark! |
| 132.6 : R Ashwin to Stokes, Stokes stays in the crease and defends. |
| 133.1 : R Jadeja to Ansari, On a length outside off, Ansari stays back and defends it towards cover-point. Mishra is late to get off the blocks and scores a direct hit at the non striker's end. Ansari was in and an overthrow taken in the process. |
| 133.2 : R Jadeja to Ansari, Ansari comes forward and defends it to the on side. |
| 133.3 : R Jadeja to Ansari, Floated on off, pushed back to the bowler. |
| 133.4 : R Jadeja to Ansari, Ansari plays it with the spin towards mid-wicket. |
| 133.5 : R Jadeja to Ansari, Ansari defends from the crease. |
| 133.6 : R Jadeja to Ansari, Ansari stays back and defends it to mid-wicket. |
| 134.1 : R Ashwin to Stokes, Tossed up outside off, Stokes comes down the track and looks to heave it across but miscues it over covers but it falls in no man's land. Moves on to 98. Nernous moments for him! |
| 134.2 : R Ashwin to Ansari, Straying on the pads, nudged round the corner for a single. |
| 134.3 : R Ashwin to Stokes, Stokes comes forward and pushes it towards point to move to 99. |
| 134.4 : R Ashwin to Ansari, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. |
| 134.5 : R Ashwin to Ansari, Quicker one around off, defended towards covers. |
| 134.6 : R Ashwin to Ansari, Ansari stays back and defends. |
| 135.1 : R Jadeja to Stokes, Stokes play it with the spin to Kohli at mid-wicket. He hits at the bowler's end and the ball deflects towards Mishra at covers. He fumbles there and allows Stokes to get back. |
| 135.2 : R Jadeja to Stokes, FOUR! Short ball outside off, Stokes rocks back and cuts it through point for a boundary. It has been a fine knock so far. He would look to make it even bigger. |
| 4th Test hundred for Ben Stokes! |
| 135.3 : R Jadeja to Stokes, Ben stays back and defends. |
| 135.4 : R Jadeja to Stokes, Stokes plays it towards point for a single. |
| 135.5 : R Jadeja to Ansari, Ansari plays it with the spin towards mid-wicket. |
| 135.6 : R Jadeja to Ansari, Driven with the spin through mid on for a single. |
| 136.1 : R Ashwin to Ansari, Ansari prods forward and and defends it to the off side. |
| 136.2 : R Ashwin to Ansari, This time he advances down the track and defends it to the off side. |
| 136.3 : R Ashwin to Ansari, Comes down again and drives it through mid off for a single. |
| 136.4 : R Ashwin to Stokes, Stokes stays back and defends it with an angled bat towards the slip region. |
| 136.5 : R Ashwin to Stokes, Stokes drives this one to covers where Kohli puts in a good effort to save runs! |
| 136.6 : R Ashwin to Stokes, Pushed to the cover region by the batsman. |
| 137.1 : R Jadeja to Ansari, Ansari stays back and defends. |
| 137.2 : R Jadeja to Ansari, Quicker one on off, Zafar camps back and defends nicely. |
| 137.3 : R Jadeja to Ansari, Ansari prods forward to defend but gets an inside edge on to his pads towards short leg. |
| 137.4 : R Jadeja to Ansari, Ansari plays it with the spin towards mid-wicket. |
| 137.5 : R Jadeja to Ansari, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground. |
| 137.6 : R Jadeja to Ansari, Ansari comes forward and defends. |
| 138.1 : R Ashwin to Stokes, On a length and at the stumps, Stokes camps back and defends down the track. |
| 138.2 : R Ashwin to Stokes, The batsman shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the back foot. |
| 138.3 : R Ashwin to Ben Stokes, FOUR! Tough chance of a caught behind! Tosses it up on middle, Stokes looks to drive it through the covers but is cramped up and gets an inside edge and the ball beats Saha to his right. Goes through to the boundary. |
| 138.4 : R Ashwin to Stokes, Quicker one, Ben stays back and defends. |
| 138.5 : R Ashwin to Stokes, Stokes presses forward and blocks the loopy delivery. |
| 138.6 : R Ashwin to Stokes, Ben comes forward and defends. |
| Amit Mishra back on. |
| 139.1 : A Mishra to Ansari, Ansari comes down the track and takes it on the full. Drives it through mid on for a single. |
| 139.2 : A Mishra to Stokes, Stokes plays it with the spin towards mid-wicket. |
| 139.3 : A Mishra to Stokes, On the pads, nudged through backward square leg for a couple. |
| 139.4 : A Mishra to Stokes, SIX! Stokes comes down the track to the loopy delivery and lofts it towards Vijay at long on. He goes back and catches it but his feet seemed to have touched the ropes while he flicked the ball inside. The umpire confirms by signaling it as a six. |
| 139.5 : A Mishra to Stokes, Lady luck is smiling upon him today! Tossed it up around middle, Stokes kneels and mistimes his sweep uppishly behind square leg but the ball falls in no man's land again. Single taken! |
| 139.6 : A Mishra to Ansari, Floated up, Ansari presses forward and blocks. |
| Time for Drinks. |
| 140.1 : R Ashwin to Stokes, Flighted ball on off, slower through the air, Stokes taps it to the off side. |
| 140.2 : R Ashwin to Stokes, Shortish on off, Stokes cuts it through point for a single. |
| 140.3 : R Ashwin to Ansari, Landed around off, Ansari defends it into the ground. |
| 140.4 : R Ashwin to Ansari, On middle and off, Ansari goes in his crease and tucks it through square leg for a single. |
| 140.5 : R Ashwin to Stokes, Outside off, punched it through covers for a single. |
| 140.6 : R Ashwin to Z Ansari, Flighted outside off, slower through the air at 73 kph, pushed to covers for a single. The fielder goes for a direct hit at the non-striker's end but the fielder misses his shy. |
| 141.1 : A Mishra to Ansari, Ansari comes forward and pushes it back to the bowler. |
| 141.2 : A Mishra to Ansari, Landed around off, Ansari gets onto his front foot and defends. |
| 141.3 : A Mishra to Ansari, The batsman shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the front foot. |
| 141.4 : A Mishra to Ansari, Tad short on off, Ansari defends it off his back foot. |
| 141.5 : A Mishra to Ansari, Flighted outside off, Zafar comes down the track and defends. |
| 141.6 : A Mishra to Ansari, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. |
| 142.1 : R Ashwin to Stokes, Fullish on middle and off, Ben flicks it towards mid-wicket. |
| 142.2 : R Ashwin to Stokes, Around off, Stokes pushed it to covers. |
| 142.3 : R Ashwin to Stokes, On the pads, worked through square leg for a single. 500 UP FOR ENGLAND! |
| 142.4 : R Ashwin to Ansari, Quicker one on off, Ansari defends it with soft hands. |
| 142.5 : R Ashwin to Ansari, FOUR! Over the fielder! On middle and off, Ansari comes down the track and hits it over wide mid on for a boundary. |
| 142.6 : R Ashwin to Ansari, Outside off, pushed to point. |
| 143.1 : A Mishra to Stokes, Googly, Stokes defends it from within his crease. |
| 143.2 : A Mishra to Stokes, Stokes drives it through the mid off region and scampers across for a run. |
| 143.3 : A Mishra to Ansari, Another googly by Mishra, Ansari works it past the short leg fielder for a single. |
| 143.4 : A Mishra to Stokes, Down the leg side, Stokes tries to clip but misses. |
| 143.5 : A Mishra to Stokes, Full on middle and off, Stokes drives it back to the bowler. |
| 143.6 : A Mishra to Stokes, On middle and off, Stokes defends it off his back foot. |
| UMESH YADAV comes back to bowl. |
| 144.1 : U Yadav to Ansari, Good length ball outside off, Ansari tries to shoulder his arms but gets a bottom edge towards second slip. |
| 144.2 : U Yadav to Ansari, Landed outside off, Ansari pushes it through point for a single. |
| 144.3 : U Yadav to Stokes, In the corridor outside off, Stokes allows it through. |
| 144.4 : U Yadav to Stokes, Fuller length ball outside off, Stokes doesn't flirt with that one. |
| 144.5 : U Yadav to Stokes, Beaten! Good length ball outside off, Stokes feels for it and tries to push but gets beaten. |
| 144.6 : U Yadav to Stokes, The batsman lets the ball go outside his off stump. |
| 145.1 : A Mishra to Ansari, Ansari comes down the track and pushes it to cover-point for a single. |
| 145.2 : A Mishra to Stokes, Landed just outside off, Stokes covers the line and defends. |
| 145.3 : A Mishra to Stokes, On the pads, Stokes tries to defend but gets hit on the pads. The ball rolls towards the keeper. |
| 145.4 : A Mishra to Stokes, On middle and leg, Stokes flicks it through square leg for a single. |
| Mishra and Kohli are having a chat... |
| 145.5 : A Mishra to Ansari, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. |
| 145.6 : A Mishra to Ansari, Landed just outside off, Ansari defends it into the ground. |
| 146.1 : U Yadav to Stokes, Short of a length ball outside off, Stokes defends it watchfully. |
| 146.2 : U Yadav to Stokes, Length ball outside off, Stokes pushes it to the off side. |
| 146.3 : U Yadav to Stokes, Fuller length ball around off, Stokes plants his front foot forward and drives it to mid on. |
| 146.4 : U Yadav to Stokes, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. |
| 146.5 : U Yadav to Stokes, In the corridor outside off, left alone. |
| 146.6 : U Yadav to Stokes, Fuller length ball outside off, Stokes pushes it to covers off his front foot. |
| Mohammed Shami is back. |
| 147.1 : M Shami to Z Ansari, Good length ball on off, Ansari tries to defend but gets an outside edge towards gully. |
| 147.2 : M Shami to Ansari, Landed outside off, Ansari shoulders his arms. |
| 147.3 : M Shami to Ansari, Beaten! Good length ball outside off, angling in, Zafar tries to defend but fails to put his bat on the ball. |
| 147.4 : M Shami to Ansari, Outside off, Ansari leaves it alone. |
| 147.5 : M Shami to Ansari, Low full toss outside off, Ansari drives it towards mid off. |
| 147.6 : M Shami to Ansari, Good length ball on off, Ansari pushes it to the off side. |
| 148.1 : U Yadav to Stokes, Fuller length ball outside off, Stokes drives it to covers. |
| The umpire is checking the ball. Looks like its seam has come off. They're changing it as it's out of shape too. The fourth umpire brings a new set of balls and they've changed it. |
| 148.2 : U Yadav to Stokes, The batsman defends it from within the crease. |
| 148.3 : U Yadav to Stokes, Back of a length ball outside off, Stokes covers the line and defends. |
| 148.4 : U Yadav to Stokes, OUCH! Short of a length ball around off, Stokes tries to pull it across but gets hit on his box area once again. He has taken a couple of blows today. |
| 148.5 : U Yadav to Stokes, Back of a length ball on off, defended watchfully by Stokes. |
| 148.6 : U Yadav to Stokes, Short of a length ball on off, Stokes gets a bit of an inside edge through square leg for a single. |
| 149.1 : M Shami to Stokes, Short of a length ball on off, Stokes defends it with soft hands. |
| 149.2 : M Shami to Stokes, Around off, Stokes goes hard at it but gets an inside edge onto his pads. The ball goes through square leg for a single. |
| 149.3 : M Shami to Ansari, Banged in short on middle and off, angling down leg, Ansari ducks under it. |
| 149.4 : M Shami to Ansari, Fuller length ball on off, Ansari tries to defend but gets an inside edge through square leg for a single. |
| 149.5 : M Shami to Ben Stokes, Shortish outside off, Stokes slaps it through backward point for a single. |
| 149.6 : M Shami to Ansari, Fullish outside off, Ansari tries to drive but misses and gets beaten. |
| 150.1 : U Yadav to Stokes, Outside off, Stokes drives it through point for a single. |
| 150.2 : U Yadav to Ansari, Shortish outside off, cut through point for a single. |
| 50-run stand up between Stokes and Ansari! |
| 150.3 : U Yadav to Stokes, Good length ball on off, Stokes defends it to covers. |
| 150.4 : U Yadav to Stokes, Landed around off, Stokes defends it from within his crease. |
| 150.5 : U Yadav to Stokes, Good length ball outside off, Stokes pushes it through point for a single. |
| 150.6 : U Yadav to Ansari, Landed around off, Zafar defends it watchfully. |
| 151.1 : M Shami to Stokes, Fullish outside off, Stokes shoulders his arms. |
| 151.2 : M Shami to Stokes, Length ball around off, Stokes covers the line and defends. |
| 151.3 : M Shami to Stokes, Yorker on off, Stokes digs it out to the off side. |
| 151.4 : M Shami to Stokes, The batsman shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the back foot. |
| 151.5 : M Shami to Stokes, Low full toss outside off, Stokes squeezes it to mid off and runs across for a single. |
| 151.6 : M Shami to Ansari, Fullish on off, driven towards mid on. |
| 152.1 : U Yadav to Stokes, Short of a length ball on off, Stokes defends it off his back foot. |
| 152.2 : U Yadav to Stokes, Fuller length ball outside off, Stokes shoulders his arms. |
| 152.3 : U Yadav to Stokes, Shortish on off, Ben covers the line and defends. |
| 152.4 : U Yadav to Stokes, Length ball outside off, Stokes gets onto his front foot and pushes it to covers. |
| 152.5 : U Yadav to Stokes, OUT! And we have a wicket against the run of play. Stokes is out at the stroke of Tea! The English batters were playing for Tea there but Umesh Yadav has struck and the crowd is alive suddenly. Not the best of the deliveries to get out, full and down the leg side. Stokes tries to flick but gets a faint edge. Saha dives to his right and takes a good low catch. Umesh Yadav is delighted and surprisingly there is a clean catch off his bowling. Plenty of catches were put dow |
| STUART BROAD is the last man in. This is his 100th Test match. England are nine down so we have an extended session here. |
| 152.6 : U Yadav to Broad, Landed around off, Broad covers the line and defends. |
| 153.1 : M Shami to Ansari, Length ball on off, Ansari covers the line and blocks it away. |
| 153.2 : M Shami to Ansari, Bouncer down the leg side, Ansari lets it go through. |
| 153.3 : M Shami to Ansari, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. |
| 153.4 : M Shami to Ansari, Landed outside off, Ansari pushes it to cover-point. |
| 153.5 : Shami to Ansari, Appeal for an LBW! Angles it on the pads, Zafar tries to hit it across but misses. The umpire turns down the appeal as the ball would have gone down the leg side probably. |
| 153.6 : M Shami to Z Ansari, Short of a length ball on off, Ansari pulls it to long leg for a single. |
| 154.1 : U Yadav to Ansari, Outside off, pushed to covers. |
| 154.2 : U Yadav to Ansari, Full ball outside off, Ansari drives it to extra cover. |
| 154.3 : U Yadav to Z Ansari, FOUR! Lovely shot! Short of a length ball on middle and off, Ansari pulls it confidently through mid-wicket for a boundary. |
| 154.4 : U Yadav to Ansari, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground. |
| 154.5 : U Yadav to Ansari, Beaten! Good length ball outside off, Ansari tries to push but fails to put his bat on the ball. |
| 154.6 : U Yadav to Ansari, Landed outside off, Zafar covers the line and defends. |
| 155.1 : M Shami to Broad, Good length ball outside off, Broad pushes it to covers. |
| 155.2 : M Shami to Broad, Short ball from round the wicket, angling in, Broad lets it go over him. |
| 155.3 : M Shami to Broad, Good length ball outside off, Stuart defends it watchfully. |
| 155.4 : M Shami to Broad, Landed outside off, Broad allows it through. |
| 155.5 : M Shami to Broad, Good length ball on off, Broad pushes it back to the bowler. |
| 155.6 : M Shami to Broad, Almost a yorker on off, Broad digs it out. |
| Ravichandran Ashwin is back. |
| 156.1 : R Ashwin to Ansari, Flighted ball outside off, Ansari pushes it to covers for a single. |
| 156.2 : Ashwin to Broad, Appeal for an LBW! Flighted ball around off, Broad tries to paddle but gets hit on the pads. The umpire turns down the appeal as the impact was probably outside off. |
| 156.3 : R Ashwin to Broad, Flighted ball on middle, Broad defends it watchfully. |
| 156.4 : R Ashwin to Broad, Outside off, Broad pushes it through covers for a run. |
| 156.5 : R Ashwin to Ansari, FOUR! Nice shot! Flighted ball around off, Ansari comes down the track and hits it over mid on. No fielder there and ZA gets a boundary. |
| 156.6 : R Ashwin to Ansari, Flighted ball outside off, pushed through covers for a single. |
| Mishra is back. |
| 157.1 : A Mishra to Ansari, Fullish on middle and off, Ansari flicks it to short leg. |
| 157.2 : A Mishra to Ansari, Landed outside off, Ansari comes forward and drives it through mid off for a single. |
| 157.3 : A Mishra to Broad, Fullish outside off, Broad defends it off his front foot. |
| 157.4 : A Mishra to S Broad, Dropped! Tough chance though! On middle and leg, Broad tries to play it across but the ball goes off the inside edge. Rahane at leg slip gets his hands to it and the batsmen take a couple. |
| 157.5 : A Mishra to Broad, On the pads, swept away to long leg for a single. |
| Appeal for a run out is referred upstairs... |
| 157.6 : A Mishra to Ansari, NOT OUT! Ansari drives it to mid off and sets off. Kohli collects the ball and throws it at the striker's end where Broad's bat is stuck just before the line. Saha whips off the bails and appeals for a run out. Replays show Broad made it in even after dropping his bat. |
| 158.1 : R Ashwin to Ansari, Landed outside off, Ansari defends it watchfully. |
| 158.2 : R Ashwin to Ansari, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground. |
| 158.3 : R Ashwin to Z Ansari, Full on off, driven through mid off for a single. |
| 158.4 : R Ashwin to Broad, Full ball, Broad blocks it off his front foot. |
| 158.5 : R Ashwin to Broad, Full on middle and leg, Broad paddles it towards backward square leg for a couple. |
| 158.6 : R Ashwin to Broad, On middle and leg, Broad tries to defend but gets hit on the pads. |
| 159.1 : A Mishra to Ansari, Back of a length ball on off, Ansari stays back in his crease and defends. |
| 159.2 : A Mishra to Ansari, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. |
| Ansari is given out LBW. He has taken a review. |
| 159.3 : Mishra to Ansari, OUT! LBW! Decision stays as it is! On middle and leg, Ansari tries to sweep but misses and gets hit on the pads, right in front of the stumps. Big appeal for a leg before and the umpire raises his finger. Ansari takes a review straightaway. Replays show there is no inside edge and it's pitching in line and would have hit the stumps as well. Ansari has to go and Mishra has a wicket finally. ENGLAND ARE ALL OUT FOR 537! |
| Brilliant batting effort by England as they have put up a huge score on the board to put India on the back foot. In this session, their approach was a bit restrained and they applied themselves well. Jadeja came back after lunch and picked up two quick wickets creating an opportunity for them to bowl the visitors out but Stokes and Ansari stitched together a handy partnership. Ben Stokes was the one who stood tall and he smashed an entertaining century. He led a charmed life but was equally unfo |
| Earlier in the innings, England rode high on the back of the brilliant 179-run partnership between Root and Ali. Both of them went on to score well deserved centuries. There was another crucial partnership between Stokes and Bairstow too as the duo added 99 runs. The Indian bowlers tried hard but weren't effective enough and the fielders didn't support them well. |
| Shami and Yadav were good in patches but could have been more disciplined. Ashwin, the trump card was a let down this time as he was carved away for runs. Jadeja was most successful as he took 3 wickets. |
| An uphill task lies ahead for India now. They're facing a big first innings total at home which is a rare thing for them nowadays. Let's see how they battle this situation. Tea has been taken so join us back in a bit for India's reply. |
| 0.1 : S Broad to Vijay, Starts with a length delivery that is angling way down leg, Vijay leaves it alone. |
| 0.2 : S Broad to Vijay, FOUR! Loose delivery and it gets the treatment! Again gets his line wrong as it's angling down leg, Vijay just tickles it and it races to the fine leg boundary. |
| 0.3 : S Broad to Vijay, Full length ball outside off, driven firmly to the man at short extra cover. |
| 0.4 : S Broad to Vijay, Hurls in a length ball at 145 clicks outside off, Vijay watches it closely and leaves it alone. |
| 0.5 : S Broad to Vijay, Almost a yorker length ball outside off, Murali just manages to dig it out and the ball goes to hit him on the pads and rolls down on the pitch. |
| 0.6 : S Broad to Vijay, Straying on the hips, Vijay looks to clip it through but takes it on the thigh pad and the short leg fielder dives in front to take the catch. A polite enquiry turned down by the umpire. |
| Chris Woakes to share the new cherry from the other end. |
| 1.1 : C Woakes to Gambhir, Fullish delivery outside off, angling away. Gambhir lets it go through. |
| 1.2 : C Woakes to Gambhir, Shortish delivery on middle and leg, Gambhir rises with the bounce and looks to work it to the leg side but gets an inside edge to his thigh pad. |
| 1.3 : C Woakes to Gambhir, FOUR! Easy pickings! Straying on the pads, Gambhir is well balanced as he clips it in front of square for a boundary. |
| 1.4 : C Woakes to Gambhir, Outside off, left alone by Gambhir. |
| 1.5 : C Woakes to Gambhir, On a length angling across Gambhir. He doesn't flirt with it. |
| 1.6 : C Woakes to Gambhir, Full length ball attacking the stumps, Gambhir drives it to mid on. |
| 2.1 : S Broad to Vijay, In the corridor of uncertainty at 140 clicks, Vijay makes a watchful leave. |
| 2.2 : S Broad to Vijay, Fullish delivery on off, Vijay comes half forward and defends it from the inner half of his bat back to the bowler. |
| 2.3 : S Broad to M Vijay, Classy shot! Full length ball outside off, driven beautifully through the covers for a couple. |
| 2.4 : S Broad to Vijay, On a length and at the stumps, Vijay is right behind it as he blocks it stoutly. |
| 2.5 : S Broad to Vijay, Shortish delivery outside off, Vijay sways away from the line with good technique. |
| 2.6 : S Broad to Vijay, Fullish ball at the stumps, Murali lunges forward and defends it solidly. |
| 3.1 : C Woakes to Gambhir, Fullish delivery outside off, shaping away. Gambhir points his bat skywards and lets it go. |
| 3.2 : C Woakes to Gambhir, Wide! Dug in short around off, Gautam does well to sway away from the line. The umpire signals it as a wide because of height. |
| C Woakes to Gambhir, On a good length outside off, Gautam doesn't flirt with that one. |
| 3.3 : C Woakes to G Gambhir, FOUR! Shot! Back of a length ball wide outside off, Gambhir pounces onto it and cuts it behind gully. The ball speeds to the fence! |
| 3.4 : C Woakes to Gambhir, Fuller length ball outside off, Gambhir puts in a confident stride forward and defends it towards mid off. |
| 3.5 : C Woakes to Gambhir, On a length outside off, Gautam taps it towards cover-point. Wants the single but is sent back! |
| 3.6 : C Woakes to Gambhir, Fullish on middle and leg, worked towards mid-wicket. |
| 4.1 : S Broad to Vijay, Full length ball outside off, Vijay goes for the drive but gets it from the inner half of his bat to wide mid on. |
| 4.2 : S Broad to Vijay, Almost a replica of the previous delivery! |
| 4.3 : S Broad to Vijay, Straying on the hips, tucked to fine leg for a single. |
| Goes around the wicket. |
| 4.4 : S Broad to Gambhir, Full and angling into middle, Gambhir nudges it through backward square leg for a single. |
| 4.5 : S Broad to Vijay, Back of a length ball on leg stump, Vijay rides the bounce well and defends it to silly mid on. |
| 4.6 : S Broad to Vijay, On a length around off, Vijay hangs back and defends it to silly mid off. |
| Moeen Ali to have a bowl now. |
| 5.1 : M Ali to Gambhir, Full on middle, defended towards mid-wicket. |
| 5.2 : M Ali to Gambhir, Drags his length back a bit on off, Gambhir stays back and defends down the track. |
| 5.3 : M Ali to G Gambhir, Gambhir plays an expansive drive but straight to short cover. |
| 5.4 : M Ali to Gambhir, Tossed up around off, defended solidly off the front foot. |
| 5.5 : M Ali to Gambhir, Gambhir stays leg side of the ball and defends it to the off side. |
| 5.6 : M Ali to Gambhir, On middle and leg, comes in with the arm. Gambhir strides forward and defends nicely. |
| 6.1 : S Broad to Vijay, Fullish delivery outside off tempting Vijay for the booming drive. He resists and points his bat skywards to let it through. |
| 6.2 : S Broad to Vijay, On a length angling into Vijay. He looks to defend it but gets an inside edge onto his thigh pad. |
| 6.3 : S Broad to Vijay, Full length and straight, Vijay leans forward and defends it to short cover. |
| 6.4 : S Broad to Vijay, On a length outside off, stays low after pitching as Vijay shoulders his arms to it. |
| 6.5 : S Broad to Vijay, Full length ball on off, Murali is well forward as he blocks it to the man at silly mid off. |
| 6.6 : S Broad to Vijay, On a length around off, Murali stays back and defends it to short cover. |
| 7.1 : M Ali to Gambhir, Tossed up on middle, defended to short leg. |
| 7.2 : M Ali to Gambhir, Full on off, Gambhir makes room and drives it to to mid off. |
| 7.3 : M Ali to Gambhir, Tossed up on off, spinning away. Gautam comes forward and defends it to the off side. |
| 7.4 : M Ali to Gambhir, Comes forward and pushes it to covers. |
| 7.5 : M Ali to Gambhir, Makes space for himself and drives it to the covers again. |
| 7.6 : M Ali to Gambhir, Four Byes. Full ball outside off, Gambhir looks to drive but is beaten by the away turn. The ball bounces extra off the foot holes and beats the keeper and Stokes at first slip and goes through to the boundary. Stokes seems to have injured himself! |
| 8.1 : S Broad to Vijay, Fullish ball outside off, Vijay doesn't flirt with that one. |
| 8.2 : S Broad to M Vijay, FOUR! Well played! Full length ball outside off, Vijay leans forward and drives it beautifully through the covers for a boundary. |
| Stokes has gone off the field. |
| 8.3 : S Broad to Vijay, On a similar length outside off, defended to the covers. |
| 8.4 : S Broad to Vijay, FOUR! Pure timing! Full length ball angling in on off, Vijay strides forward and just pushes it gently down the ground. The ball races along the ground through to the boundary. |
| 8.5 : S Broad to Vijay, Fullish ball wide outside off, left alone by Vijay. |
| 8.6 : S Broad to Vijay, FOUR! On a length outside off, Vijay waits for it and places it with an angled blade through the gully region for a boundary. |
| 9.1 : M Ali to Gambhir, Gambhir strides forward and defends the loopy delivery to the off side. |
| 9.2 : M Ali to Gambhir, Full outside off, defended off the front foot to covers. |
| 9.3 : M Ali to Gambhir, Full toss on middle, clips it through mid-wicket for a couple. |
| 9.4 : M Ali to Gambhir, Tossed up around off, Gautam stretches forward and defends it to mid off. |
| 9.5 : M Ali to Gambhir, Gambhir presses forward and blocks it down the pitch. |
| 9.6 : M Ali to Gambhir, Tossed up around off, Gambhir comes forward and defends it to the covers. |
| Chris Woakes into the attack! |
| 10.1 : C Woakes to Vijay, Straying on the pads, tucked through backward square leg for a couple. |
| 10.2 : C Woakes to Vijay, On a length outside off, Murali points his bat skywards and lets it go. |
| 10.3 : C Woakes to Vijay, Back of a length ball on middle, Vijay covers the line and defends it stoutly. |
| 10.4 : C Woakes to Vijay, On a length outside off, shapes away after pitching. Vijay lets it go! |
| 10.5 : C Woakes to Vijay, Good leave! On a length just outside off, holds its line. Vijay has his off stump covered and makes a watchful leave. |
| 10.6 : C Woakes to Vijay, Fullish delivery around off, defended towards covers. |
| Drinks break. A decent start from India as they have seen off the new ball without any damage. Vijay has looked particularly impressive and Gambhir has supported him well. They would know that they need to carry on! Can England get a breakthrough today? |
| 11.1 : M Ali to Gambhir, Landed outside off, turning away, Gambhir guides it through gully for a single. |
| 11.2 : M Ali to Vijay, Flatter around off, Vijay taps it to covers. |
| 11.3 : M Ali to Vijay, Vijay tries to flick but the ball goes off the thigh pad and goes past the short leg fielder. Shout of a catch but it was off the pad. The batsmen take a leg bye. |
| 11.4 : M Ali to Gambhir, On middle and leg, Gambhir goes deep in his crease and works it through backward square leg for a single. |
| 11.5 : M Ali to Vijay, Full on middle and off, Vijay pushes it back to the bowler. |
| 11.6 : M Ali to Vijay, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. |
| 12.1 : C Woakes to Gambhir, FOUR! Full toss outside off, Gambhir plays it through the point region and beats the fielder there. The ball races away to the fence. |
| 12.2 : C Woakes to Gambhir, On middle and off, Gambhir flicks it towards square leg. |
| 12.3 : C Woakes to Gambhir, On the stumps, Gambhir defends it watchfully. |
| 12.4 : C Woakes to Gambhir, In the corridor outside off, Gambhir shoulders his arms. |
| 12.5 : C Woakes to Gambhir, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. |
| 12.6 : C Woakes to Gambhir, Another left alone outside off. |
| 13.1 : M Ali to Vijay, FOUR BYES! That has turned a lot! Flighted outside off, Vijay tries to defend but the ball turns in a long way and beats Vijay, along with the keeper as well. The umpire signals four byes. |
| 13.2 : M Ali to Vijay, Flatter on off, flicked through the square leg region for a single. |
| 13.3 : M Ali to Gambhir, Landed outside off, Gambhir pushes it towards point. |
| 13.4 : M Ali to Gambhir, Full around off, Gambhir defends it into the ground. |
| 13.5 : M Ali to Gambhir, Full again outside off, Gambhir pushes it back to the bowler. |
| 13.6 : M Ali to Gambhir, Landed around off, GG defends it with soft hands. |
| 14.1 : C Woakes to Vijay, Landed outside off, bit of a movement there, Vijay allows it through. |
| 14.2 : C Woakes to Vijay, Fuller length ball outside off, Vijay defends it solidly. |
| 14.3 : C Woakes to Vijay, Length ball outside off, some puff of dust. Vijay defends it watchfully. Hint of reverse swing too. |
| 14.4 : C Woakes to Vijay, Angles it down the leg side, Vijay leaves it alone. |
| 14.5 : C Woakes to Vijay, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground. |
| 14.6 : C Woakes to Vijay, Short of a length ball on off, angling in after landing, Vijay drops his wrists and sways away. |
| Ben Stokes is back on the field. He can't bowl as of now though as he was off the field due to an internal injury. |
| 15.1 : M Ali to Gambhir, Flighted ball around off, Gambhir tries to defend but gets an inside edge onto his pads. |
| 15.2 : M Ali to Gambhir, Fuller on off, Gambhir prods forward and defends. |
| 15.3 : M Ali to Gambhir, On middle and leg, GG tucks it to square leg. |
| 15.4 : M Ali to G Gambhir, Full outside off, Gambhir drives it just past the silly point fielder who jumps in time to avoid it. |
| Cook is wearing the shin pad now... |
| 15.5 : M Ali to Gambhir, Flicked through mid-wicket by Gambhir for a single. 50 up for India! |
| 15.6 : M Ali to Vijay, Landed around off, MV covers the line and defends. |
| 16.1 : C Woakes to Gambhir, In the corridor outside off, Gambhir leaves it alone. |
| 16.2 : C Woakes to Gambhir, Outside off, holding its line, GG allows it through. |
| 16.3 : C Woakes to Gambhir, Landed just outside off, Gambhir doesn't flirt with that one yet again. |
| 16.4 : C Woakes to Gambhir, Length ball around off, Gambhir tries to play but gets an inside edge onto his pads. Some ooohs and aahhs from the English camp. |
| 16.5 : C Woakes to Gambhir, Fullish outside off, Gambhir leaves it alone. |
| 16.6 : C Woakes to Gambhir, Down the leg side, Gambhir tries to flick but misses. |
| ZAFAR ANSARI into the attack. |
| 17.1 : Z Ansari to Vijay, Tossed up around off, Vijay defends it to the off side. |
| 17.2 : Z Ansari to Vijay, Full outside off, Vijay drives it to extra cover. |
| 17.3 : Z Ansari to Vijay, Flighted ball outside off, Vijay covers the line and defends. |
| 17.4 : Z Ansari to Vijay, Landed outside off, stays low, Vijay tries to cut but misses. |
| 17.5 : Z Ansari to Vijay, Full around off, Vijay drives it towards mid on. |
| 17.6 : Z Ansari to Vijay, Shortish outside off, cut through point for a single. |
| 18.1 : C Woakes to Vijay, Back of a length ball outside off, Vijay shoulders his arms. |
| 18.2 : C Woakes to Vijay, Back of a length again outside off, Vijay leaves it alone. |
| 18.3 : C Woakes to Vijay, Shortish outside off, Vijay punches it through covers for a single. |
| 18.4 : C Woakes to Gambhir, Length ball on middle and off, Gambhir works it through square leg for a single. |
| 18.5 : C Woakes to Vijay, Fullish outside off, Vijay defends it watchfully. |
| 18.6 : C Woakes to Vijay, Fullish outside off, Vijay pushes it to covers but there is a fielder. |
| 19.1 : Z Ansari to Gambhir, Tossed up around off, Gambhir uses his feet and clips it towards mid-wicket. |
| 19.2 : Ansari to Gambhir, Tossed up on off, spinning down. Gambhir looks to nudge it round the corner but is rapped on the pads. A loud shout for LBW turned down. It was going down leg. |
| 19.3 : Z Ansari to Gambhir, On middle and leg, defended to short leg. |
| 19.4 : Z Ansari to Gambhir, Spinning into Gambhir. He defends it and the ball just goes on one bounce to the man at short leg. |
| 19.5 : Z Ansari to Gambhir, On the pads, nudged round the corner for a single. |
| 19.6 : Z Ansari to Vijay, A tad short on off, spinning away. Vijay camps back and pushes it to short cover. |
| ADIL RASHID into the attack. |
| 20.1 : A Rashid to Gambhir, Nicely tossed up on off, Gautam is well forward and defends it down the track. |
| 20.2 : A Rashid to Gambhir, FOUR! Full toss on middle, Gautam comes forward and gets it past Cook at wide mid on and through to the boundary. |
| 20.3 : A Rashid to Gambhir, The batsman rocks onto the back foot and punches the ball. The batsmen have run through for a single. |
| 20.4 : A Rashid to Vijay, Floated around off, defended solidly off the front foot. |
| 20.5 : A Rashid to Vijay, This one drifts in, Vijay stays back and defends. |
| 20.6 : A Rashid to Vijay, Full on middle and leg, defended back to the bowler. |
| 21.1 : Z Ansari to Gambhir, Gambhir comes forward to the loopy delivery and eases it through mid-wicket for a single. |
| 21.2 : Z Ansari to Vijay, Vijay comes forward and defends it to the leg side. |
| 21.3 : Z Ansari to Vijay, Around middle and leg, spinning in. Vijay prods forward in defense. |
| 21.4 : Z Ansari to Vijay, Vijay presses forward and blocks the tossed up delivery. |
| 21.5 : Z Ansari to Vijay, Loopy ball around off, pushed to the man at silly point. |
| 21.6 : Z Ansari to Vijay, This time he defends it to short leg off his front foot. |
| Root is shining the ball but it looks like both the sides' shine has gone. |
| 22.1 : A Rashid to G Gambhir, Gambhir drives it against the spin to mid off. |
| 22.2 : A Rashid to Gambhir, Quicker and wide outside off, cut to the covers for a single. |
| 22.3 : A Rashid to Vijay, Around off, Vijay presses forward and defends to silly point. |
| 22.4 : A Rashid to Vijay, Lands it on off, spinning away. Vijay comes forward and guides it with an angled bat past first slip for a single. |
| 22.5 : A Rashid to Gambhir, That's a ripper! Slips in a googly on off, Gambhir is deceived by the away spin and extra bounce as the ball whizzes past his outside edge to the keeper. |
| 22.6 : A Rashid to Gambhir, A tad short outside off, Gambhir camps back and cuts it through covers for a single. THAT'S STUMPS ON DAY 2! |
| That ends a riveting day of Test cricket! India did well not to lose any wickets before stumps after England posted 537. Both the openers negotiated the English bowlers well and went back to the dressing room unscathed. Earlier in the day, Ben Stokes and Moeen Ali's fine tons and Bairstow's attacking knock helped England post a massive first innings total. The Indian bowlers were made to toil hard after a long time at home. |
| The pitch still looks good to bat on and India will like to make good use of it. Although the ball has started to turn a lot now so the hosts need to be careful as England have three spinners. As of now the visitors are still well ahead as India still trail by 474 runs. Let's see how India plan things out tomorrow with the bat. England need early wickets. So join us back tomorrow then at 0930 IST to catch all the action. Goodbye and take care. Cheers! |
| ... DAY 3, SESSION 1... |
| Hello and a warm welcome on Day 3 of the first Test between India and England in Rajkot. The strong Indian batting would know that they have an uphill task in front of them. Though the pitch does not have any demons in it but the odd ball is playing tricks. The cracks have started to widen up. The visitors have the cushion of 3 spinners as well. |
| It is rare that we see India on the back foot in a Test match at home. The English side have an opportunity to put the shackles on the hosts by employing aggressive field positions. While, it will be a test of character and temperament for the hosts, let's see whether they are able to steer the ship to safe harbours. |
| The players and umpires are making their way out to the middle. Can the Indian openers build further and give the hosts a big platform or will the English bowlers make inroads? Let's find out. It shall be MOEEN ALI to begin proceedings on day three. |
| 23.1 : M Ali to Gambhir, Flatter on off, Gambhir leans into it and taps it to short leg. |
| 23.2 : M Ali to Gambhir, First runs of the day! Flatter around leg stump, Gambhir looks to flick as the ball goes down the leg side. Bairstow cannot gather it and lets it through to the fence. Seemed like it came off the pad but the umpire has given byes. |
| 23.3 : M Ali to Gambhir, Tossed up very full outside off, bunted to the covers for a single. |
| 23.4 : M Ali to Vijay, Fuller outside off, blocked off the front foot to the covers. |
| 23.5 : M Ali to Vijay, Quicker outside off, Vijay goes back to cut but chops it to the off side. |
| 23.6 : M Ali to Vijay, Floated on off, Vijay blocks it by covering for the turn. |
| STUART BROAD to bowl from the other end. |
| 24.1 : Broad to Gambhir, OUT! BROAD STRIKES WITH HIS FIRST BALL OF THE DAY! Messy stuff from Gambhir though and he has to go. Full ball tailing in sharply, Gautam shuffles to flick but seems to have tied his feet in a tangle as he gets stuck on the crease. The ball pings him on the front pad and that was dead plumb. Up goes the umpire's finger and Gambhir decides not to review it after a brief chat with his partner. |
| CHETESHWAR PUJARA walks in at 3. |
| 24.2 : S Broad to Pujara, Full and angled in closer to off, Pujara blocks it firmly towards short cover. |
| 24.3 : S Broad to Pujara, Fuller and tailing in from around off, nicely patted to short cover. |
| 24.4 : S Broad to Pujara, FOUR! Drilled! Full ball around off, Pujara leans forward and thumps it powerfully past silly mid off. Vacant spaces and that races away to the fence. Broad won't mind this though. |
| 24.5 : S Broad to C Pujara, Length ball outside off, Pujara pushes at it but gets the outside edge down to third man for a single. |
| 24.6 : S Broad to Vijay, Full and down the leg side, Vijay goes across to flick but misses. |
| 25.1 : M Ali to Pujara, Floated well outside off, Pujara looks to pad up to it but misses. |
| 25.2 : M Ali to Pujara, Flighted well outside off, this time Pujara pads it away. Stifled lbw appeal but it didn't turn much. |
| 25.3 : M Ali to Pujara, Floated on off, worked away towards mid on. |
| 25.4 : M Ali to Pujara, Drifting in from around off, spinning in, Pujara goes back to block. |
| 25.5 : M Ali to Pujara, Tossed up outside off, blocked off the front foot to the covers. |
| 25.6 : M Ali to Pujara, Loopy outside off, CP reaches out and smothers it to the ground. |
| 26.1 : S Broad to Vijay, Full and outside off, Vijay leans forward and pats it to the covers. |
| 26.2 : S Broad to Vijay, Fuller on middle and leg, Vijay clips it to the right of the mid on fielder. Single taken. |
| 26.3 : S Broad to Pujara, FOUR! Good shot! Fuller ball straying on the pads, hint of inswing but too straight from Broad. Easy for Pujara who times the flick well through mid-wicket. |
| 26.4 : S Broad to Pujara, Good length outside off, Pujara lets it pass through to the keeper. |
| 26.5 : S Broad to Pujara, Fuller on off, Pujara leans across and drives it firmly towards mid on. |
| 26.6 : S Broad to Pujara, Pitched up outside off, Pujara bunts it firmly towards mid off. |
| 27.1 : M Ali to Vijay, Floated outside off, swept away to deep square leg for a single. |
| 27.2 : M Ali to Pujara, Tossed up outside off, Pujara uses his feet and works it to mid on for a run. |
| 27.3 : M Ali to Vijay, Floated outside off, Vijay blocks it well from the crease. |
| 27.4 : M Ali to Vijay, Flatter and a bit shorter in length, Vijay camps back to block. |
| 27.5 : M Ali to Vijay, Fuller around off, tucked towards mid on for a single. |
| 27.6 : M Ali to Pujara, FOUR! Lovely use of the feet! Tossed up outside off, Pujara skips down the pitch and converts it into a low full toss. Whips it through mid-wicket to find the fence. |
| 28.1 : S Broad to Vijay, Fuller and outside off, blocked firmly off the front foot towards the left of mid off. |
| 28.2 : S Broad to Vijay, Good length on off, Vijay gets back and taps it on to the track. |
| 28.3 : S Broad to Vijay, Pitched up outside off, Vijay leans into it and defends it to the covers. |
| 28.4 : S Broad to Vijay, Good length outside off, blocked solidly from the crease. |
| 28.5 : S Broad to Vijay, Length ball outside off, Vijay steers it towards point with soft hands. |
| 28.6 : S Broad to Vijay, Good length outside off, blocked firmly off the back foot to the covers. |
| 29.1 : M Ali to C Pujara, FOUR! Slashed away! Ali drops this short and wide outside off, Pujara pounces on with a fierce cut through point. Positive intent from him already. That's the magic form can do to you. |
| 29.2 : M Ali to Pujara, Flatter outside off, blocked well off the back foot. |
| 29.3 : M Ali to Pujara, Floated outside off, Pujara reaches out and blocks it well. |
| 29.4 : M Ali to Pujara, Floated on off, Pujara steps out to that one and blocks it. |
| 29.5 : M Ali to Pujara, FOUR! Terrific shot! Drifting in from around off, Pujara skips down the track and whips it away with the turn. Gets it between mid on and mid-wicket to get another boundary. |
| 29.6 : M Ali to Pujara, Flatter on middle and leg, Pujara gets back and clips it through square leg for a couple. |
| 30.1 : S Broad to Vijay, Full and outside off, blocked well off the front foot to the covers. |
| 30.2 : S Broad to Vijay, Shortish on middle and leg, Vijay goes back and tucks it through short fine leg for a single. |
| 30.3 : S Broad to Pujara, Short ball on middle and leg, Pujara ducks under the bumper. |
| 30.4 : S Broad to Pujara, Back of a length outside off, Pujara lets it through to the keeper. |
| 30.5 : S Broad to Pujara, Full and outside off, a hint of shape away, Pujara doesn't offer a shot. |
| 30.6 : S Broad to Pujara, Full and outside off, tailing in a bit, Pujara makes a leave. |
| 31.1 : Z Ansari to Vijay, Fuller outside off, Vijay gets forward and blocks it out. |
| 31.2 : Z Ansari to Vijay, SIX! Tonked! Flighted on middle and off, Vijay steps out to that one and clobbers it way over long on for a maximum. Lovely footwork did the trick for him. He can play such shots with finesse, his record in the Indian domestic T20 league is proof of it. |
| 31.3 : Z Ansari to Vijay, Flighted outside off, Vijay taps it with the turn towards the covers for a single. |
| 31.4 : Z Ansari to Pujara, Fuller outside off, Pujara leans forward and blocks it out. |
| 31.5 : Z Ansari to Pujara, Drifting in from outside off, Pujara goes for the cut but is beaten. |
| 31.6 : Z Ansari to C Pujara, The batsman plays the Square cut. They pick up a single. |
| CHRIS WOAKES comes into the attack. Two slips in place for him. |
| 32.1 : C Woakes to Pujara, On a length just outside off, Pujara strides forward and defends it to the covers. |
| 32.2 : C Woakes to C Pujara, Full on off, driven firmly towards mid on. |
| 32.3 : C Woakes to Pujara, Good length outside off, no shot offered to that one. |
| 32.4 : C Woakes to Pujara, Fuller and around off, blocked well off the front foot down the track. |
| 32.5 : C Woakes to Pujara, Full ball outside off, Pujara gets the stride in and defends it well. |
| 32.6 : C Woakes to Pujara, That shook him up! Dug in short around off, angled in, climbs on Pujara who tries to evade it. The ball keeps coming in and crashes on to the grill of the helmet before falling to the slip cordon. |
| Pujara was really shaken up there but the good thing is that he is fine. Out comes the 12th man with a drink. |
| 33.1 : Z Ansari to Vijay, Drops it short and outside off, slapped away to sweeper cover for a single. |
| 33.2 : Z Ansari to Pujara, Floated outside off, pushed off the front foot to the covers. |
| 33.3 : Z Ansari to Pujara, Fuller on off, Pujara reaches out to that one and defends it firmly off the front foot. |
| 33.4 : Z Ansari to Pujara, Drifting in from around off, Pujara gets well forward and blocks it. |
| 33.5 : Z Ansari to Pujara, Slider around off, Pujara hangs back and punches it to deep point for a run. |
| 33.6 : Z Ansari to Vijay, Loopy on a length outside off, Vijay gets right back and blocks with a straight bat. |
| Short leg is in place for Pujara. |
| 34.1 : C Woakes to Pujara, Good length outside off, Pujara defends it well from the crease. |
| 34.2 : C Woakes to Pujara, Length ball outside off, CP hangs back and bunts it to the ground. |
| 34.3 : C Woakes to Pujara, Good length outside off, blocked off the front foot. |
| 34.4 : Woakes to Pujara, Strikes him on the helmet again! Shortish around off, climbs on Pujara whose initial movement is forward. Tries to evade the bumper and is hit on the grill once more. |
| Physio comes out once more. Pujara sends him back and signals that he is fine. |
| 34.5 : C Woakes to Pujara, Good length on off, blocked solidly off the back foot down the track. |
| 34.6 : C Woakes to Pujara, Back of a length outside off, defended well off the back foot. |
| 35.1 : Z Ansari to Vijay, Quicker ball on middle and leg, blocked firmly off the back foot by Vijay. |
| 35.2 : Z Ansari to Vijay, Flighted around off, blocked firmly off the front foot down the track. |
| 35.3 : Z Ansari to Vijay, Loopy on off, turning away, Vijay goes back to flick but gets it off the toe end on to the track. |
| 35.4 : Z Ansari to Vijay, Tossed up outside off, defended well off the front foot to short cover. |
| 35.5 : Z Ansari to Vijay, Almost a chance! Drifting in on middle and leg, Vijay looks to flick but closes the bat face a bit too early. The turn forces the leading edge that just falls short of cover. |
| 35.6 : Z Ansari to Vijay, Fuller outside off, defended well off the front foot to the bowler. |
| Drinks break.... |
| 36.1 : C Woakes to Pujara, Back of a length ball on off, Pujara camps back and defends but the bottom hand comes off the handle. |
| 36.2 : C Woakes to Pujara, FOUR! SHOT! Fullish length ball outside off, Pujara comes forward and drives it hard down the ground. Good timing on that one, he is looking in great nick out there! |
| 36.3 : Woakes to Pujara, HITS HIM ON THE HELMET AGAIN! Shortish ball around off, rising on Pujara. He takes his eyes off but is hit on the helmet and the ball rolls to the slip region. Not a good way to play the short delivery! |
| 36.4 : C Woakes to Pujara, On a length outside off, Pujara lets it through. |
| 36.5 : C Woakes to Pujara, Full length ball on off, Pujara comes forward and pushes it back to the bowler. |
| 36.6 : C Woakes to Pujara, Back of a length ball around off, Pujara steers it with an angled bat behind point but the fielder is quick to get across it and prevents the single. |
| 37.1 : Z Ansari to Vijay, Loopy on off, driven straight to the man at silly mid off. |
| 37.2 : Z Ansari to Vijay, On a length on off, turning away. Vijay is decisive in his footwork as he goes back and cuts it to sweeper cover for a single. |
| 37.3 : Z Ansari to Pujara, Tossed up on middle and leg, Pujara comes forward and defends it down the track. |
| 37.4 : Z Ansari to Pujara, Full on off, defended solidly off the front foot. |
| 37.5 : Z Ansari to Pujara, Floated on middle and off, Pujara puts a confident stride forward and blocks. |
| 37.6 : Z Ansari to Pujara, Straying on the pads, Che flicks it to short mid-wicket. Fails to find the gap. |
| 38.1 : C Woakes to Vijay, Back of a length ball outside off, Vijay points his bat skywards and lets it through. |
| 38.2 : C Woakes to Vijay, Shortish ball angling down leg, Murali lets it sail through to the keeper. |
| 38.3 : C Woakes to Vijay, THAT'S A PEACH! Bowls it back of a length outside off, shapes away a bit after pitching. Vijay pushes at it tamely and is beaten comprehensively. |
| 38.4 : C Woakes to Vijay, On a good length outside off, Vijay is a compact batsman. He is not going to flirt with those. |
| 38.5 : C Woakes to Vijay, Fullish on middle and leg, clipped nicely through mid-wicket for a single. Good fielding in the deep by Ali prevents the couple. |
| 38.6 : C Woakes to Pujara, On a length outside off, Pujara shoulders his arms to let that one through. |
| 39.1 : Z Ansari to Vijay, Full on middle, Vijay plants his front foot forward and blocks. |
| 39.2 : Z Ansari to Vijay, Tossed up on off, turning away a bit. Defended nicely off the front foot to the off side. |
| 39.3 : Z Ansari to Vijay, Similar delivery, played with an angled bat towards point off the front foot. |
| 39.4 : Z Ansari to Vijay, On middle and leg, Murali prods forward in defense. |
| 39.5 : Z Ansari to M Vijay, On a length on off, turning away. Vijay waits for it and cuts it late through point for a single. |
| 39.6 : Z Ansari to Pujara, Slow through the air on off, Pujara strides forward and defends it to the off side. |
| 40.1 : C Woakes to Vijay, In the corridor of uncertainty outside off, Vijay stays back and makes a watchful leave. |
| 40.2 : C Woakes to Vijay, Fullish ball outside off, Vijay stays back and defends it down the track. |
| 40.3 : C Woakes to Vijay, Shortish delivery outside off, Vijay sways away from the line with good technique. Pujara should take a leaf out of his book. |
| 40.4 : C Woakes to Vijay, Fuller length ball around off, Vijay puts a confident stride forward and defends it to short cover. |
| 40.5 : C Woakes to Vijay, On a good length outside off, Murali hangs back and pushes it to short cover. |
| 40.6 : C Woakes to M Vijay, Goes wider of the crease and angles a fullish delivery in from outside off, Vijay plays away from the body and gets a thick edge through the gully region. Single taken! |
| 41.1 : Z Ansari to Vijay, Very full delivery on middle, Vijay makes room and digs it out towards mid off. |
| 41.2 : Z Ansari to Vijay, Going down leg, Vijay gets a slight tickle past the keeper. Duckett chases it and keeps it down to three. |
| 41.3 : Z Ansari to Pujara, Pujara comes down the track and pushes it to mid on. |
| 41.4 : Z Ansari to Pujara, Tossed up around off, Pujara makes room and drives it nicely to the covers. |
| 41.5 : Z Ansari to Pujara, Fullish ball on off, Che comes forward and defends it to the off side. |
| 41.6 : Z Ansari to Pujara, Drags his length back but gets the line wrong, Pujara goes deep in his crease and nudges it round the corner for a single. |
| 50-run stand up for Vijay and Pujara. |
| BEN STOKES comes for a bowl. Two slips in place for him. |
| 42.1 : Ben Stokes to Pujara, Starts with a length ball outside off, Murali comes forward and lets it go. |
| 42.2 : Ben Stokes to Pujara, FOUR! GOOD SHOT! Full length ball outside off, Cheteshwar strides forward and drives it firmly through cover-point. Fetches a boundary. |
| 42.3 : Ben Stokes to Pujara, Fullish ball wide outside off, Pujara doesn't flirt with that one. |
| A while ago, Broad went off the field and Anderson came in. |
| 42.4 : Ben Stokes to Pujara, Low full toss wide outside off, Che goes after it but finds the man at point. |
| 42.5 : Ben Stokes to Pujara, Fullish ball on off, Pujara strides forward and defends it into the covers. |
| 42.6 : Ben Stokes to Pujara, FOUR! EASY PICKINGS! Straying on the pads, all Pujara has to do is to get a fine tickle and he does that nicely. The ball races to the fine leg fence. |
| 43.1 : Z Ansari to Vijay, Slow through the air and a bit short on off, spinning away. Vijay stays back to cut but misses. |
| 43.2 : Z Ansari to Vijay, Full on off, defended to the off side. |
| 43.3 : Z Ansari to M Vijay, Shortish ball on off, turning away. Cut to the man at point. |
| 43.4 : Z Ansari to Vijay, Loopy delivery around off, Vijay comes forward and defends nicely. |
| Change in field. A leg gully comes in. |
| 43.5 : Z Ansari to Vijay, Loopy ball outside off, Vijay comes forward and drives it to the left of mid off for a single. |
| 43.6 : Z Ansari to Pujara, Shortish ball outside off, Pujara camps back and cuts it to deep cover for a single. Moves to 40! |
| 44.1 : Ben Stokes to Pujara, Full length outswinger wide outside off, but its too wide to make Che play. |
| 44.2 : Ben Stokes to Pujara, FOUR! PURE TIMING! Full length ball outside off, Pujara strides foward and drives it to perfection through extra cover. The placement was so precise on that one! |
| 44.3 : Ben Stokes to C Pujara, Fullish ball on middle and leg, Pujara clips it to wide of mid on and gets across for a quick single. |
| 44.4 : Ben Stokes to Vijay, Fuller length ball outside off, Vijay defends it towards cover-point. |
| 44.5 : Ben Stokes to Vijay, In between full and good length and at the stumps, Murali leans ahead and defends it down the track. |
| 44.6 : Ben Stokes to Vijay, On a length on middle, Vijay looks to clip it through but is a bit early on the shot. Gets an outside edge towards the slip region. 5 runs off that over! |
| 45.1 : Z Ansari to Pujara, Comes over the wicket and bowls it around off, Pujara goes back and pushes it to the off side. |
| 45.2 : Z Ansari to Pujara, Shortish delivery, spinning away. Che rocks back and cuts it through point for a single. |
| 45.3 : Z Ansari to Vijay, Presses forward to the fullish delivey and blocks it into the ground. |
| 45.4 : Z Ansari to Vijay, SIX! SHOT! Great way to reach his fifty! Skips down the track to the loopy delivery and sends it sailing over long on for a maximum. It has been a solid knock. He needs to carry on! |
| 15th Test fifty for Murali Vijay. |
| 45.5 : Z Ansari to Vijay, Comes forward and defends it to the off side. |
| 45.6 : Z Ansari to Vijay, FOUR! HE IS ON THE GO! Makes room and skips down the track again and hits it cleanly over mid off. The ball races to the fence. |
| 46.1 : Ben Stokes to Pujara, FOUR! Overpitched outside off, Pujara leans into the drive and creams it through the covers for an exquisite boundary. He has been decisive in his footwork today and reaches a well deserved fifty. |
| 11th Test fifty for Cheteshwar Pujara! |
| 46.2 : Ben Stokes to Pujara, On a length around off, Che camps back and defends it towards point. |
| 46.3 : Ben Stokes to Pujara, Fullish delivery outside off, luring him into a free flowing drive. He resists the temptation! |
| 46.4 : Ben Stokes to Pujara, Back of a length ball angling into the body, Pujara camps back, rides the bounce and tucks it to mid-wicket! |
| 46.5 : Ben Stokes to C Pujara, FOUR! YOU CAN CALL THAT AN EDUCATED EDGE! On a length outside off, Che waits for it and opens the face of the bat intentionally at the last moment and places it past the slip fielder for a boundary. |
| 46.6 : Ben Stokes to Pujara, FOUR! EASY PICKINGS! Straying on the pads, Pujara clips it round the corner nicely. The ball races to the fence! 8 runs off the over! |
| ADIL RASHID comes on to bowl. |
| 47.1 : A Rashid to Vijay, Full on middle, Vijay comes forward and defends it to the leg side. |
| 47.2 : A Rashid to M Vijay, Low full toss on off, Murali makes room and eases it to long off for a single. |
| 47.3 : Rashid to Pujara, Slips in a googly outside off, turning in. Che puts in a stride forward and pads it away. A stifled appeal for LBW but in vain! The impact looked well outside off and it wouldn't have hit the stumps! |
| 47.4 : A Rashid to C Pujara, Tossed up around off, Pujara drives it towards Stokes at mid off who fumbles and concedes a single. Rashid is not pleases. |
| 47.5 : A Rashid to Vijay, Loopy ball around off, spinning away. Defended towards point. |
| 47.6 : A Rashid to Vijay, Slips in a googly again outside off, Vijay comes forward and defends it. |
| 48.1 : Ben Stokes to Pujara, Fullish ball well outside off, Pujara comes forward and leaves it alone. |
| 48.2 : Ben Stokes to Pujara, On a length outside off, Pujara plays it late with an angled blade down to third man for a single. Both are well set now! |
| 48.3 : Ben Stokes to Vijay, Very full ball outside off, swinging in. Che digs it out towards the covers. |
| 48.4 : Ben Stokes to Vijay, Good length ball outside off, swings away late after pitching. Vijay shoulders his arms to let that through. |
| 48.5 : Ben Stokes to Vijay, On the pads, Vijay nudges it through backward square leg for a single. |
| 48.6 : Ben Stokes to Pujara, Short of a length ball directed at the rib cage area, Pujara rides the bounce well and tucks it through mid-wicket to retain the strike! |
| 49.1 : A Rashid to Pujara, Tossed up on off, driven to Stokes at covers who dives to make a half-stop. No runs conceded. |
| 49.2 : A Rashid to Pujara, Floated on off, Pujara drives it hard to long off for a single. |
| 49.3 : Rashid to Vijay, LOUD SHOUT APPEAL FOR LBW TURNED DOWN! Good decision to not take the review! Slips in a googly outside off, turning back in. Vijay prods forward to defend but plays down the wrong line and misses. The umpire thinks about the appeal but turns it down. Looked really close to the naked eye! Nasser Hussain on air mentions that, "Vijay was well forward and it hit him above the knee roll." The replays show that it would have gone over the stumps. Good call by Cook and Bairstow t |
| 49.4 : A Rashid to Vijay, Leg spinner on off, turning away with extra bounce. Vijay prods forward to defend but is beaten. |
| 49.5 : A Rashid to Vijay, Tossed up outside off, defended towards point. |
| 49.6 : A Rashid to Vijay, Flighted ball around off, Vijay goes back and plays it towards backward point. THAT'S LUNCH ON DAY 3! |
| A very good session for India despite losing Gambhir off the second over of the day. Pujara and Vijay have stitched a brilliant unbroken 94-run partnership to thwart the English bowling attack. The former has been very busy out there, looking very fluent barring a spell from Woakes where he was hit on the helmet thrice. Vijay has been his usual rock solid self although he did have to survive a tough last over before lunch. |
| There weren't many demons in the track although the surface is definitely showing signs of deteriorating at some stage. England's bowlers tried hard and Broad's first ball strike was the perfect tonic they needed to begin the day. However, since then, they have been countered by some really smart batting. Only Woakes was probing in his spell while Rashid's last over before the break was brilliant too. He will bowl a lot after lunch for sure. Join us in a while for the second session. |
| .....DAY 3, SESSION 2..... |
| Welcome back for the second session. India will hope that the current partnership flourishes further as they look to accomplish their primary goal of avoiding the follow-on before thinking of bigger things. England will know that a wicket can easily bring another due to the scoreboard pressure. It shall be CHRIS WOAKES to begin proceedings after lunch. |
| 50.1 : C Woakes to Pujara, Starts with a loosener on the pads, tucked away down to fine leg for a single. |
| 50.2 : C Woakes to Vijay, Short of a length outside off, Vijay gets right behind the line and blocks. |
| 50.3 : C Woakes to Vijay, Fuller outside off, Vijay pushes it towards extra cover for a single. |
| 50.4 : C Woakes to Pujara, Back of a length on off, blocked off the back foot with a straight blade. |
| 50.5 : C Woakes to Pujara, Back of a length on middle, climbs on Pujara who takes the bottom hand off as he tucks it through the vacant leg gully region. Single taken. |
| 50.6 : C Woakes to Vijay, Length ball outside off, Vijay shuffles and lets the ball pass. |
| ADIL RASHID to bowl from the other end. He looked threatening in the final over before lunch. The key will be to get his radar right. |
| 51.1 : A Rashid to Pujara, Starts with a juicy full toss, Pujara thumps it through the covers for a single. |
| 51.2 : A Rashid to Vijay, Slider on leg stump, Vijay gets back and jams it on to the track near short leg. |
| 51.3 : A Rashid to Vijay, Tossed up gently around off, driven firmly towards extra cover. |
| 51.4 : A Rashid to Vijay, Sharp turn but too short, Vijay bunts it off the back foot to cover. |
| 51.5 : A Rashid to Vijay, Floated around off, Vijay gets well forward and blocks it out. |
| 51.6 : A Rashid to Vijay, Drifting in from outside off, a bit short as Vijay stays back to punch it to sweeper cover. Single taken. |
| 52.1 : C Woakes to Vijay, Length ball outside off, a bit of tail away, Vijay lets it through. |
| 52.2 : C Woakes to Vijay, Dug in short and Vijay ducks instantly under the bumper. |
| 52.3 : C Woakes to Vijay, Back of a length outside off, steered off the back foot towards point. |
| 52.4 : C Woakes to Vijay, Fullish on off, Murali wrists it towards mid on. |
| 52.5 : C Woakes to Vijay, Short of a length down the leg side, Vijay thinks of flicking but then decides to make the leave. |
| 52.6 : C Woakes to Vijay, Back of a length around off, blocked solidly off the back foot. |
| 53.1 : A Rashid to Pujara, Floated outside off, no shot offered to that one. |
| 53.2 : A Rashid to Pujara, FOUR! Got it away fine! Drifting in around leg stump, Pujara gets across and tickles it deftly down to the fine leg fence for a boundary. Nice touch play. Brings up the 100-run stand. Good batting from this pair. |
| 53.3 : A Rashid to Pujara, Floated outside off, blocked firmly off the back foot. |
| 53.4 : A Rashid to Pujara, Sharp spin! The leg break fizzes away as Pujara lets it pass. |
| 53.5 : A Rashid to Pujara, Flatter outside off, defended strongly from the crease. |
| 53.6 : A Rashid to Pujara, Loopy and way outside off, Pujara just pads it away. |
| 54.1 : C Woakes to Vijay, Fuller ball on off, Vijay gets across to that one and wrists it through mid-wicket. Brace taken as Ali tidies up near the ropes. |
| 54.2 : C Woakes to Vijay, Back of a length outside off, compact defence from Vijay towards short cover. |
| 54.3 : C Woakes to Vijay, Dug in short on middle, Vijay ducks under the bumper. Some noise but there was daylight between the ball and him. |
| 54.4 : C Woakes to Vijay, Full and outside off, Vijay blocks it firmly towards mid off. |
| 54.5 : Woakes to Vijay, REPRIEVE FOR VIJAY! Good length outside off, looks to push at it but gets hit on the pad. Appeal for lbw, turned down as there's an inside edge. The ball almost clipped the off pole on its way through to the keeper and Vijay had no clue about it. |
| 54.6 : C Woakes to Vijay, Back of a length outside off, dabbed towards gully for a single. |
| 55.1 : A Rashid to Vijay, Floated outside off, gently pushed towards the covers. |
| 55.2 : A Rashid to Vijay, Drifting in fuller on off, Vijay gets across and blocks it well. |
| 55.3 : A Rashid to Vijay, A bit short and outside off, Vijay cuts it to sweeper cover for a single. |
| 55.4 : A Rashid to Pujara, Floated around off, Pujara gets across and defends it firmly on to the track. |
| 55.5 : A Rashid to Pujara, Loopy leg break outside off, spinning further away, no shot offered. |
| 55.6 : A Rashid to C Pujara, Short and spinning away, cut away to sweeper cover for a single. |
| 56.1 : C Woakes to Pujara, Dug in short closer to off, Pujara evades the bumper by swaying away. |
| 56.2 : C Woakes to Pujara, Short of a length outside off, tapped off the back foot to the off side. |
| 56.3 : C Woakes to Pujara, Shortish outside off, Pujara gets back and cuts it away through backward point for a couple. |
| 56.4 : C Woakes to Pujara, Back of a length closer to off, makes a good leave by dropping his wrists. |
| 56.5 : C Woakes to Pujara, Full and angled in from around off, bowled from wide of the crease as well. Pujara makes a careful leave. |
| 56.6 : C Woakes to C Pujara, Shortish outside off, Pujara gets a bottom edge on the cut towards point. |
| STUART BROAD comes back on for another spell. |
| 57.1 : S Broad to Vijay, Full and outside off, a bit too wide to make Vijay play. |
| 57.2 : S Broad to Vijay, Keeps it full and well outside off, no stroke offered to that one. |
| 57.3 : S Broad to Vijay, Good length outside off, Vijay gets well forward and blocks towards short cover. |
| 57.4 : S Broad to Vijay, Pitched up outside off, defended solidly off the front foot to the covers. |
| 57.5 : S Broad to Vijay, Fuller outside off, Vijay presses forward and defends it well. |
| 57.6 : S Broad to Vijay, Length ball outside off, pushed off the back foot to the covers. |
| Change of ends for ADIL RASHID. |
| 58.1 : A Rashid to Pujara, FOUR! Slammed away! Full ball well outside off, Pujara leans into it and creams the drive through the covers with disdain. Woakes in the deep puts a feeble attempt as the ball races to the ropes. |
| 58.2 : A Rashid to Pujara, Flatter outside off, defended off the back foot to mid on. |
| 58.3 : A Rashid to Pujara, Fuller outside off, Pujara leans into it and defends it well. |
| 58.4 : A Rashid to Pujara, Flatter outside off, cut away to sweeper cover for a single. |
| 58.5 : A Rashid to M Vijay, A bit short outside off, slapped off the back foot through the covers for a single. Stokes' throw at the bowler's end finds no back up as it goes to deep mid-wicket. Another brace added. Sloppy from England. |
| 58.6 : A Rashid to Pujara, FOUR! More runs! Rashid being put under severe pressure! This was on the pads and Pujara only had to help it on its way. Stays back and glances it down to the fine leg fence for a boundary. |
| 59.1 : S Broad to Vijay, Good length outside off, Vijay lets it through to the keeper. |
| 59.2 : S Broad to Vijay, Dropped by the debutant! Oh, he would really feel the pinch. Full and outside off, Vijay cannot keep the shot down. Hameed at cover drops an easy chance. On pitches like these, you just cannot afford to put down chances. |
| 59.3 : S Broad to Vijay, Fuller on middle and leg, Vijay goes across and clips it through mid-wicket for a single. |
| 59.4 : S Broad to Pujara, Fuller outside off, Pujara leans into it and defends it well. |
| 59.5 : S Broad to Pujara, Good length outside off, steered towards the point region. |
| 59.6 : S Broad to Pujara, Fuller outside off, Pujara reaches out and defends it well. |
| 60.1 : A Rashid to Vijay, Fuller outside off, Vijay leans forward and pushes it to mid off. |
| 60.2 : A Rashid to Vijay, Flatter on middle and leg, blocked off the back foot towards mid-wicket. |
| 60.3 : A Rashid to Vijay, Drifting in on a length outside off, Vijay gets back and blocks it well. |
| 60.4 : A Rashid to Vijay, Ripper! Floated around leg stump, spins away sharply to rip past the outside edge. |
| 60.5 : A Rashid to Vijay, Loopy on a length outside off, Vijay goes for the cut but straight to point. |
| 60.6 : A Rashid to Vijay, Fuller outside off, pushed off the front foot towards the covers. |
| 61.1 : S Broad to Pujara, Length ball outside off, no shot offered to that one. |
| 61.2 : S Broad to Pujara, Good length well outside off, a bit of shape away, another leave from Pujara. |
| 61.3 : S Broad to Pujara, Sharp movement! That crack on a length outside off stump is certainly doing some things! Broad once again pitches it there and this time gets sharp tail into Pujara who makes a leave. |
| 61.4 : S Broad to Pujara, Good length outside off, no stroke offered to that one. |
| 61.5 : S Broad to Pujara, Good length closer to off, blocked firmly from the crease. |
| 61.6 : S Broad to Pujara, Fuller around off, Pujara leans into it and defends it towards short cover. |
| 62.1 : A Rashid to Vijay, Floated on leg stump, Vijay misses the flick but the ball lobs off the pads in front of first slip. Shouts of 'catch it' but no bat involved. |
| 62.2 : A Rashid to Vijay, Flighted outside off, defended solidly off the front foot. |
| 62.3 : A Rashid to Vijay, Loopy on a length outside off, chopped off the back foot towards point. |
| 62.4 : A Rashid to Vijay, A bit short outside off, Vijay cuts it towards cover-point for a single. |
| 62.5 : A Rashid to C Pujara, Flatter and a bit short, Pujara goes for the pull but mistimes it through mid-wicket for a single. |
| 62.6 : A Rashid to Vijay, Floated on a length on off, defended strongly off the back foot. |
| 63.1 : S Broad to Pujara, Full and outside off, no stroke offered to that one. |
| 63.2 : S Broad to Pujara, Pitched up outside off, Pujara gets forward and defends it nicely to cover. |
| 63.3 : S Broad to Pujara, Flighted outside off, no shot offered to that one. |
| 63.4 : S Broad to Pujara, Length ball outside off, no shot offered to that one. |
| 63.5 : S Broad to Pujara, Full and outside off, driven firmly towards short mid off. |
| 63.6 : S Broad to Pujara, Length ball outside off, Pujara gets forward and defends it well. |
| 64.1 : A Rashid to Vijay, Tossed up very full outside off, bunted back to the bowler. |
| 64.2 : A Rashid to Vijay, Loopy on a length on off, punched off the back foot towards mid off. |
| 64.3 : A Rashid to Vijay, Fuller on middle and leg, dug out towards the leg side. |
| 64.4 : A Rashid to Vijay, Loopy and full outside off, driven through the covers for a single. |
| 64.5 : A Rashid to Pujara, Drifting in from outside off, Pujara slams it through the covers for a single. |
| 64.6 : A Rashid to Vijay, Flighted outside off, defended off the front foot to the covers. |
| Drinks break.... |
| 65.1 : S Broad to Pujara, Fullish length ball outside off, angling in. Pujara covers his off pole and lets it through. |
| 65.2 : S Broad to Pujara, Similar length outside off, Che comes forward and defends it to the covers. |
| 65.3 : S Broad to Pujara, Probing length this from Broad! Lands it fullish yet again outside off and gets it to angle in from the rough patch, Pujara comes forward and leaves it alone. |
| 65.4 : S Broad to Pujara, On a good length outside off, Che puts a confident stride forward and defends it to covers solidly. |
| 65.5 : S Broad to Pujara, Fullish ball tailing in on middle, Pujara is well balanced as he clips it to mid-wicket. |
| 65.6 : S Broad to Pujara, Fuller length ball on off, defended towards mid on off the front foot. Maiden over and only 5 runs have been scored in the last 7 overs. |
| 66.1 : A Rashid to Vijay, On a length on leg stump, Vijay camps back and defends it past short leg. |
| 66.2 : A Rashid to Vijay, Floated on off, Vijay drives it towards covers. Stokes makes a good effort to save that! |
| 66.3 : A Rashid to Vijay, That one bounced sharply! Tossed up around off, fizzes through sharply. Vijay lets it go. |
| 66.4 : A Rashid to Vijay, Shortish delivery, cut through point for a single. |
| 66.5 : A Rashid to Pujara, Loopy ball on off, Che pushes it to the covers. |
| 66.6 : A Rashid to Pujara, Pujara stays back and defends. |
| MOEEN ALI comes back to bowl. |
| 67.1 : M Ali to Vijay, Turning in from outside off, Vijay stays back and tucks it through square leg for a single. |
| 67.2 : M Ali to Pujara, Lands it shortish at the stumps, Pujara rocks back and is a bit early into the pull shot. Hits it over mid-wicket for a single. |
| 67.3 : M Ali to Vijay, Tossed up outside off, spinning in. Murali prods forward to defend but gets an inside edge onto his pads. |
| 67.4 : M Ali to Vijay, FOUR! CRAFTY SHOT! Tossed it up on off, Vijay takes position for the reverse sweep and executes it perfectly through the fine leg region for a boundary. |
| 67.5 : M Ali to Vijay, Stays back to the length delivery and punches it to mid on. |
| 67.6 : M Ali to Vijay, Back of a length ball, turning into Vijay. He raises his arms and takes it on the thigh pad. |
| 68.1 : A Rashid to Pujara, Loopy ball on off, defended solidly down the track. |
| 68.2 : A Rashid to Pujara, Shortish delivery outside off, Pujara rocks back and cuts it through point for a single. |
| 68.3 : A Rashid to Vijay, Pitched outside leg, spinning back in. Vijay goes back and defends it nicely. |
| 68.4 : A Rashid to M Vijay, Loopy and full outside off, Vijay drives it with lazy elegance to mid off. |
| 68.5 : A Rashid to Vijay, Similar delivery, defended off the front foot to the covers this time. |
| 68.6 : A Rashid to Vijay, Around leg stump, Murali camps back and nudges it round the corner for a single. |
| 69.1 : M Ali to Pujara, Tossed up outside off, Che comes down the track and clips it towards short mid-wicket. Stokes dives athletically and hurls in a direct hit at the bowler's end. Richochets off the stumps to the off side and concedes an overthrow. |
| 69.2 : M Ali to Vijay, Tossed up outside off, Vijay presses forward to block but is hit on the pads. |
| 69.3 : M Ali to Vijay, Not in control this time! Vijay goes for the sweep to the fullish delivery but top edges it to the vacant short fine leg region. A couple taken. |
| 69.4 : M Ali to Vijay, Outside off, Vijay plants his front foot forward but again is hit on the pads. |
| 69.5 : M Ali to Vijay, Vijay comes forward to the loopy delivery and defends it to short mid-wicket. |
| 69.6 : M Ali to M Vijay, Very full outside off, clipped through mid on for a single. |
| ZAFAR ANSARI comes on for another spell. |
| 70.1 : Z Ansari to Vijay, Tossed up on leg stump, clipped towards short mid-wicket. |
| 70.2 : Z Ansari to Vijay, Vijay drives it with the spin through mid off for a single. |
| Pujara has been given out lbw. He opts for the review. |
| 70.3 : Z Ansari to Pujara, NOT OUT! GOOD REVIEW PUJARA! Tosses it up nicely on off, Pujara prods forward and plays for the spin but is beaten by the ball skidding through. He is rapped on the back pad. There is a loud appeal for LBW and the umpire rules it out. Pujara comes down to consult with Vijay and decides to take the review. it looked pretty close to the naked eye. Time for Hawk Eye. There are two reds but the one that matters is green. The ball would have gone over the stumps. Hence, the |
| 70.4 : Z Ansari to C Pujara, Shortish delivery outside off, cut through point for a single. |
| 70.5 : Z Ansari to Vijay, Similar delivery, cut fiercely through point again for a single. |
| 70.6 : Z Ansari to Pujara, Pujara strides out to the full delivery on off and defends it down the pitch. |
| 71.1 : M Ali to Vijay, Tossed up outside off, Vijay defends it with the inner half of his bat down the pitch. |
| 71.2 : M Ali to Vijay, Vijay stays back and defends it to the leg side. |
| 71.3 : M Ali to Vijay, On a length, spinning in at the stumps. Vijay stays back and defends. |
| 71.4 : M Ali to Vijay, Full outside off, driven nicely to mid off. |
| 71.5 : M Ali to Vijay, Vijay waits for it and nudges it round the corner. |
| 71.6 : M Ali to Vijay, Straying on the pads, nudged to the man at short fine leg. |
| 72.1 : Z Ansari to Pujara, Tossed up around off, Pujara defends it to silly point off his front foot. |
| 72.2 : Z Ansari to Pujara, Pujara comes forward and defends it with the spin down the pitch. |
| 72.3 : Z Ansari to Pujara, A bit short outside off, Che waits for it and guides it towards short third man for a single. |
| 72.4 : Z Ansari to Vijay, Vijay presses forward to the loopy ball on off and blocks. |
| 72.5 : Z Ansari to Vijay, Tosses it up nicely on off, spinning away. Vijay comes forward and defends it past silly point. |
| 72.6 : Z Ansari to Vijay, The length is a bit close to cut as he is cramped up and only manages to chop it towards point. |
| Pujara and Vijay are taking an unofficial drinks break. Not sure what the delay is about. |
| 73.1 : M Ali to Pujara, Pujara comes down the track and plays it with the spin through mid-wicket for a single. |
| 73.2 : M Ali to Vijay, On a length outside off, spinning in. Vijay stays back and defends to the off side. |
| 73.3 : M Ali to Vijay, Outside off, defended towards point for a single. |
| 73.4 : M Ali to Pujara, Defended off the back foot by the batsman. |
| 73.5 : M Ali to Pujara, Pujara camps back and punches it wide of mid on for a single. |
| 73.6 : M Ali to Vijay, Vijay camps back and defends it nicely. |
| 74.1 : Z Ansari to Pujara, Shortish outside off, Che camps back and cuts it through covers for a single. |
| 74.2 : Z Ansari to M Vijay, Tossed up outside off, eased to long off for a single. |
| 74.3 : Z Ansari to Pujara, Slow through the air around off, defended off the front foot to silly point. |
| 74.4 : Z Ansari to C Pujara, Shortish ball outside off, Pujara waits for it and cuts it late down to fine leg. Broad gives a chase and puts a slide to keep it down to three. Moves to 94! |
| 150-run stand is up between Vijay and Pujara. |
| 74.5 : Z Ansari to Vijay, Floated around middle, defended to the off side. |
| 74.6 : Z Ansari to Vijay, Tossed up around off, Vijay pushes it through covers for a single. |
| 75.1 : M Ali to Vijay, Back of a length outside off, turning in. Vijay stays back and defends it past short leg. |
| 75.2 : M Ali to Vijay, On a length and at the stumps, helped with the turn to backward square leg for a single. |
| 75.3 : M Ali to Pujara, Pujara presses forward and blocks it. |
| 75.4 : M Ali to Pujara, Shortish delivery outside off, Pujara glides it through the slip region for a couple. Moves to 96! |
| 75.5 : M Ali to C Pujara, Pujara plays it with the spin to mid on. |
| 75.6 : M Ali to Pujara, Pujara steps down the track and eases it through mid-wicket for a single. |
| BEN STOKES comes back into the attack. |
| 76.1 : Ben Stokes to Pujara, Back of a length ball outside off, Che steers it down to third man for a single. He is on 98 but no signs of nerves from him! |
| 76.2 : Ben Stokes to Vijay, Fullish ball wide outside off, Vijay lets it through to the keeper. |
| 76.3 : Ben Stokes to Vijay, On a length wide outside off, Vijay plays away from the body and gets it from the outer half of his bat to third man. Single taken! |
| 76.4 : Ben Stokes to Pujara, Back of a length ball at the stumps, Che camps back and defends it down the track. |
| 76.5 : Ben Stokes to Pujara, Full length ball outside off, Pujara comes forward and pushes it to mid on for a quick single. Moves to 99! |
| 76.6 : Ben Stokes to Vijay, On a length at the stumps, Vijay defends it towards mid-wicket. |
| 77.1 : M Ali to Pujara, Tossed up outside off, Pujara comes down the track and defends it back to Ali. |
| 77.2 : M Ali to Pujara, Spinning in from a back of a length outside off, Pujara goes back and looks for that crucial single but finds the man at point. |
| 77.3 : M Ali to Pujara, Tossed up around middle, Che comes forward and defends it from the inner half of his bat past short leg. Nervous times! |
| 77.4 : M Ali to Pujara, Tossed up around middle and off, Che comes forward and blocks. |
| 77.5 : M Ali to Pujara, On a length, spinning in. Pujara goes back and clips it to mid-wicket. |
| 77.6 : M Ali to Pujara, This is good stuff from Ali. Bowls a maiden and keeps him on 99. Tosses it up nicely on off, Pujara strides forward and blocks it into the ground. |
| 78.1 : Ben Stokes to Vijay, On a good length outside off, Vijay hangs back and defends it towards the point region. |
| 78.2 : Ben Stokes to Vijay, Similar length outside off, Vijay stays back and pushes it firmly to covers. |
| 78.3 : Ben Stokes to Vijay, Ooh! That was close! On a length just outside off, Vijay is uncertain and starts to take his bat skywards at the last moment. He is late and only manges to get it from the toe end and the ball bounces just over the stumps. He must have had his heart in his mouth! |
| 78.4 : Ben Stokes to Vijay, Fullish around middle and leg, clipped through mid-wicket for a single. The crowd goes up in cheer as the local lad gets another shot at his century before tea. |
| Third man comes inside the circle. |
| 78.5 : Ben Stokes to Pujara, Fuller length ball outside off, Che comes forward and defends it solidly to short cover. |
| 78.6 : Ben Stokes to Pujara, Back of a length ball angling into Pujara. He hops back and tries to fend it but gets it from the gloves towards point. Good stuff from the English side as they have eluded him a century before Tea. The players will take Tea now and Pujara needs to wait. |
| This session - 29 overs, 66 runs, 0 wickets. Another solid session for the Indians. Vijay and Pujara continued to grind the English bowling to dust without any real trouble. The latter did get a reprieve as he used DRS to successfully overturn an lbw decision against him. Apart from that, he hardly put a foot wrong and is just a run short of his 9th Test ton. Vijay is eyeing a century of his own as well and has also looked very compact out there. |
| England's bowlers were very disciplined with Broad being the standout with a very miserly spell. However, the tourists couldn't cause much trouble and had to be content by keeping a lid on the scoring rate. The odd ball has spun and there has been some reverse swing too but generally it's still remained a good batting pitch for those who are willing to apply themselves. England will hope to bottle down the runs and hope that India's batting implodes at some stage. Join us in a while for the fina |
| .....DAY 3, SESSION 3..... |
| Welcome back for the final session of the day. Only 1 wicket has fallen in the 56 overs bowled. India will hope it stays that way for as much as possible. They are still another 309 runs behind and England will be hoping for an opening somewhere. The players and umpires are making their way out to the middle. MOEEN ALI to begin proceedings after tea. |
| 79.1 : M Ali to Vijay, Tossed up well outside off, Vijay gets forward and blocks it. |
| 79.2 : M Ali to Vijay, Slider outside off, keeps a bit low as Vijay jams it out on to the track. |
| 79.3 : M Ali to Vijay, Flatter outside off, defended well off the back foot. |
| 79.4 : M Ali to Vijay, Drifting on middle and leg, works it away to the leg side. |
| England have taken a review for lbw against Vijay. |
| 79.5 : M Ali to Vijay, NOT OUT! Waste of a review eventually. Very full on off, Vijay looks to work it on the leg side and England feel that he is been hit on the boot. Appeal for lbw but turned down. Cook goes for the review. Replays show that it came right off the face off the bat. |
| 79.6 : M Ali to Vijay, Flatter outside off, defended well off the back foot. |
| The second new ball is available and has been taken straightaway. |
| CHRIS WOAKES will take the new cherry. |
| 80.1 : C Woakes to Pujara, Back of a length well outside off, no shot offered to that one. |
| 80.2 : C Woakes to Pujara, Fuller length outside off, Pujara shoulders arms to that one. |
| 80.3 : C Woakes to Pujara, Back of a length outside off, Pujara bunts it to the right of the cover fielder. Gets that big single. Well played local lad! His wife and family are beaming in the stands. |
| 9th Test ton for Pujara. |
| 80.4 : C Woakes to Vijay, Back of a length outside off, sways away from the line of the ball. |
| 80.5 : C Woakes to Vijay, Back of a length outside off, no shot offered to that one. |
| 80.6 : C Woakes to Vijay, Shortish outside off, pushed off the back foot to the covers. |
| 81.1 : M Ali to Pujara, FOUR! Nicely done! Floated on a length outside off, Pujara stays back to that one and places it well to find the fence at third man. Was in total control. |
| 81.2 : M Ali to Pujara, Fuller on middle and leg, worked towards mid-wicket for a single. |
| 81.3 : M Ali to Vijay, SIX! Top shot! Floated outside off, Vijay steps out to that one and stays leg side of the ball to launch it over long off for a maximum. The ball landed on the rope just on the full. Good positive intent by the opener. |
| 81.4 : M Ali to Vijay, Flatter outside off, defended well from the crease. |
| 81.5 : M Ali to Vijay, Floated on middle and leg, worked away through backward square leg for a single. |
| 81.6 : M Ali to Pujara, Slider outside off, Pujara stays back and jabs it to cover. |
| 82.1 : C Woakes to Vijay, Back of a length delivery outside off, Vijay off the back foot punches it towards cover-point where the fielder does well to come across and cut it off. |
| 82.2 : C Woakes to Vijay, Length delivery angling in on middle and leg, it's worked through to deep square leg for a run. |
| 82.3 : C Woakes to Pujara, Full ball outside off, Pujara looks to drive it through the covers but fails to do so. And the ball just whiskers past the off pole. That was really close. |
| 82.4 : C Woakes to Pujara, Back of a length delivery coming in from around off, it's kept out off the back foot and into the track. |
| 82.5 : C Woakes to Pujara, Stays behind the line and does well to keep it out off the front foot. |
| 82.6 : C Woakes to Pujara, Played to mid-wicket region by the batsman. That'll be the end of the over. |
| STUART BROAD is back into the bowling attack. |
| 83.1 : S Broad to Vijay, Broad fires it in full and gets it to angle in on off stump, Vijay digs it out back towards mid on. |
| 83.2 : S Broad to Vijay, Fuller length delivery tailing in on middle and leg, it's worked through the mid-wicket region for a brisk single. |
| 83.3 : S Broad to Pujara, Once again it's worked through mid-wicket but this time by Cheteshwar Pujara. One run added to the scoreboard. |
| 83.4 : S Broad to Vijay, FOUR! Another full delivery speared in on middle and leg, Vijay has got the timing on this perfectly. He flicks it through the mid-wicket region and the ball beats the chasing fielder, thereby winning the race. Moves on to 99 with that. |
| 83.5 : S Broad to M Vijay, FOUR! He does it! Fuller outside off, goes off the outside edge as Vijay looks to guide it towards third man. Flies past the diving slip fielder and goes away to the fence for a boundary. Brings up his century and what a knock it's been. Brilliant! |
| 7th Test ton for Murali Vijay! |
| 83.6 : S Broad to Vijay, Vijay stays within his crease and keeps it out to end the over. |
| 84.1 : C Woakes to Pujara, A length delivery coming in on middle and leg, Pujara picks it off his pads and clips it through backward square leg for a single. |
| 84.2 : Woakes to Vijay, Ooooohhhh.... That must have stung! Woakes comes charging in and hits the deck hard. Bowls a length ball which is angling in on middle and off, Vijay stays back and looks to block but is rapped in the gap between the thigh and the knee roll where there is no protection. He immediately hobbles off in pain after leaving his bat. Woakes appeals for a leg before but it's turned down. Contemplates with Cook if a review should be taken but it's not. Vijay however seems to be fin |
| 84.3 : C Woakes to Vijay, Length ball on middle and off, blocked off the back foot. |
| 84.4 : C Woakes to Vijay, On a good length once more and it's veering in on middle and leg, it's worked on the on side for no run. |
| 84.5 : C Woakes to Vijay, Back of a length ball outside off, the back foot punch is mistimed towards the cover region. |
| 84.6 : C Woakes to Vijay, Short of a length delivery angling in on the body, kept out off the back foot to end the over. |
| ZAFAR ANSARI is back on to roll his arm. |
| 85.1 : Z Ansari to Pujara, Floated outside off, Pujara dabs it late towards short third man. |
| 85.2 : Ansari to Pujara, Flighted outside off, no shot offered by Pujara as he is rapped on the pads. Needless lbw appeal. |
| 85.3 : Z Ansari to Pujara, FOUR! Well played! Floated on middle and leg, Pujara gets across and employs the paddle to perfection. Gets it through to the fine leg fence for a boundary. Delicate batting from the lad. |
| 85.4 : Z Ansari to Pujara, Fuller outside off, Pujara leans into it and defends it well. |
| 85.5 : Z Ansari to Pujara, Flatter outside off, Pujara hangs back and jabs it to the off side. |
| 85.6 : Z Ansari to Pujara, Drops it short outside off, cut away square of the wicket for a single. |
| 86.1 : C Woakes to Pujara, Good length around off, defended solidly from the crease. |
| 86.2 : C Woakes to Pujara, Back of a length outside off, mistimes the back foot punch towards mid off. |
| 86.3 : C Woakes to C Pujara, Shortish on off, Pujara swivels to pull but it keeps a bit low. Gets an under edge that crashes on to the thigh. |
| 86.4 : C Woakes to Pujara, Full and outside off, pushed gently to the covers. |
| 86.5 : C Woakes to Pujara, Dug in short just outside off, Pujara sways away from the line. |
| 86.6 : C Woakes to Pujara, Length ball angled into the pads, Pujara clips it towards mid-wicket for a single to keep strike. |
| 87.1 : Z Ansari to Pujara, Floated outside off, defended solidly from the crease. |
| 87.2 : Z Ansari to Pujara, Fuller outside off, Pujara leans forward and defends it out. |
| 87.3 : Z Ansari to Pujara, Floated on middle and leg, worked towards the leg side. |
| 87.4 : Z Ansari to Pujara, Flighted outside off, Pujara thumps it down the ground to long off for a single. |
| 87.5 : Z Ansari to Vijay, Full outside off, pushed gently to the covers. |
| 87.6 : Z Ansari to Vijay, Slider around off, Pujara hangs back and defends it well. |
| 88.1 : A Rashid to Pujara, Fuller outside off, driven firmly to mid off. |
| 88.2 : A Rashid to Pujara, Drops it short outside off, punched through the covers for a single. |
| 88.3 : A Rashid to Vijay, Fuller outside off, blocked off the front foot on to the track. |
| 88.4 : A Rashid to Vijay, Drifting in from outside off, Vijay thumps it down the ground to long off for a single. |
| 88.5 : A Rashid to Pujara, The googly on middle stump line, Pujara pushes at it but gets an inside edge that just falls short of leg slip. |
| 88.6 : A Rashid to Pujara, Fuller on middle and leg, worked away through backward square leg for a single. |
| 89.1 : Z Ansari to C Pujara, Drops it short and outside off, Pujara cuts it away fiercely to deep point for a brace. Good running! |
| 89.2 : Z Ansari to Pujara, Fired down the leg side, Pujara gets across and paddles it fine towards fine leg where Broad makes an awkward diving stop. Another brace added. |
| 89.3 : Z Ansari to Pujara, On a length outside off, turning away, Pujara hangs back and dabs it to the covers. |
| 89.4 : Z Ansari to Pujara, Floated on middle and leg, blocked solidly off the front foot on to the track. |
| 89.5 : Z Ansari to Pujara, Fuller outside leg stump, Pujara looks to flick but cannot quite keep it down. A very sharp chance at leg slip as the ball trickles down to the deep. Three more added. 200-RUN STAND COMES UP. |
| 89.6 : Z Ansari to Vijay, A bit short outside off, cut away to sweeper cover for a single. |
| 90.1 : A Rashid to Vijay, Fuller outside off, Vijay leans forward and drives it towards extra cover. |
| 90.2 : A Rashid to Vijay, Flatter on middle and leg, worked through square leg for a single. |
| 90.3 : A Rashid to Pujara, Drifting in on middle and off, defended well off the front foot. |
| 90.4 : A Rashid to Pujara, Drops it a bit short and Pujara pulls it to deep square leg for a single. |
| 90.5 : A Rashid to Vijay, FOUR! Shot! His straight hitting especially against spin is just special! Floated on middle and off, Vijay reaches out to that one and lofts it straight down the ground. Goes to the long on fence after a few bounces. |
| 90.6 : A Rashid to Vijay, Slider outside off, defended well off the back foot to the off side. |
| BEN STOKES comes to bowl. |
| 91.1 : Ben Stokes to C Pujara, OUT! Bowling change works! Shortish outside off, Pujara looks to ride the bounce with a cut but cannot keep the stroke down. Cook takes a sharp catch at wide slip. They are checking for the no ball but Stokes is fine. Seems like the all-rounder can do no wrong. Pujara departs after playing a terrific knock. Ends a marathon 209-run stand. Relief for England, can they make further inroads? |
| Drinks break. Meanwhile, VIRAT KOHLI walks in at 4. India are in a strong position. It is the perfect platform to get himself in. |
| 91.2 : Ben Stokes to V Kohli, Dug in short and Kohli ducks under the bumper. |
| 91.3 : Ben Stokes to Kohli, Length ball outside off, no shot offered to that one. |
| 91.4 : Ben Stokes to Kohli, Good length outside off, Kohli doesn't offer a stroke to that one. |
| 91.5 : Ben Stokes to Kohli, Full and outside off, defended off the front foot towards point. |
| 91.6 : Ben Stokes to Kohli, Full and outside off, tailing in a bit, Kohli doesn't offer a stroke to that one. |
| STUART BROAD is back on. |
| 92.1 : S Broad to Vijay, Length ball on middle and leg, works it to the leg side for a single. |
| 92.2 : S Broad to Kohli, Pitched up outside off, Kohli presses forward and defends it. |
| 92.3 : S Broad to Kohli, Fuller and outside off, Kohli gets forward and pats it to the covers. |
| 92.4 : S Broad to Kohli, Good length closer to off, no stroke offered to that one. |
| 92.5 : S Broad to Kohli, Fuller outside off, defended well off the front foot. |
| 92.6 : S Broad to Kohli, Length ball outside off, Kohli doesn't offer a shot to that one. |
| 93.1 : Ben Stokes to Vijay, Back of a length outside off, Vijay glides it down to third man for a single. |
| 93.2 : Ben Stokes to Kohli, Length ball on the pads, worked through backward square leg for a single. |
| 93.3 : Ben Stokes to Vijay, Good length outside off, Vijay hangs back and blocks it towards point. |
| 93.4 : Ben Stokes to Vijay, Length ball outside off, blocked off the back foot down the track. |
| 93.5 : Ben Stokes to Vijay, Back of a length outside off, Vijay hangs back and glides it to backward point. |
| 93.6 : Ben Stokes to Vijay, Good length outside off, no shot offered to that one. |
| 94.1 : S Broad to Kohli, In the corridor of uncertainty outside off, Virat comes forward and makes a watchful leave. |
| 94.2 : S Broad to Kohli, Length delivery on off, Kohli is right behind it as he defends it to short cover. |
| 94.3 : S Broad to Kohli, Leans ahead to the good length delivery outside off, it bounces a bit more than he expected. Gets it from the outer half of his bat towards backward point. |
| 94.4 : S Broad to Kohli, In between full and good length, tailing back in on off, Kohli covers the line and defends it nicely to the off side. |
| 94.5 : S Broad to V Kohli, Full length ball outside off, Virat wrists it down to mid on for no runs. |
| 94.6 : S Broad to Kohli, Fullish delivery angling in on off, Virat flicks it through mid-wicket to retain the strike! |
| 95.1 : Ben Stokes to Kohli, FOUR! He played that away from the body, a bit risky! Fuller length ball swinging away, Virat puts a big stride forward and drives it on the up through point for a boundary. |
| 95.2 : Ben Stokes to Kohli, Full length ball just outside off, Kohli puts his head down and defends it down the track. |
| 95.3 : Ben Stokes to Kohli, Back of a length around off, Virat gets behind the line and defends it towards mid on. |
| 95.4 : Ben Stokes to Kohli, Shortish delivery angled in at the body, Kohli looks to tuck it away but misses and is rapped on the thigh pad. |
| 95.5 : Ben Stokes to Kohli, Dug in short but gets his line completely wrong as he sprays it down the leg side. The Indian skipper lets it go. |
| 95.6 : Ben Stokes to Kohli, WELL BOWLED! Hurls in a shortish ball outside off, climbing up on Virat. He rises with the bounce and plays it nicely towards point at the end. |
| 96.1 : S Broad to Vijay, Sharp inswinger tailing into the stumps, Vijay plants his front foot across and digs it from the outer half of his bat through square leg for a single. |
| 96.2 : S Broad to Kohli, On a good length outside off, Virat points his bat skywards and lets it sail through to the covers. |
| 96.3 : S Broad to Kohli, Overpitched outside off, Virat pushes it firmly back to Broad. |
| 96.4 : S Broad to Kohli, Fullish ball shaping in, Virat shuffles a bit and clips it wristily to wide mid on for a single. |
| 96.5 : S Broad to Vijay, Vijay negotiates the sharp inswinger nicely as he turns the wrist at the last minute and clips it through mid-wicket. Three runs taken! |
| 96.6 : S Broad to Kohli, Length ball outside off, Virat doesn't flirt with that one. |
| 97.1 : Ben Stokes to Vijay, Sprays this one wide down the off side, Vijay has nothing to do with it. |
| 97.2 : Ben Stokes to Vijay, Gentle outswinger outside off, Vijay leans forward and drives it through covers for a single. |
| 97.3 : Ben Stokes to Kohli, NOT OUT! Digs it short but it is going down leg, Virat swivels across and looks to pull it hard but misses and the ball carries through to the keeper. The keeper and the slip cordon go up in an appeal but Stokes doesn't appeal. The umpire is unmoved. Cook consults with his teammates but decides not to take the review. The replays show that the ball was nowhere near the bat. |
| 97.4 : Ben Stokes to Kohli, Full length ball wide outside off, left alone. |
| 97.5 : Ben Stokes to Kohli, Fullish delivery that is straight, Virat puts his head down and defends solidly. |
| 97.6 : Ben Stokes to Kohli, Full toss wide outside off, Virat slices it but fails to get it past the man at point. Failed to capitalize on that! |
| There is a bit of halt in play. The physio attends to Vijay. Not sure what it is about though. |
| 98.1 : S Broad to M Vijay, Full length ball just outside off, Vijay makes room and drills it to the man at mid off. That was a T20 mode shot! |
| 98.2 : S Broad to Vijay, On a length on off, Vijay camps back and defends it down the track. |
| 98.3 : S Broad to Vijay, Fullish ball angling in on middle and off, driven firmly to short mid on. He is looking aggressive now! |
| The keeper comes up to the stumps. |
| 98.4 : S Broad to Vijay, Length ball outside off, Murali steers it to the point region. |
| 98.5 : S Broad to Vijay, Gets his line wrong and angles it down the leg side, Vijay is a bit off balanced as he looks to clip it through but misses and the keeper fails to collect it cleanly. |
| 98.6 : S Broad to Vijay, On a length angling into Vijay. He clips it to short mid-wicket. |
| MOEEN ALI to roll his arm over. |
| 99.1 : M Ali to Kohli, On a length outside off, spins in and stays low. Virat has it covered as he defends it to the leg side. |
| 99.2 : M Ali to Kohli, Turning it from outside off, Kohli camps back and blocks it down the track. |
| 99.3 : M Ali to Kohli, Loopy ball outside off, Kohli clips it aerially with the spin over mid-wicket for a single. |
| 99.4 : M Ali to Vijay, Tossed up at the stumps, Vijay presses forward and blocks solidly. |
| 99.5 : M Ali to Vijay, A tad short outside off, defended to the off side off the back foot. |
| 99.6 : M Ali to Vijay, On a length, spinning back. Murali defends it to short leg. |
| 100.1 : S Broad to Kohli, Very full outside off, Virat squeezes it to the man at point. |
| 100.2 : S Broad to Kohli, Shortish delivery, rising up on Virat. He is standing out of his crease and looks to clip it through but toe ends it down the pitch. Looks for a run and ends up rolling it back to Broad off his boot. He has shy and hits the stumps but Kohli was back in. |
| 100.3 : S Broad to Kohli, On a length outside off, Kohli leaves it alone. |
| 100.4 : S Broad to Kohli, Full length ball outside off, Kohli puts in a confident stride forward and defends it to short cover. |
| 100.5 : S Broad to Kohli, FOUR! Dug in short angling towards leg stump, Virat walks across and gets a fine tickle on it and it just passes wide of the diving Bairstow to his left. Goes through to the fence. |
| 100.6 : S Broad to Kohli, Back of a length on off, Kohli stays back and pushes it towards mid on. |
| 101.1 : M Ali to Kohli, Tossed up outside off, Kohli looks to defend but misses and is rapped on the pads. Muted appeal for LBW turned down. The impact looked well outside off. |
| 101.2 : M Ali to Kohli, Kohli stays back and tucks it past the fielder at short leg. Vijay wants the single for some reason but it was not on. Goes back! |
| 101.3 : M Ali to Kohli, FOUR! KOHLI AT HIS BEST! Tossed up outside off, spinning back in. Kohli lunges forward and drives it against the spin expertly through the covers and the ball races to the boundary. |
| 101.4 : M Ali to Kohli, Back of a length ball at the stumps, Kohli helps it with the turn in front of square for a single. |
| 101.5 : M Ali to Vijay, SIX! PURE CLASS! Loopy ball outside off, Vijay has his dancing shoes on and nails his lofted shot over the long off boundary with utmost ease. |
| 101.6 : M Ali to Vijay, Back of a length on off, stays low. Vijay camps back but has to bend to block it to the leg side. |
| CHRIS WOAKES comes back to bowl. |
| 102.1 : C Woakes to Kohli, Fullish ball outside off, Virat points his bat skywards and lets it sail through to the keeper. |
| 102.2 : C Woakes to Kohli, On a length that is a bit wide outside off, Kohli camps back and punches it to the covers. |
| 102.3 : C Woakes to Kohli, Back of a length ball angling into middle and leg, Virat defends it to the leg side. |
| 102.4 : C Woakes to Kohli, On a length around off, bounces a bit extra. Virat gets on top of it and taps it to point. |
| 102.5 : C Woakes to Kohli, Shortish delivery, Virat rises with the bounce and tucks it to backward square leg for a single. |
| 102.6 : C Woakes to Vijay, Outside off, left alone by Vijay. |
| 103.1 : M Ali to Kohli, Lands it around middle and leg, Kohli stays back and nudges it towards backward square leg for a single. |
| 103.2 : M Ali to Vijay, Tosses it up outside off, Vijay presses forward and defends past silly point. |
| 103.3 : M Ali to Vijay, Straying on the pads, nudged round the corner with ease for a single. |
| 103.4 : M Ali to Kohli, Pitches it on leg stump, clipped to short mid-wicket. |
| 103.5 : M Ali to Kohli, Tossed up on middle, Virat lunges and clips it with soft hand towards mid on. |
| 103.6 : M Ali to Kohli, Kohli brings his bottom hand in play and clips it to the fielder at mid-wicket. |
| 104.1 : C Woakes to Vijay, On a length and straying on the hips, Vijay hangs back and tickles it down to fine leg for a couple. |
| 104.2 : C Woakes to Vijay, Back of a length ball outside off, Vijay points his bat skywards and leaves it alone. |
| 104.3 : C Woakes to Vijay, Good length delivery outside off, shapes away after pitching. Vijay is not going to flirt with those. |
| 104.4 : C Woakes to Vijay, Follows it up with a full length ball on off, looking to catch Vijay off guard. He is up to it as he defends it back to Woakes. |
| 104.5 : C Woakes to Vijay, Slower off cutter outside off, at 119 clicks. Vijay makes a watchful leave. |
| 104.6 : C Woakes to Vijay, Follows it up with a quickish delivery on a length outside off, Vijay is not bothered to play at that one. |
| 105.1 : M Ali to Kohli, Pitches it around leg stump, Virat stays back and nudges it to backward square leg. |
| 105.2 : M Ali to Kohli, Fullish delivery on middle and leg, pushed towards mid on with soft hands. |
| 105.3 : M Ali to Kohli, Very full on middle, Virat whips it to mid-wicket but fails to find the gap. |
| 105.4 : M Ali to Kohli, A touch short outside off, going away with the arm. Virat cuts it late down to third man. Couple taken! |
| 105.5 : M Ali to Kohli, Outside off, spins in this time. Kohli stays back and defends. |
| 105.6 : M Ali to Kohli, Kohli clips it with the spin in between the gap at mid on and mid-wicket for a single. |
| 106.1 : C Woakes to Kohli, On a length on off, Virat has it well covered and defends it to the off side. |
| 106.2 : C Woakes to Kohli, Digs it in very short outside off, zips through the pitch. Virat ducks under it and lets it sail through the keeper. |
| 106.3 : C Woakes to Kohli, Back of a length ball outside off, Kohli shuffles a bit and taps it towards cover-point. |
| 106.4 : C Woakes to Kohli, Good length ball outside off, shapes back in late after pitching. Kohli lets it go through. |
| 106.5 : C Woakes to M Vijay, Fullish delivery around middle, Vijay drives it to Root at mid on. He has a shy at the bowler's end but misses. Vijay was in anyways. There is no one to back up and therefore concedes an overthrow in the process. |
| 106.6 : C Woakes to Vijay, Full length ball on off, Vijay comes forward and defends it back to the bowler. |
| ADIL RASHID comes back. |
| 107.1 : A Rashid to Kohli, On a length at the stumps, Kohli camps back and defends it to the off side. |
| 107.2 : A Rashid to Kohli, Outside off, spinning away. The Indian skipper lets it go. |
| 107.3 : A Rashid to Kohli, Bowls it from the front of his hand and it skids through on its line. Virat goes deep in his crease to block it out. |
| 107.4 : A Rashid to Kohli, Kohli presses forward and blocks it into the ground. |
| 107.5 : A Rashid to Kohli, Tossed up delivery, Kohli drives it with the spin wide of mid off for a single. |
| 107.6 : A Rashid to M Vijay, OUT! THE MARATHON KNOCK FROM VIJAY COMES TO AN END! Slips in a googly on a length on off, spins back in. Vijay goes back and looks to nudge it through but only manages to glove it towards the youngster Haseeb at short leg. He shows good reflexes and grabs a good catch. Crucial breakthrough for the English side! |
| The nightwatchman AMIT MISHRA walks out to bat. |
| ZAFAR ANSARI comes back on. |
| 108.1 : Z Ansari to Kohli, A touch short outside off, spinning away. Kohli camps back and cuts it through point for a single. Exposes the night watchman at the fag end. |
| 108.2 : Z Ansari to Mishra, Mishra presses forward to the loopy delivery and blocks it into the ground. |
| 108.3 : Z Ansari to A Mishra, OUT! THE PLOY TO SEND THE NIGHTWATCHMAN DOES NOT WORK! Bowls it quicker around middle and off, comes in with the arm and bounces a bit more than the batsman expects. Mishra looks to negotiate it with the angle but gets an inside edge onto his pads and the ball lobs towards Haseeb again. He is alert out there and bends to his left to take a sharp catch in front of him. Good passage of play for the English side in the end and THAT WILL BE STUMPS ON DAY 3! |
| Double strike just before stumps has given England some respite but it has still been India's day. The hosts were driven by majestic tons from Pujara and Vijay after the early loss of Gambhir. The 209-run stand put India's innings in cruise control mode before Pujara departed to a loose shot. With his skipper Kohli for company, it seemed like Vijay would bat through till stumps before a lapse of concentration saw the latter walk back to the pavilion. The nightwatchman Mishra didn't last long eit |
| With the pitch hardly offering anything barring the odd turning ball and minimal reverse swing, England's bowlers were made to toil hard. Woakes was the standout bowler while Broad was tidy too. One area where England's bowlers succeeded was in keeping a check on the run flow particularly after lunch. Among the spinners, Rashid was probably the most threatening but was underbowled by Cook. The surprise was to see Ali being ineffective as the Indians took the attack to him. |
| India's top order have done the hard work to give the hosts a strong foundation. However, the shaky finish will surely inspire England. The home side still trail by 218 runs although there is plenty of batting to come. The visitors will hope to nip out a couple early on tomorrow to put further pressure on the Indians. India will know that one more partnership will get them to safety. Should be another absorbing day. Join us at 0930 IST for the fourth day's play. Till then, it's good bye from us. |
| ... DAY 4, SESSION 1... |
| Hello and a warm welcome on Day 4 of the first Test between India and England in Rajkot. With Pujara and Vijay both departing in the final session yesterday after playing eye catching knocks, it has left the match delicately poised. A lot depends on the heroic pair of Kohli and Rahane to counter the English attack and weave together a substantial partnership. On the other hand, the English side would like to see the back of both soon. |
| The ball is in the court of the visitors at the moment but the pitch hasn't shown much signs of breaking up. They need to make good use of the crease angles and rough patches to keep the batsmen on their toes. Will the Indian middle and lower middle order close in the gap or even take some sort of lead or will the tourists close the lid on the hosts and take a firm griphold? It promises to be an eventful day of Test cricket. |
| We are ready to kick start the first session. The players and umpires walk out in the middle. KOHLI to continue his batting and RAHANE comes to the crease. ANSARI to continue his over. Here we go... |
| 108.4 : Z Ansari to Rahane, Tossed up outside off, Rahane presses forward and defends to short cover. |
| 108.5 : Z Ansari to Rahane, Similar delivery, defended well off the front foot to the off side. |
| 108.6 : Z Ansari to Rahane, Going down leg, Rahane clips it in front of square to get off the mark! |
| STUART BROAD to bowl from the other end. |
| 109.1 : S Broad to Rahane, Good length outside off, no shot offered to that one. |
| 109.2 : S Broad to Rahane, Length ball but too wide to make Rahane play at it. |
| 109.3 : S Broad to Rahane, Another length ball wider outside off, no stroke offered to that one. |
| 109.4 : S Broad to Rahane, Short ball on middle, Rahane swivels to pull it through backward square leg for a single. |
| 109.5 : S Broad to Kohli, Good length closer to off, Kohli defends it well from the crease. |
| 109.6 : S Broad to Kohli, FOUR! Signature Kohli stroke! Full ball outside off, he just leans into it and creams it through cover-point. Beautifully timed and the ball races away to the fence. |
| CHRIS WOAKES from the other end. |
| 110.1 : C Woakes to Rahane, Very full and wide outside off, Rahane squeezes it to the covers. |
| 110.2 : C Woakes to Rahane, Good length outside off, shaping away, no stroke offered to that one. |
| 110.3 : C Woakes to Rahane, Length ball outside off, defended well off the front foot solidly. |
| 110.4 : C Woakes to Rahane, Good length closer to off, Rahane blocks it firmly from the crease. |
| 110.5 : C Woakes to Rahane, Dug in short and Rahane responds with the pull towards long leg for a run. |
| 110.6 : C Woakes to Kohli, Full and wide outside off, no stroke offered to that one. |
| 111.1 : S Broad to Rahane, That one gripped! Length ball angled in from well outside off, the ball moves away a bit off that dry crack. Rahane plays inside the line of it. Broad's been targeting the crack from yesterday onward. |
| 111.2 : S Broad to Rahane, Length ball outside off, Rahane flashes at it but is beaten. |
| 111.3 : S Broad to Rahane, Good length outside off, blocked firmly off the back foot. |
| 111.4 : S Broad to Rahane, Full and outside off, Rahane gets forward to block. |
| 111.5 : S Broad to Rahane, Dug in short around off, Rahane sways away from the bumper. |
| 111.6 : S Broad to Rahane, Dug in short on middle, doesn't rise much as Rahane swivels to pull it through mid-wicket. Didn't quite connect as well as he would have liked but will get a couple. |
| 112.1 : C Woakes to Kohli, Full and outside off, blocked off the front foot to the covers. |
| 112.2 : C Woakes to Kohli, Length ball outside off, Kohli defends off the back foot. |
| 112.3 : C Woakes to Kohli, Length ball outside off, Kohli leans into it and defends it out. |
| 112.4 : C Woakes to Kohli, Kept outside off, Kohli gets on the front foot and defends. |
| 112.5 : C Woakes to Kohli, A bit streaky! Kohli gets an under edge on the pull that goes just past Bairstow towards fine leg. A single taken. |
| 112.6 : C Woakes to Rahane, Fuller around off, Rahane leans forward and blocks it out. |
| 113.1 : S Broad to Kohli, Full and outside off, blocked off the front foot towards mid on. |
| England aren't happy with the shape of the ball. Dharmasena has a look with the 8-shape gauge and signals for a replacement. |
| 113.2 : S Broad to Kohli, Length ball outside off, blocked well by Kohli to the off side. |
| 113.3 : S Broad to Kohli, Length around off, Kohli shuffles and tucks it towards short mid-wicket. |
| 113.4 : S Broad to Kohli, Length ball wider outside off, no stroke offered to that one. |
| 113.5 : S Broad to V Kohli, FOUR! How did he manage that? Fuller around off, Kohli shuffles across to flick it through mid on but ends up playing a jab drive of sorts. Wasn't in control and it just goes past Broad's outstretched left hand. Rolls down to the fence for a boundary. |
| 113.6 : S Broad to Kohli, Good length outside off, no shot offered to that one. |
| 114.1 : C Woakes to Rahane, Full and down the leg side, Rahane lets it through. |
| 114.2 : C Woakes to Rahane, Length ball on middle and leg, worked to the leg side. |
| 114.3 : C Woakes to Rahane, Short stuff from Woakes, pulled away to deep mid-wicket for a single. |
| 114.4 : C Woakes to Kohli, Length ball outside off, Kohli defends it well from the crease. |
| 114.5 : C Woakes to Kohli, Good length on middle, Kohli works it to the leg side for a single. |
| 114.6 : C Woakes to A Rahane, FOUR! Cracking shot! Dug in short on middle, Rahane's been pulling at all short balls, nails this one too and gets a boundary at the deep backward square leg region. |
| ADIL RASHID comes on to bowl. |
| 115.1 : A Rashid to Kohli, Floated around off, defended well off the back foot on to the track. |
| 115.2 : A Rashid to Kohli, Fuller outside off, driven down the ground to long off for a single. |
| 115.3 : A Rashid to Rahane, A bit short outside off, punched off the back foot to sweeper cover for a single. |
| 115.4 : A Rashid to Kohli, Floated outside off, Kohli bunts it down to long off for a single. |
| 115.5 : A Rashid to Rahane, Four byes! That spun a mile! The leg break fizzes away sharply to beat Rahane's flashy drive. It gets through between slip and the keeper towards the fence. Bonus runs to the total. |
| 115.6 : A Rashid to Rahane, Good length around off, Rahane blocks it from the crease. |
| Spin from both ends. ZAFAR ANSARI comes on to bowl. |
| 116.1 : Z Ansari to V Kohli, Fuller outside off, Kohli thumps it down to long off for a single. |
| 116.2 : Z Ansari to Rahane, Slider on off, Rahane looks to block, gets a bat-pad towards short leg. |
| 116.3 : Z Ansari to Rahane, Floated outside off, Rahane gets well forward and smothers it to the ground. |
| 116.4 : Z Ansari to A Rahane, A bit short outside off, Rahane gets back to cut it away through backward point for a brace. |
| 116.5 : Z Ansari to Rahane, OUT! ANSARI STRIKES! Slider on middle and off, not that short but Rahane wants to play the half-pull, half-flick type shot. Misses the line and the ball disturbs the timber. Poor shot selection from Ajinkya and he only has himself to blame. A really big wicket this for England and they know it. |
| RAVICHANDRAN ASHWIN is the next man in. India are in a spot of bother. Can he stitch a crucial partnership along with the skipper? |
| 116.6 : Z Ansari to Ashwin, Fuller on middle and leg, Ashwin works it through mid-wicket for a brace. |
| 117.1 : A Rashid to Kohli, Drifting in from outside off, Kohli reaches out and drives it down the ground to long off for a single. |
| 117.2 : A Rashid to Ashwin, Loopy on a length outside off, blocked off the back foot. |
| 117.3 : A Rashid to Ashwin, Sharp turn! Drifting in on middle, spins away square to whiz past Ashwin's outside edge. Things starting to happen a bit suddenly. |
| 117.4 : A Rashid to Ashwin, Flatter outside off, Ashwin hangs back and blocks it. |
| 117.5 : A Rashid to Ashwin, Floated outside off, Ashwin pushes it to cover for a single. |
| 117.6 : A Rashid to Kohli, Darted in outside off, defended well from the crease. |
| 118.1 : Z Ansari to Ashwin, Tossed up around off, Ashwin drives it well towards short cover. |
| 118.2 : Z Ansari to R Ashwin, Loopy around off, blocked well off the front foot with a good stride. |
| 118.3 : Z Ansari to Ashwin, FOUR! Cut away! A touch short outside off, Ashwin sits back and cuts it away through point for a boundary. Latched on to the freebie in a jiffy there. |
| 118.4 : Z Ansari to Ashwin, Drops it short outside off, pushed off the back foot towards sweeper cover for a single. |
| 118.5 : Z Ansari to Kohli, Floated around off, Kohli blocks it well from the crease. |
| 118.6 : Z Ansari to Kohli, Flatter outside off, defended off the back foot to the off side. |
| 119.1 : A Rashid to Ashwin, Floated outside off, a bit short but Ashwin works it down to fine leg for a brace. |
| 119.2 : A Rashid to Ashwin, Fuller on middle and leg, worked away through mid-wicket for a single. |
| Wait a moment. Is Kohli hit wicket here? |
| 119.3 : A Rashid to Kohli, OUT! YES HE IS! What a breakthrough for England! Flatter on middle and leg, Kohli goes for the pull but goes right back in the process. He does have this tendency to godeep in the crease and his left foot makes contact with the stumps to dislodge the bails. Appeal from England and the replays confirm that the Indian skipper is out hit wicket. |
| WRIDDHIMAN SAHA is the new man in. |
| 119.4 : A Rashid to Saha, Loopy outside off, blocked off the front foot to the covers. |
| 119.5 : A Rashid to Saha, More turn! Drifting in around off, turns away sharply to beat the outside edge. |
| 119.6 : A Rashid to Saha, Floated well outside off, no stroke offered to that one. |
| 120.1 : Z Ansari to Ashwin, Flatter outside off, blocked well off the back foot. |
| 120.2 : Z Ansari to Ashwin, FOUR! Poor ball and put away! Too short and wide outside off, Ashwin sits back and reaches it to play the late cut. Gets it past backward point to find the fence. |
| 120.3 : Z Ansari to Ashwin, Slider around off, defended well off the back foot. |
| 120.4 : Z Ansari to Ashwin, Quicker ball on off, defended well from the crease. |
| 120.5 : Z Ansari to Ashwin, Floated outside off, Ashwin reaches out and blocks it solidly. |
| 120.6 : Z Ansari to Ashwin, Fired in on off, Ashwin stays back and blocks it on to the track. |
| 121.1 : A Rashid to Saha, Tossed up on leg stump, blocked well off the front foot on to the track. |
| 121.2 : A Rashid to W Saha, Off the edge but safe! Floated around leg stump, Saha is squared up by the turn as the edge flies well past slip for a brace. |
| 121.3 : A Rashid to Saha, Fuller outside off, Saha goes for the big drive as Bairstow snaps it up behind the stumps. Huge appeal for a catch but not given. Right call as the noise was of the bat hitting ground. |
| 121.4 : A Rashid to Saha, Fuller outside off, Saha leans forward and pats it to the covers. |
| 121.5 : A Rashid to Saha, Flighted outside off, Saha gets forward to push but is beaten by the leg break. |
| 121.6 : A Rashid to Saha, A bit short outside off, slapped away to deep point for a single. |
| Drinks break.... |
| 122.1 : Z Ansari to Saha, Tossed up on middle, Saha presses forward and blocks. |
| 122.2 : Z Ansari to Saha, On a length on middle, skids through. Saha goes back and defends it to the off side. |
| 122.3 : Z Ansari to Saha, A touch short outside off, cut away through point for a single. |
| 122.4 : Z Ansari to R Ashwin, Full on leg stump, Ashwin comes forward and pushes it through mid-wicket for a single. |
| 122.5 : Z Ansari to Saha, Going down leg, Saha paddles it down to fine leg for a couple. |
| 122.6 : Z Ansari to Saha, On a length at the stumps, spinning away. Saha goes back and defends it to the off side. |
| England take a review against Ashwin. It is against a LBW decision. |
| 123.1 : Rashid to Ashwin, NOT OUT! Tossed up delivery on middle and leg, spinning in. Ashwin prods forward and defends it to the off side. There is an appeal for LBW but the umpire is not interested. He has a look at Bairstow and decides to take the review himself. They think that it hit the pad first. Looked to the naked eye like he defended it straight of the bat. The replays confirm that the bat and pad came down together but it clearly hit the bat first. The on-field call stays. |
| 123.2 : A Rashid to Ashwin, Tossed up outside off, Ashwin lets it through. |
| 123.3 : A Rashid to Ashwin, Ashwin presses forward and blocks. |
| 123.4 : A Rashid to Ashwin, Tossed up around off, driven through covers for a single. |
| 123.5 : A Rashid to Saha, On middle and leg, Saha paddles it nicely down to fine leg for a couple. |
| 123.6 : A Rashid to Saha, Floated around off, spinning away. Saha leaves it watchfully. |
| 124.1 : Z Ansari to Ashwin, Quicker one on off, Ash stays back and defends it to the off side. |
| 124.2 : Z Ansari to Ashwin, The batsman has punched the ball off the back foot. |
| 124.3 : Z Ansari to Ashwin, A touch short around off, spinning away. Ashwin shapes to cut but gets it from the outer half of his bat to backward point. |
| 124.4 : Z Ansari to Ashwin, Ashwin cuts this one through point for a single. |
| 124.5 : Z Ansari to Saha, Shortish outside off, cut to the man at point. |
| 124.6 : Z Ansari to Saha, Saha drives it against the spin to mid on. |
| 125.1 : A Rashid to Ashwin, Full toss on middle, pushed down to mid on. |
| 125.2 : A Rashid to Ashwin, On a length around off, spinning away. Ashwin stays back and defends it to the off side. |
| 125.3 : A Rashid to Ashwin, A bit quicker outside off, defended nicely off the front foot. |
| 125.4 : A Rashid to Ashwin, Tossed up on off, Ash comes forward and defends. |
| 125.5 : A Rashid to R Ashwin, Shortish ball outside off, Ravichandran cuts it to Broad at gully who fumbles a bit and concedes a single. |
| 125.6 : A Rashid to Saha, Floated around off, Saha makes room and eases it to long off to retain the strike! |
| Stuart Broad goes out off the field. Meanwhile, Ben Stokes comes to bowl. |
| 126.1 : Ben Stokes to Saha, Fullish ball wide outside off, Saha shoulders his arms to let that one through. |
| 126.2 : Ben Stokes to W Saha, FOUR! That was well bowled! On a length outside off, Saha stays back and pushes at it tamely and it just goes under the gloves of the diving Bairstow to his right. A very very tough chance but it goes through to the boundary. |
| 126.3 : Ben Stokes to Saha, Back of a length ball around off, Saha camps back and defends it to the off side. |
| 126.4 : Ben Stokes to Saha, Similar length ball around off, Wriddhiman stays back and defends it towards point. |
| 126.5 : Ben Stokes to Saha, Angling into middle and leg, Saha clips it through square leg for a single. |
| 126.6 : Ben Stokes to Ashwin, Short of a length ball outside off, Ashwin places it down to third man for a single. |
| 127.1 : A Rashid to Ashwin, Full on middle, Ashwin makes room and drives it to extra cover. |
| 127.2 : A Rashid to Ashwin, Shortish ball outside off, Ash makes room and cuts it to cover-point. |
| 127.3 : A Rashid to Saha, On a length around off, Saha stays back to defend. |
| 127.4 : A Rashid to Saha, Two byes! Tossed up on a length on middle, spins away venomously. Saha looks to sweep but the ball whizzes past his bat and beats the keeper too. Byes signaled! |
| 127.5 : A Rashid to Saha, Saha presses forward and blocks it nicely. |
| 127.6 : A Rashid to Saha, Floated on off, Saha comes forward and defends it. |
| 128.1 : Ben Stokes to Ashwin, Fullish ball wide outside off reversing back in, Ash glides it down to third man for a single. |
| 128.2 : Ben Stokes to Saha, WELL BOWLED! This one nips away a bit after pitching on the corridor of uncertainty, Saha stays back and pokes at it but gets beaten! |
| 128.3 : Ben Stokes to Saha, Full length ball outside off, Saha prods forward and defends it to short cover. |
| 128.4 : Ben Stokes to Saha, Fuller length again outside off, driven to cover-point this time. |
| 128.5 : Ben Stokes to Saha, On a length and on off, Wriddhiman gets right behind it and defends it to mid off. |
| 128.6 : Ben Stokes to Saha, Bye! Sprayed down the leg side, angling further down. Bairstow dives to his left but doesn't able to collect it cleanly. The ball goes to the the deep. Bye taken! |
| 129.1 : A Rashid to Saha, Back of a length ball outside off, skids through. Cut to the covers. |
| 129.2 : A Rashid to Saha, On middle and leg, Saha stays back and defends it to the leg side. |
| 129.3 : A Rashid to Saha, Saha comes down the track to the loopy delivery and clips it to the man at mid on. |
| 129.4 : A Rashid to Saha, Pitched shortish outside leg, spinning in. Saha rocks back and pulls it nicely in front of square. Ansari from long leg covers good ground and puts in a brilliant slide to keep it down to two. |
| 129.5 : A Rashid to Saha, Tossed up on middle, Saha comes down the track and lofts it over mid on. He didn't get it off the meat of the bat. Couple taken! |
| 129.6 : A Rashid to Saha, Saha drives it with the spin to mid off. India still trail by 144! |
| 130.1 : Ben Stokes to R Ashwin, On a good length angling in on off, Ashwin defends it from the outer half of his bat towards the slip cordon. |
| 130.2 : Ben Stokes to Ashwin, Back of a length ball outside off that takes off after pitching. Ashwin rises with the bounce and pushes at it but is beaten. |
| 130.3 : Ben Stokes to Ashwin, Shortish delivery directed at the rib cage area, Ashwin rides the bounce and tucks it to mid-wicket for a single. |
| 130.4 : Ben Stokes to Saha, On a good length outside off, Saha comes forward and lets it sail through to the keeper. |
| 130.5 : Ben Stokes to Saha, Fullish delivery outside off, left alone again. |
| 130.6 : Ben Stokes to Saha, Shortish delivery angling into the body, Saha goes across and tucks it through backward square leg for a single. |
| 131.1 : A Rashid to Saha, SIX! Slow through the air an on off, Saha skips down the track and hits it cleanly to send it sailing over the long off fence. Great shot that! 400 up for India. |
| 131.2 : A Rashid to Saha, Spins a long way away from off, Saha makes a watchful leave. |
| 131.3 : A Rashid to W Saha, Full outside off, eased down to long off for a single. |
| 131.4 : A Rashid to Ashwin, Shortish delivery spinning in from leg stump, Ravichandran works it to mid-wicket. |
| 131.5 : A Rashid to Ashwin, A touch short outside off, turning away. Ashwin cuts it towards cover-point for a single. |
| 131.6 : A Rashid to Saha, Saha comes down the track to the loopy delivery and defends it to the off side. |
| 132.1 : Ben Stokes to Ashwin, On a length outside off, Ashwin waits for it and steers it through the gully region for a single. |
| 132.2 : Ben Stokes to Saha, Shortish delivery angling down leg, Saha goes for the pull but misses and Bairstow dives to his left and makes an athletic save! |
| 132.3 : Ben Stokes to Saha, In the corridor of uncertainty outside off, nips away a shade after pitching. Saha stays back and makes a watchful leave. |
| 132.4 : Ben Stokes to Saha, Full length ball wide outside off, left alone comfortably by Saha. |
| 132.5 : Ben Stokes to Saha, Good delivery! Almost a yorker delivery reversing back from outside off, Saha makes room and manages to dig it out to the off side. He has a great ability to reverse the ball both ways! |
| 132.6 : Ben Stokes to Saha, Fullish ball wide outside off, Wriddhiman reaches for it and plays it with an angled bat to point. |
| 133.1 : A Rashid to Ashwin, Tossed up on off, Ashwin lunges forward and defends it towards mid off. |
| 133.2 : A Rashid to Ashwin, Drops it on a length on off, Ash stays back and defends it down the track. |
| 133.3 : A Rashid to Ashwin, Full outside off, Ash makes room and drives it through the covers for a single. |
| 133.4 : A Rashid to Saha, Saha comes down the track and pushes it with the spin to extra cover. |
| 133.5 : A Rashid to R Ashwin, Full delivery outside off, Ashwin plays a firm drive to covers where the fielder misfields and concedes the single. |
| 133.6 : A Rashid to Saha, Saha skips down the track and eases it with the spin to long off for a single. |
| 134.1 : Ben Stokes to Saha, Back of a length ball outside off, nips away after pitching. Saha shoulders his arms to let that one through. |
| 134.2 : Ben Stokes to Saha, Follows it up with a good delivey that tails back in on at the base of off stump, Saha comes forward and pushes it back to Stokes who fakes back a throw. |
| 134.3 : Ben Stokes to Saha, Short delivery going down leg, Saha ducks underneath it. |
| 134.4 : Ben Stokes to Saha, Full length ball on middle and off, driven nicely to mid off. |
| 134.5 : Ben Stokes to Saha, Teasing length outside off, Saha resists the temptation and doesn't flirt with it. |
| 134.6 : Ben Stokes to Saha, Fullish delivery wide outside off swinging away, allows Saha an easy leave this time. India still trail by 129! |
| MOEEN ALI to have a bowl now. |
| 135.1 : M Ali to Ashwin, Tosses it up on a length wide outside off, spinning back sharply. Ashwin looks to work it through off his back foot but gets an inside edge onto his pads. |
| 135.2 : M Ali to Ashwin, Pitches it on a simiar area again, Ash stays back and cuts it towards point for a single. |
| 135.3 : M Ali to Saha, Full outside off, spinning in. Saha brings his bat forward to defend but gets an inside edge onto his pads. |
| 135.4 : M Ali to Saha, Saha stays back to this one and defends it nicely. |
| 135.5 : M Ali to Saha, Loopy delivery outside off, Wriddhiman comes forward and defends it. |
| 135.6 : M Ali to Saha, Tossed up outside off, Saha lunges forward and defends it to the off side. |
| 136.1 : Ben Stokes to Ashwin, Back of a length ball angling into the hips, tucked behind square for a run. |
| 136.2 : Ben Stokes to Saha, On a length on middle, Saha clips it to short mid-wicket. Stokes has been impressive today and has kept the batsmen guessing. |
| 136.3 : Ben Stokes to Saha, Outswinger outside off, Saha reaches for it and slices it to the man at point. |
| 136.4 : Ben Stokes to Saha, Bowls it back of a length outside off, Saha glides it past the man at short gully for a single. |
| 50-run stand up! |
| 136.5 : Ben Stokes to Ashwin, On a good length on off, Ashwin camps back and defends it to mid on. |
| 136.6 : Stokes to Ashwin, A good yorker swinging in on middle and off, Ash is alert to it and digs it out to the off side. Stokes on his followthrough stares at Ashwin and sledges him. Ashwin looks back but doesn't say anything. He seems to be angry and has a chat with the umpires before walking off the ground just before LUNCH! |
| This session - 28 overs, 92 runs, 2 wickets. Moderate session for both sides. The visitors started the first hour well with the big wickets of Rahane and Kohli, the latter being a bit unfortunate as he got out hit wicket. The score read 361/6 at the Indian captain's dismissal and England were sensing an opportunity to run through the lower order. However, Saha and Ashwin have stitched a useful unbroken half century stand to keep the tourists at bay. |
| Rashid finally got an extended spell in the match and was easily the best England bowler in this session. Stokes continued to impress with his ability to get reverse at sharp pace. The track has started to spin and grip considerably which isn't a surprise as it's the fourth day of the match. The deficit is still 126 as both teams continue to wrestle. Joins in a while for the second session. |
| .....DAY 4, SESSION 2.... |
| Welcome back for the second session. One more decent session for India will ensure that they can't lose the game. Pressure then will shift to England all of a sudden on this wearing pitch. The tourists know that and will want to bowl India out quickly. Let's see how things pan out. MOEEN ALI to begin proceedings after lunch. |
| 137.1 : M Ali to Saha, Drifting in on middle and leg, Saha gets back and works it with the turn through backward square leg for a single. |
| 137.2 : M Ali to Ashwin, Tossed up outside off, Ashwin pushes at it but gets an inside edge on to the pads. Doesn't carry to forward short leg. |
| 137.3 : M Ali to Ashwin, Flatter outside off, defended well off the back foot. |
| 137.4 : M Ali to Ashwin, Drifting in from outside off, Ashwin steps out to block but is hit on the pad. Stifled appeal for lbw but not given. |
| 137.5 : M Ali to Ashwin, Leg bye! Drifting in outside off, Ashwin steps out to block but it comes off the pads to the off side. A leg bye taken. |
| 137.6 : M Ali to Saha, Flatter outside off, defended well from the crease. |
| CHRIS WOAKES comes to bowl. |
| 138.1 : C Woakes to Ashwin, Full and outside off, Ashwin drives it sweetly to the covers. |
| 138.2 : C Woakes to Ashwin, Fuller on the pads, worked towards deep mid-wicket for a single. |
| 138.3 : C Woakes to Saha, Full and just outside off, a bit of shape away, left alone to the keeper. |
| 138.4 : C Woakes to Saha, Fuller on off, Saha looks to flick but gets a leading edge to the bowler. |
| 138.5 : Woakes to Saha, KABOOM! Saha's world has been shaken for a minute! Back of a length around off, the length is enough to trouble Saha who is of short stature. Tries to sway but the ball rams him on the side of the helmet. The English players are out there to enquire his safety. |
| The physio is out there to attend to Saha who seems to be okay though. Good news. |
| 138.6 : C Woakes to Saha, Fuller outside off, Saha leans forward and pushes it to the covers. |
| 139.1 : M Ali to Ashwin, Drifting in on off, Ashwin tucks it with the turn to FSL. |
| 139.2 : M Ali to Ashwin, Flatter on a length outside off, chopped to the gully region. |
| 139.3 : M Ali to Ashwin, Tossed up outside off, worked away towards long on for a single. |
| 139.4 : M Ali to Saha, Drifting in on middle and leg, Saha goes back to flick but misses. Sharp turn. |
| 139.5 : M Ali to W Saha, Tossed up outside off, Saha goes across and wrists it towards mid on. |
| 139.6 : M Ali to Saha, Fuller outside off, defended well off the front foot to the off side. |
| 140.1 : C Woakes to Ashwin, Back of a length outside off, defended firmly off the back foot. |
| 140.2 : C Woakes to Ashwin, Shortish outside off, punched off the back foot to the off side. |
| 140.3 : C Woakes to Ashwin, Good length closer to off, Ashwin stays back and blocks. |
| 140.4 : C Woakes to Ashwin, Short ball on middle, Ashwin ducks under the bumper. |
| 140.5 : C Woakes to R Ashwin, Fuller outside off, Ashwin drives it through the covers. Finely timed and it's pulled back inside the ropes. Three more added. |
| 140.6 : C Woakes to Saha, Length ball wider outside off, no shot offered to that one. |
| 141.1 : M Ali to Ashwin, Tossed up outside off, Ashwin gets forward to block with bat and pad jammed together. |
| 141.2 : Ali to Ashwin, Drifting in from outside off, turns in to rap Ashwin on the pad. Appeal for lbw but the inside edge saves him. |
| 141.3 : M Ali to Ashwin, Fuller on middle and off, Ashwin clips it towards mid-wicket. |
| 141.4 : M Ali to Ashwin, A bit short outside off, Ashwin stays back and cuts it through backward point for a single. |
| 141.5 : M Ali to Saha, Tossed up outside off, Saha steps out to block but goes off the pads to the off side. |
| 141.6 : M Ali to Saha, Floated outside off, Saha reaches out and defends it to the covers. |
| 142.1 : C Woakes to Ashwin, Fuller on middle and leg, worked away towards mid on. |
| 142.2 : C Woakes to Ashwin, Fuller on off, driven firmly towards short mid on. |
| 142.3 : C Woakes to Ashwin, Length ball on off, Ashwin blocks it well from the crease on to the track. |
| 142.4 : C Woakes to Ashwin, Length ball on middle and off, blocked well from the crease to the covers. |
| 142.5 : C Woakes to Ashwin, Fuller outside off, Ashwin drives it firmly towards cover. |
| 142.6 : C Woakes to Ashwin, Fuller on middle and leg, worked towards mid-wicket. |
| 143.1 : M Ali to Saha, Floated outside off, defended well from the crease. |
| 143.2 : M Ali to Saha, In the air but safe! Loopy on off, Saha steps out to play the lofted stroke but miscues it totally. Falls safe near long on for a single. |
| 143.3 : M Ali to Ashwin, Drifting in from outside off, Ashwin goes well across to play the paddle scoop but misses. |
| 143.4 : M Ali to Ashwin, Flatter outside off, punched off the back foot to long off for a single. |
| 143.5 : M Ali to Saha, FOUR! Gets the execution right this time! Floated on middle and off, Saha charges down the track and lofts it straighter down the ground. Goes to the long on fence for a boundary. |
| 143.6 : M Ali to Saha, OUT! ALI HAS HIS REVENGE! Slider outside off, skids through as Saha goes back for the cut. Gets a faint edge that is well taken by Bairstow. Up goes the umpire's finger as the appeal for caught behind is upheld. |
| RAVINDRA JADEJA strides out to bat. |
| 144.1 : C Woakes to R Ashwin, Fuller outside off, driven firmly towards mid off. |
| 144.2 : C Woakes to Ashwin, On a length outside off, Ashwin taps it towards point |
| 144.3 : C Woakes to Ashwin, Full and sliding well down the leg side, Ashwin shuffles to flick but misses. |
| 144.4 : C Woakes to Ashwin, Length ball around off, defended well off the front foot down the track. |
| 144.5 : C Woakes to Ashwin, Shortish on off, angled into Ashwin who is tucked up while trying to fend. Gets an inside edge on to the thigh. |
| 144.6 : C Woakes to Ashwin, Length ball outside off, Ashwin looks to fend but gets the edge down to third man. Single taken. |
| 145.1 : M Ali to Ashwin, Flatter on a length outside off, pushed off the back foot towards gully for a single. |
| 145.2 : M Ali to Jadeja, Slider outside off, Jadeja gets back and blocks it. |
| 145.3 : M Ali to Jadeja, Tossed up outside off, Jadeja reaches out to that one and blocks. |
| 145.4 : M Ali to Jadeja, Slider on middle and leg, keeps a touch low, Jadeja adjusts to whip it to the leg side for a single. |
| 145.5 : M Ali to Ashwin, Tossed up around off, Ashwin wrists it away to long on for a single. |
| 145.6 : M Ali to Jadeja, Tossed up around off, Jadeja leans forward to that one and blocks. |
| 146.1 : C Woakes to Ashwin, Back of a length wider outside off, steered through backward point for a brace. |
| 146.2 : C Woakes to Ashwin, Back of a length on off, Ashwin gets across and clips it down to fine leg for a single. |
| 146.3 : C Woakes to Jadeja, Length ball angled in from outside off, Jadeja pushes at it but is beaten. |
| 146.4 : C Woakes to Jadeja, Good length slanted in from outside off, blocked firmly towards mid off. |
| 146.5 : C Woakes to Jadeja, Fullish and around off, tails in a bit as Jadeja bunts it to mid off. |
| 146.6 : C Woakes to Jadeja, Length ball angled into the pads, Jadeja gets back and clips it through mid-wicket for a brace. |
| 147.1 : M Ali to Ashwin, Floated on middle and off, worked towards mid-wicket. |
| 147.2 : M Ali to Ashwin, Drifting in from outside off, Ashwin reaches out and defends it well. |
| 147.3 : M Ali to Ashwin, Tossed up outside off, Ashwin checks his cover drive at the last moment. Lobs in the air but falls short of mid off. |
| 147.4 : M Ali to Ashwin, Quicker ball on middle and leg, worked off the back foot to short leg where Hameed makes a sharp stop. |
| 147.5 : M Ali to Ashwin, Fuller outside off, Ashwin leans forward and drills it down to long on for a single. |
| 147.6 : M Ali to Jadeja, Slider on middle and leg, defended off the back foot down the track. |
| STUART BROAD comes back on. |
| 148.1 : S Broad to Ashwin, Length ball outside off, defended well off the front foot to the covers. |
| 148.2 : S Broad to Ashwin, Length ball on middle and leg, blocked firmly off the back foot with a straight bat. |
| 148.3 : S Broad to Ashwin, Fuller around off, tailing in a bit, dug out towards mid on. |
| 148.4 : S Broad to Ashwin, Fullish outside off, eases it towards the covers off the front foot. |
| 148.5 : S Broad to R Ashwin, Pitched up outside off, Ashwin drives it well but cannot get it past cover. |
| 148.6 : S Broad to Ashwin, Good length around off, blocked off the back foot to the off side. |
| 149.1 : M Ali to R Jadeja, A bit short and outside off, cut away but straight towards backward point. |
| 149.2 : M Ali to Jadeja, Floated around off, Jadeja defends it well from the crease. |
| 149.3 : M Ali to Jadeja, Tossed up around off, Jadeja reaches out to that one and smothers it. |
| 149.4 : M Ali to Jadeja, Ripper! Nothing much Jadeja could have done there. He looked to push at it but the sharp turn and extra lift squares him completely. |
| 149.5 : M Ali to Jadeja, Drifting in from around off, Jadeja jabs it down to long on for a single. |
| 149.6 : M Ali to Ashwin, Flatter on middle and leg, blocked firmly from the crease by Ashwin. |
| 150.1 : S Broad to Jadeja, Length ball angled in from outside off, no stroke offered to that one. |
| 150.2 : S Broad to Jadeja, Good length closer to off, Jadeja defends it solidly from the crease. |
| 150.3 : S Broad to Jadeja, Back of a length outside off, pushed off the back foot to short cover. |
| 150.4 : S Broad to Jadeja, Back of a length outside off, blocked off the back foot to the off side. |
| 150.5 : S Broad to Jadeja, Length ball outside off, no shot offered to that one. |
| 150.6 : S Broad to Jadeja, Good length outside off, left alone to the keeper. |
| Drinks break..... |
| ADIL RASHID comes back to bowl. |
| 151.1 : A Rashid to Ashwin, Full on middle, eased down to mid off. |
| 151.2 : A Rashid to Ashwin, Pitches it around leg stump, spinning in. Ashwin stays back and defends it to the off side. |
| 151.3 : A Rashid to Ashwin, A touch outside off, cut through cover-point for a single. |
| 151.4 : A Rashid to Jadeja, Comes over the wicket! Turns in sharply from outside off, Jadeja comes forward and defends it by bringing his bat and pad together. |
| 151.5 : Rashid to Jadeja, SIX! BEAUTIFUL SHOT! Bowls it full and straight, Jadeja puts a big stride forward and tonks it down the ground for a maximum! Clean strike that! |
| 151.6 : A Rashid to Jadeja, Slips in a googly on middle and off, Jadeja picks it up and defends it with the turn behind point. |
| 152.1 : S Broad to Ashwin, On a length angling in on off, Ashwin stands tall and defends it from the inner half of his bat down the track. |
| 152.2 : S Broad to R Ashwin, FOUR! PURE TIMING! Good length ball outside off, Ash plants his front foot forward and drives it to perfection through covers. Bisects the field and earns a boundary to his name. |
| 152.3 : S Broad to Ashwin, On a length on off, Ashwin stays back and defends it to the covers. |
| 152.4 : S Broad to Ashwin, Fullish delivery tailing back sharply, Ashwin clips it wide of mid on. |
| 152.5 : S Broad to Ashwin, Good length ball outside off, played with an angled bat towards point. |
| 152.6 : S Broad to Ashwin, OOH.. CLOSE SHAVE! Dug in short outside off, Ashwin camps back to pull but gets a bottom edge and it bounces just over the middle stump. Missed it by a whisker! Ashwin must have had his heart in his mouth. |
| 153.1 : A Rashid to Jadeja, Full on middle, driven with the spin nicely down the ground for a couple. |
| 153.2 : A Rashid to Jadeja, Pitches it outside off, spins down sharply. Jadeja lets it go. |
| 153.3 : A Rashid to Jadeja, OUT! Rashid strikes with a venomous delivery! Tosses it up on a length outside off, probably on the rough patch. It spins in sharply and bounces substantially too. Jadeja is surprised by it as he tries to fend it but it takes the splice of the bat and lobs towards Haseeb at short leg. He pouches it safely and England are jubilant! India still trail by 88! |
| UMESH YADAV comes out to bat. |
| 153.4 : A Rashid to Yadav, Tossed up at the stumps, defended solidly off the front foot. |
| 153.5 : A Rashid to Yadav, THAT'S A JAFFA! Tosses it up on middle, Yadav prods forward to defend but is beaten as the ball spun away substantially. |
| 153.6 : A Rashid to Yadav, FOUR! SHOT! Yadav picks up the wrong 'un and slog sweeps it over mid-wicket. The ball races to the fence. An extra man had came in and that was a typical reply from a tailender. |
| 154.1 : S Broad to Ashwin, Back of a length ball outside off, Ashwin waits for it and glides it down to third man for a single. Moves to 49! |
| 154.2 : S Broad to Yadav, Fullish delivery outside off at 136 clicks, tailing in sharply. Umesh comes forward and leaves it alone. |
| 154.3 : S Broad to Yadav, Fullish ball angling in on middle and off, stays a bit low. Yadav does well to block it off from the back foot. |
| 154.4 : S Broad to Yadav, On a length outside off, Yadav stays back and defends it to the covers. |
| 154.5 : S Broad to Yadav, Back of a length ball at the stumps, Yadav camps back and defends it to mid-wicket. |
| 154.6 : S Broad to Yadav, Full length ball outside off, Yadav prods forward to defend but gets an outside edge through the slip region for a single. |
| 155.1 : A Rashid to Yadav, Four Byes! Tosses it up on off, spins away a bit and stays a bit low. Beats the outside edge of Yadav's bat and it also deceives Bairstow. Goes through to the boundary. |
| 155.2 : A Rashid to Yadav, That one spun away venomously! Yadav comes forward to defend but is beaten all ends up. |
| 155.3 : A Rashid to Yadav, Spins away sharply from around off, Umesh fails to defend it again and is beaten. |
| 155.4 : A Rashid to Yadav, OUT! RASHID GETS HIS FOURTH WICKET! Pitches it on a length outside leg, spins back in on off. Yadav goes for the slog sweep but completely miscues it and the ball lobs to the off side off the top edge. Stokes comes running in from covers and dives in front to grab a good catch. |
| MOHAMMED SHAMI is the last man in. |
| 155.5 : A Rashid to Shami, Shortish delivery, pulled to the leg side for a single. |
| 155.6 : A Rashid to Ashwin, Ashwin comes down the track and blocks it into the ground. |
| 156.1 : S Broad to M Shami, DROPPED! On a length outside off, Shami comes a bit forward with minimal footwork and gets a thick outside edge that flies to Cook at first slip. It carries at a comfortable height and the English skipper puts down a dolly. |
| 156.2 : S Broad to Shami, On a length on off, Shami stays back to defend this one. |
| 156.3 : S Broad to M Shami, Back of a length ball angling into the body, it's not the right length to pull it but he attempts it anyway. Gets an inside edge onto his thigh and the ball rolls down to third man. Single taken! |
| 156.4 : S Broad to Ashwin, Shortish delivery going down leg, Ashwin looks to pull it but misses. |
| 156.5 : S Broad to Ashwin, Back of a length ball outside off, Ashwin opens the face of the bat and glides it down to third man to bring up his fifty! It has been a gritty knock! |
| 7th Test fifty for Ashwin! |
| 156.6 : S Broad to Shami, Fullish ball on middle and leg, Shami nudges it down to fine leg. Ashwin refuses to take the single. |
| 157.1 : A Rashid to Ashwin, Leg spinner outside off, Ashwin stays back and defends. |
| 157.2 : A Rashid to Ashwin, Going down leg, Ash looks to paddle but only manages to get it from the toe end towards leg gully. |
| 157.3 : A Rashid to R Ashwin, FOUR! GOOD BATTING! Shortish delivery at the stumps, Ashwin rocks back and pulls it through mid-wicket for a boundary. |
| 157.4 : A Rashid to Ashwin, Ashwin presses forward amd blocks. |
| 157.5 : A Rashid to Ashwin, FOUR! CRAFTY SHOT! A touch short outside off, Ravichandran waits for it and plays it at the last moment down to third man. The ball races to the boundary. |
| 157.6 : A Rashid to Ashwin, Ashwin plays it towards point for a single. |
| 158.1 : S Broad to Ashwin, On a length on middle, Ashwin stays back and defends it to mid-wicket. |
| 158.2 : S Broad to Ashwin, FOUR! ASHWIN IS ADDING HANDY RUNS HERE! Shortish delivery at the stumps, Ashwin makes room to play the upper cut but only manages to get a bit of bat and the ball flies over the leaping Bairstow. Races to the fence. |
| 158.3 : S Broad to Ashwin, Length ball around off, Ashwin plays it through point to the deep. He does not take the single. |
| 158.4 : S Broad to Ashwin, Full length ball outside off, driven firmly to short extra cover. |
| Some changes being made to the field. |
| 158.5 : S Broad to Ashwin, Straying on the pads, nudged round the corner. This time he takes the single and only exposes Shami to the last delivery. Smart batting from Ash! |
| 158.6 : S Broad to Shami, Angling down leg, Shami goes across his stumps and looks to clip it through but misses. |
| 159.1 : A Rashid to Ashwin, Tossed up around off, spinning away. Ashwin defends it towards point. Doesn't take the single on offer! |
| 159.2 : A Rashid to Ashwin, Ashwin camps back and plays it towards short third man. Shami looks for the single but is sent back. |
| 159.3 : A Rashid to Ashwin, FOUR! WELL PLAYED! A touch short outside off, Ashwin rocks back and cuts it to perfection through covers to fetch himself another boundary. |
| 159.4 : A Rashid to Ashwin, Bowls a straighter one outside off, Ashwin looks to cut but the ball stays a bit low and goes off the bottom edge past the stumps. |
| 159.5 : A Rashid to Ashwin, Intelligent batting this! Comes down to track and pushes it down the ground for a brisk single. |
| 159.6 : A Rashid to Shami, SIX! THAT CAME OUT RIGHT FROM THE SCREWS! Tosses up a googly outside off, Shami picks it up, strides forward and heaves it over wide long on. The ball clears the fence easily. Handy runs for India! |
| BEN STOKES comes back on for another spell. |
| 160.1 : Ben Stokes to Ashwin, On a length ball outside off, Ashwin stays back and punches it to deep point. Doesn't take the single. |
| 160.2 : Ben Stokes to Ashwin, Similar length at the stumps, Ashwin stays back and defends it back to the bowler. |
| 160.3 : Ben Stokes to Ashwin, Full length ball around off, Ashwin drives it from the inner half of his bat to the left of Stokes. |
| 160.4 : Ben Stokes to Ashwin, This time he drives it firmly to the man at mid off. |
| 160.5 : Ben Stokes to Ashwin, Sprayed down the leg side, Ashwin tries to flick but misses. |
| 160.6 : Ben Stokes to Ashwin, Fullish ball outside off, Ash makes room and slices it over the point region. Good effort by the fielder in the deep to keep it down to a single. India trail by 49. |
| MOEEN ALI comes back on. |
| 161.1 : M Ali to Ashwin, Ashwin stays back and defends nicely. |
| 161.2 : M Ali to Ashwin, Going down leg, Ravichandran defends it to the on side. |
| 161.3 : M Ali to Ashwin, Lands it on a length around off, Ashwin stays back and defends it to the off side. |
| 161.4 : M Ali to Ashwin, Tossed up outside off, spinning in. Ashwin stays back and defends it solidly. |
| 161.5 : M Ali to Ashwin, Pitches it outside leg, going further down. Ash attemps the fancy reverse sweep but misses it by a mile! |
| 161.6 : M Ali to Ashwin, OUT! INDIA HAVE BEEN BOWLED OUT FOR 488! Tosses it up on middle, Ashwin strikes it neatly to deep mid-wicket but is unfortunate to have found Zafar Ansari. He doesn't need to move an inch and takes it comfortably. An enterprising innings by Ashwin comes to an end. England lead by 49 runs! THAT WILL BE TEA ON DAY 4! |
| After more than 160 overs, England have finally managed to wrap up the Indian innings to get a lead of 49. Centuries from Pujara and Vijay set things up yesterday for the hosts although the tourists did turn things around a bit by reducing India from 318/2 to 361/6. Kohli got a start but got out in weird circumstances as the visitors looked like taking control of the match. However, Ashwin's brilliant fifty led a lower order fightback to cut down England's lead drastically. |
| Rashid was the most successful bowler for England while Woakes did extremely well despite not getting a wicket. Stokes was also effective with his reverse swing as the visiting bowlers didn't allow India's batsmen to run away with the game. The lower order contribution from the hosts could be vital, particularly the last wicket stand which added 29. With the track deteriorating, seems like England are the side under pressure now. Join us in a while for the final session. |
| 0.1 : M Shami to Cook, Length ball angled in on middle and leg, tailing in, Cook misses the flick and is rapped on the pads. Muted lbw appeal but it was going down leg. The batsmen pick up a leg bye. |
| 0.2 : M Shami to Hameed, Fuller on middle and leg, dug out towards short mid-wicket. |
| 0.3 : M Shami to Hameed, Full and outside off, defended off the front foot to the off side. |
| 0.4 : M Shami to Hameed, FOUR! Poor ball and punished! Low full toss on the pads, Hameed gets across and glances it down to the fine leg fence for a boundary. He was quick to pounce on the offering. |
| 0.5 : M Shami to Hameed, Short of a length outside off, no stroke offered to that one. |
| 0.6 : M Shami to Hameed, Fuller outside off, blocked solidly off the front foot down the track. |
| RAVINDRA JADEJA to share the new ball. |
| 1.1 : R Jadeja to Cook, Tossed up outside off, Cook pushes at it as the ball goes off the inside half to short leg. |
| 1.2 : R Jadeja to Cook, Flatter around off, Cook hangs back and pushes it towards mid on. |
| 1.3 : R Jadeja to Cook, Huge appeal! Floated outside off, Cook gets back to flick but the ball turns in sharply to rap him on the pads. Huge shout for lbw but not given. Looked close, replays show that it would have clipped leg stump. 50-50 call then. |
| 1.4 : R Jadeja to Cook, Slider outside off, Cook goes back to cut but gets a bottom edge that goes just past off stump. |
| 1.5 : R Jadeja to Cook, Fired in around off, keeps a touch low as Cook jams it towards the leg side. Single taken. |
| 1.6 : R Jadeja to Hameed, Slider on off, Hameed gets back and blocks it out. |
| 2.1 : M Shami to Cook, Good length well outside off, no stroke offered to that one. |
| 2.2 : M Shami to Cook, Good length outside off, Cook reaches out and blocks it out. |
| 2.3 : M Shami to Cook, Length ball wider outside off, Cook steers it to deep backward point for a single. |
| 2.4 : M Shami to Hameed, Fuller on off, Hameed covers the line and blocks it down the track. |
| 2.5 : M Shami to Hameed, Fuller on middle and leg, Hameed clips it down to fine leg for a single. |
| 2.6 : M Shami to Cook, Good length sliding well down the leg side, Cook misses the tickle. Good stop by Saha diving to his right. |
| 3.1 : R Jadeja to Hameed, Slider around off, no room to cut and Hameed chops it towards backward point. |
| 3.2 : R Jadeja to Hameed, Slider on middle and leg, dug out off the back foot towards mid-wicket for a quick single. |
| 3.3 : R Jadeja to Cook, Tossed up outside off, Cook gets the stride forward to block well. |
| 3.4 : R Jadeja to Cook, FOUR! Deft touch! Speared in on middle and off, Cook gets back and nudges it with soft hands. Gets it past leg gully to find the fence. He was in total control there. |
| 3.5 : R Jadeja to Cook, Almost a chance! Tossed up around off, turns in with extra bounce off the rough. Goes off the glove and just over a leaping Vijay at short leg. Single taken. |
| 3.6 : R Jadeja to Hameed, Fuller around off, Hameed gets forward and blocks it. |
| 4.1 : M Shami to Cook, In the air....falls safe! Short ball and Cook goes for the pull. Miscues it high towards deep square leg where it falls short of Pujara who tries to reach to the ball but in vain. Single taken. |
| 4.2 : M Shami to Hameed, Fuller ball down the leg side, Hameed misses the flick. |
| 4.3 : M Shami to Hameed, Full and outside off, shaping away, no stroke offered to that one. |
| 4.4 : M Shami to Hameed, Fullish around off, Hameed gets forward and drives it towards mid off. |
| 4.5 : M Shami to Hameed, Good length closer to off, Hameed pokes at it with soft hands. The outside edge goes on the bounce to gully. |
| 4.6 : M Shami to Hameed, Full and wide outside off, cracking drive from Hameed but straight to cover. |
| 5.1 : R Jadeja to Cook, Flatter on middle and leg, worked off the back foot towards mid-wicket. |
| 5.2 : R Jadeja to Cook, Slider outside off, a touch short and Cook cuts it late through backward point for a brace. |
| 5.3 : R Jadeja to Cook, Tossed up outside off, Cook gets back and steers it to short third man for a single. |
| 5.4 : R Jadeja to Hameed, SIX! Clubbed! Brave stroke from the young debutant. Tossed up ball on off, Hameed charges down the track and hoists it over long off for a maximum. Good positive batting. |
| 5.5 : R Jadeja to Hameed, Fuller around off, gets well forward and blocks it solidly. |
| 5.6 : R Jadeja to Hameed, Flatter outside off, blocked well off the back foot. |
| RAVICHANDRAN ASHWIN comes on to bowl. |
| 6.1 : R Ashwin to Cook, Drifting in from outside off, Cook gets back and blocks it out. |
| 6.2 : R Ashwin to Cook, Flighted outside off, Cook leans into it and smothers it to the ground. |
| 6.3 : R Ashwin to Cook, Loopy on off, Cook presses forward and defends it solidly. |
| 6.4 : R Ashwin to Cook, Darted in on middle and leg, clipped through backward square leg for a single. |
| 6.5 : R Ashwin to Hameed, Tossed up fuller outside off, Hameed bunts it back to the bowler. |
| 6.6 : R Ashwin to Hameed, Loopy on a length outside off, Hameed hangs back and dabs it to the covers for a quick single. |
| 7.1 : R Jadeja to Hameed, Flatter on a length outside off, pushed off the back foot towards point. |
| 7.2 : R Jadeja to Hameed, Five runs! Bonus runs! Floated outside off, Hameed gets back and jabs it towards point to Shami for a quick single. Direct hit at the bowler's end ricochets and goes all the way towards the long on fence. Kohli isn't happy at all. |
| 7.3 : R Jadeja to Cook, Tossed up around off, Cook leans into it and defends it with a straight bat. |
| 7.4 : R Jadeja to Cook, Loopy outside off, Cook presses forward to that one and smothers it to the ground. |
| 7.5 : R Jadeja to Cook, Loopy and outside off, Cook gets on the front foot and dead bats it away. |
| 7.6 : R Jadeja to Cook, Drifting in on middle and leg, blocked well off the back foot down the track. |
| 8.1 : R Ashwin to Hameed, Floated off break outside off, extra bounce but not much turn as Hameed pads up. Stifled lbw appeal but it didn't spin enough. |
| 8.2 : R Ashwin to Hameed, Fuller outside off, Hameed gets well forward and defends it well. |
| 8.3 : R Ashwin to Hameed, Flatter outside off, Hameed reaches out and defends it well. |
| 8.4 : R Ashwin to Hameed, FOUR! Delicately done! Floated on a length outside off, Hameed gets back to that one and glides it with an open face towards the third man fence for a boundary. He was in total control there. |
| 8.5 : R Ashwin to Hameed, FOUR! FAB SHOT! Tossed up outside off, Hameed reaches out to that one and thumps it elegantly through extra cover to find another boundary. This is extremely good batting from the debutant. |
| 8.6 : R Ashwin to Hameed, Slider outside off, defended well off the back foot. |
| 9.1 : R Jadeja to Cook, Darted in on middle and leg, Cook works it with the spin down to fine leg for a single. |
| 9.2 : R Jadeja to Hameed, Cracking ball! Floated around off, explodes off the rough with sharp turn to beat the outside edge comprehensively. |
| 9.3 : R Jadeja to Hameed, Darted in on middle and leg, worked off the back foot to the leg side. |
| 9.4 : R Jadeja to Hameed, Tossed up outside off, gets well forward to that one and defends it well. |
| 9.5 : R Jadeja to Hameed, Drifting in from outside off, blocked well from the crease. |
| 9.6 : R Jadeja to Hameed, Fuller outside off, Hameed gets well forward to that one and defends it out. |
| 10.1 : R Ashwin to Cook, Fuller outside off, Cook leans into it and blocks it well. |
| 10.2 : R Ashwin to Cook, Drifting in from outside off, Cook leans into it and defends it. |
| 10.3 : R Ashwin to Cook, Tossed up outside off, Cook presses forward to block away. |
| 10.4 : R Ashwin to Cook, Drifting in on middle and leg, clipped towards mid-wicket. |
| 10.5 : R Ashwin to Cook, Superb ball! Floated outside off, turns away sharply to whiz past the outside edge. Extra bounce too. |
| 10.6 : R Ashwin to Cook, Fuller outside off, Cook leans into it and defends well. |
| 11.1 : R Jadeja to Hameed, Fired in around off, Hameed defends it well from the crease. |
| 11.2 : R Jadeja to Hameed, Darted in from outside off, Hameed pushes at it but gets the edge that goes past gully for a brace. |
| 11.3 : R Jadeja to Hameed, Outside off, spins a bit away. Hameed lets it go through to the keeper. |
| 11.4 : R Jadeja to Hameed, Flatter outside off, blocked from the crease. |
| 11.5 : R Jadeja to Hameed, Fuller outside off, defended well off the front foot to the ground. |
| 11.6 : R Jadeja to Hameed, Tossed up outside off, Hameed presses forward and defends it out. |
| 12.1 : R Ashwin to Cook, Floated on middle and leg, worked off the back foot behind square for a single. |
| 12.2 : R Ashwin to Hameed, Floated around off, Hameed presses forward to block but is struck on the thigh pad. Appeal for lbw but just a bit high. |
| 12.3 : R Ashwin to Hameed, Floated on off, Hameed drives it firmly towards mid on. |
| 12.4 : R Ashwin to Hameed, Loopy on middle and leg, Hameed drills it down to long on for a single. |
| 12.5 : R Ashwin to Cook, Loopy on middle and off, Cook thumps it down to long on for a single. |
| 12.6 : R Ashwin to Hameed, What a ball! Floated around off, draws Hameed forward but the ball rears off the deck to beat the outside edge. |
| 13.1 : R Jadeja to Cook, Slider around off, worked off the back foot towards mid-wicket. |
| 13.2 : R Jadeja to Cook, Speared in on middle and leg, Cook gets back to flick but misses. Lobs off the thigh pad and doesn't carry to short leg. |
| 13.3 : R Jadeja to Cook, Flatter and fuller outside off, Cook digs it towards cover for a single. |
| 13.4 : R Jadeja to Hameed, Drifting in on off, Hameed presses forward and blocks it solidly to the track. |
| 13.5 : R Jadeja to Hameed, Fuller on middle and leg, Hameed gets across and smothers it to the ground. |
| 13.6 : R Jadeja to Hameed, Fired in around off, Hameed gets back and steers it to gully for a single. |
| 14.1 : R Ashwin to Hameed, Floated outside off, Hameed reaches out to that one and blocks it well. |
| 14.2 : R Ashwin to Hameed, Flatter on middle and leg, clipped off the back foot towards mid-wicket for a quick single. Nearly a collision between the two openers, Hameed would have been blown away had it happened. |
| 14.3 : R Ashwin to Cook, Slider outside off, Cook comes forward and blocks it well to the off side. |
| 14.4 : R Ashwin to Cook, Fuller on middle and leg, Cook gets across and defends it well. |
| 14.5 : R Ashwin to A Cook, Finds the edge but doesn't carry! Lovely off break outside off, Cook gets the outside edge that falls short of Rahane at first slip. |
| 14.6 : R Ashwin to A Cook, FOUR! Slapped away! Ashwin drops it short around off, Cook gets back and pulls it away hard to the deep mid-wicket fence for a boundary. Brings up the 50-run opening stand too. Fine partnership. |
| 15.1 : R Jadeja to Hameed, Tossed up around off, driven down the ground to long off for a single. |
| 15.2 : R Jadeja to Cook, Darted in on middle and leg, worked off the back foot through square leg for a single. |
| 15.3 : R Jadeja to Hameed, Speared in on off, Hameed presses forward to that one and smothers it. |
| 15.4 : R Jadeja to Hameed, Tossed up outside off, very full and Hameed places it through point for a single. |
| 15.5 : R Jadeja to Cook, Floated outside off, turns in sharply as Cook nudges it down to fine leg for a single. |
| 15.6 : R Jadeja to Hameed, Drifting in from outside off, Hameed presses forward and pushes it past silly point. |
| UMESH YADAV comes on to bowl. |
| 16.1 : U Yadav to Cook, Good length outside off, steered towards point for a single. |
| 16.2 : U Yadav to Hameed, Length ball outside off, no shot offered to that one. |
| 16.3 : U Yadav to Hameed, Back of a length outside off, Hameed glides it down to third man for a single. |
| 16.4 : U Yadav to Cook, FOUR! Nicely struck! Dug in short on off, Cook swivels and pulls it away powerfully over square leg to find the fence. Authoritative stroke from the England captain. |
| 16.5 : U Yadav to Cook, Back of a length outside off, defended well off the back foot. |
| 16.6 : U Yadav to Cook, Good length angled in closer to off, no stroke offered to that one. |
| 17.1 : R Jadeja to Hameed, Flatter outside off, Hameed defends it well from the crease. |
| 17.2 : R Jadeja to Hameed, Flatter outside off, pushed off the back foot through the covers for a single. |
| 17.3 : R Jadeja to Cook, Fuller outside off, Cook leans into it and pushes it towards mid on. |
| 17.4 : R Jadeja to Cook, Fuller outside off, jammed towards cover for a single. |
| 17.5 : R Jadeja to Hameed, Drifting in on middle and leg, worked towards the leg side for a single. |
| 17.6 : R Jadeja to Cook, Darted in around off, spins in sharply to rap Cook on the thighs. |
| 18.1 : U Yadav to Hameed, Length ball outside off, Hameed pokes at it but is beaten. |
| 18.2 : U Yadav to Hameed, Fuller outside off, Hameed reaches out and eases it through the covers for a brace. |
| 18.3 : U Yadav to Hameed, Full and closer to off, Hameed makes another leave. |
| 18.4 : U Yadav to Hameed, Good length outside off, a hint of shape away, no stroke offered to that one. |
| 18.5 : U Yadav to Hameed, Length ball well down the leg side, Hameed misses the flick. |
| 18.6 : U Yadav to Hameed, Good length outside off, blocked well off the front foot on to the pitch. |
| MOHAMMED SHAMI comes back to bowl. |
| 19.1 : M Shami to Cook, Good delivery! On a good length angling in from around the wicket, Cook stays back and plays inside the line but gets beaten all ends up. |
| 19.2 : M Shami to Cook, Angling into the pads, easy pickings for Cook as he clips it through backward square leg for a single. |
| 19.3 : M Shami to Hameed, Straying on the pads, Hameed clips it to long leg this time. Couple taken! |
| 19.4 : M Shami to Hameed, On a length outside off, Hameed points his bat skywards and lets it sail though to the keeper. |
| 19.5 : M Shami to Hameed, Back of a length ball, shaping in. Hameed rises with the bounce and defends it to point. |
| 19.6 : M Shami to Hameed, Fullish ball outside off, Hameed looks to play at first but withdraws his bat at the last moment. |
| 20.1 : U Yadav to Cook, On a length on off, Cook stays back and defends it to the covers. |
| 20.2 : U Yadav to Cook, Good length ball, angling away. Cook leaves it alone. |
| There is a slight issue with the sightscreen. It is resolved now and we are ready to go. |
| 20.3 : U Yadav to Cook, On a good length, angling away outside off. Cook lets it go through. |
| 20.4 : U Yadav to Cook, Wayward delivery! Sprays it down very wide outside off, Cook has nothing to do with it. |
| 20.5 : U Yadav to Cook, Length delivery outside off, Cook stays back and leaves it alone. |
| 20.6 : U Yadav to Cook, Cook has adopted a circumspect approach. Bowls it fullish wide outside off, luring Cook to play the drive. But he is no mood to flirt with those! |
| Drinks break.... |
| 21.1 : M Shami to Hameed, Full length ball outside off, Hameed comes forward and points his bat skywards to let it through. |
| 21.2 : M Shami to Hameed, Fullish ball wide outside off, Haseeb leaves it alone |
| 21.3 : M Shami to Hameed, On a driving length outside off, Haseeb goes for the drive but gets it from the inner half of his bat to mid off. |
| 21.4 : M Shami to Hameed, Fuller length ball outside off once again, Hameed makes another leave. |
| 21.5 : M Shami to Hameed, Similar line and length once again, Hameed resists the temptation. |
| 21.6 : M Shami to Hameed, On a length angling into middle and leg, Hameed stays back and defends it towards mid on. |
| 22.1 : U Yadav to A Cook, Very full outside off, pushes it with soft hand towards mid off. |
| 22.2 : U Yadav to Cook, Fullish delivery, angling away wide outside off. Cook shoulders his arms to let that one through. |
| 22.3 : U Yadav to Cook, On a length on middle, Cook stays back and tucks it wide of mid on for a single. |
| 22.4 : U Yadav to Hameed, Full length ball outside off, played with an angled bat to point. |
| 22.5 : U Yadav to Hameed, Straying on the pads, Haseeb turns it behind square and runs well between the wickets to complete the second. |
| 22.6 : U Yadav to Hameed, Fractionally overpitched outside off, Hameed plays a free flowing drive but finds the man at extra cover. |
| 23.1 : M Shami to A Cook, Back of a length outside off, width on offer. Cook cuts it hard through point. Gambhir in the deep runs across to cut it off and keeps it down to one. |
| 23.2 : M Shami to Hameed, On a length outside off, Hameed drops his wrists and runs it down to third man for a single. |
| 23.3 : M Shami to Cook, Fullish delivery outside off, Cook pushes it with soft hands to covers. |
| 23.4 : M Shami to A Cook, On a good length, Alastair Cook comes forward and defends it to mid off. |
| 23.5 : M Shami to Cook, On a good length shaping in from outside off, Cook is right behind that one as he presents a compact defense to the covers. |
| 23.6 : M Shami to Cook, In the corridor of uncertainty, leaves the southpaw this time. He watches it closely and lets it through. |
| 24.1 : U Yadav to Hameed, Back of a length pacy delivery outside off, Haseeb rises with the bounce and taps it to the man at point. |
| 24.2 : U Yadav to Hameed, Fullish delivery swinging away appreciably. Ahmed drives away from his body and gets beaten. Loose shot that one from the solid opener. |
| 24.3 : U Yadav to Hameed, Full length delivery outside off, driven it to the point where Rahane puts a good effort to save some runs for his side. |
| 24.4 : U Yadav to Hameed, Back of a length ball angling into Hameed. He rises with the bounce and keeps it down on the track. |
| 24.5 : U Yadav to H Hameed, Shortish and wide outside off, Haseeb throws his bat at it but gets an edge to third man. Single taken! |
| 24.6 : U Yadav to Cook, Straying on the pads, nudged round the corner for a single. |
| RAVICHANDRAN ASHWIN comes back. |
| 25.1 : R Ashwin to Cook, On a length around off, Cook stays back and defends it to the off side. |
| 25.2 : R Ashwin to Cook, Presses forward to the loopy delivery and defends it into the ground. |
| 25.3 : R Ashwin to Cook, Going down leg, turned to the on side for a single. |
| 25.4 : R Ashwin to Hameed, Tossed up outside off, Hameed lunges forward and blocks it. |
| 25.5 : R Ashwin to Hameed, Straighter one outside off, Hameed plays inside the line but gets it from the outer half of his bat towards point. |
| 25.6 : R Ashwin to Hameed, FOUR! SHOT! Shortish ball outside off, spinning in. Hameed stays back and cuts it through covers for a superb boundary. |
| AMIT MISHRA comes on to bowl. |
| 26.1 : A Mishra to Cook, Cook plays it with the spin through mid-wicket for a single. |
| 26.2 : A Mishra to Hameed, Tosses it up nicely on off, spinning away sharply. Hameed makes a watchful leave. |
| 26.3 : A Mishra to Hameed, Tosses it up outside off, turning away. Hameed lets it go. |
| 26.4 : A Mishra to Hameed, Floated around off, defended solidly off the front foot. |
| 26.5 : A Mishra to Hameed, Slow through the air on off, Hameed shaps to play the drive but ends up slicing it to point. |
| 26.6 : A Mishra to Hameed, Tossed up outside off, driven straight to Kohli at short cover. |
| 27.1 : R Ashwin to Cook, Floated on off, presses forward and defends towards mid off. |
| 27.2 : R Ashwin to Cook, Comes forward and manages to defend it from the outer half towards point. |
| 27.3 : R Ashwin to Cook, A touch short on off, spinning away. Cook goes back and punches it towards cover-point. |
| 27.4 : R Ashwin to Cook, This time he turns it towards mid-wicket for a single. |
| India decide to take a review against Haseeb Hameed. It is regarding an LBW decision. |
| 27.5 : R Ashwin to Hameed, NOT OUT! Bowls it back of a length wide outside off, turning back sharply. Hameed goes back deep in the crease and chooses to pad it away at the last moment. India appeal strongly for an LBW but the umpire is unmoved. Virat consults with his teammates and takes the review. The replays show that it would have missed the off stump. The impact was way outside off. |
| 27.6 : R Ashwin to Hameed, Full outside off, defended with the inner half to short leg. |
| 28.1 : A Mishra to Cook, Spinning back into Cook. He comes forward and gets it from the outer half round the corner for a single. |
| 28.2 : A Mishra to Hameed, FOUR! WELL PLAYED! A touch short outside off, spinning away. Hameed rocks back and cuts it late to find the third man fence. It has been a fine knock under pressure by the youngster. Needs to carry on! |
| Maiden Test fifty for Hameed. |
| 28.3 : A Mishra to Hameed, Outside off, cut to sweeper cover for a single. |
| 28.4 : A Mishra to Cook, NO BALL! Full on off, defended off the front foot to short leg. Mishra overstepped and the umpire signals a no ball. |
| A Mishra to Cook, Cook helps it with the turn through square leg for a single. |
| 28.5 : A Mishra to Hameed, Tossed up around off, Hameed presses forward and blocks. |
| 28.6 : A Mishra to Hameed, That turned sharply! On a length on off and flat, spins away viciously to beat the outside edge of Hameed. |
| 29.1 : R Ashwin to Cook, Loopy on off, Cook stays back and defends. |
| 29.2 : R Ashwin to Cook, Slow through the air on off, Alastair presses forward and blocks. |
| 29.3 : R Ashwin to Cook, Shortish and wide outside off, turns away sharply. Cook lets it go. |
| 29.4 : R Ashwin to Cook, Cook presses forward and defends it back to the bowler. |
| 29.5 : R Ashwin to Cook, Cook comes forward and defends it from the outer half towards point. |
| 29.6 : R Ashwin to Cook, Leans forward again and blocks it into the ground. |
| 30.1 : A Mishra to Hameed, Four Byes. Slips this one down the leg side, Hameed lets it go and the keeper fails to collect it. Goes through to the fence. Byes signaled. |
| 30.2 : A Mishra to Hameed, Hameed drives it with the spin through covers for a single. |
| 30.3 : A Mishra to Cook, Cook comes forward and defends it with the turn towards mid-wicket. |
| 30.4 : A Mishra to Cook, Flatter delivery that turns in and bounces a lot, Cook looks to clip it through but misses and is struck on the thigh pad. |
| 30.5 : Mishra to Cook, NOT OUT! Tossed up outside off, Cook looks to sweep but misses and is rapped on the pads. Huge appeal for LBW turned down. The impact was just outside off and that is what saved him! |
| 30.6 : A Mishra to Cook, Cook stays back and defends it to the off side. |
| 31.1 : R Ashwin to Hameed, Quicker one at the stumps, Hameed camps back and defends it down the track. |
| 31.2 : R Ashwin to Hameed, Full outside off, defended nicely of the front foot. |
| 31.3 : R Ashwin to Hameed, Hameed stays back and helps it with the spin through square leg for a single. |
| 31.4 : R Ashwin to Cook, This time he presses forward and blocks. |
| 31.5 : R Ashwin to Cook, Loopy on off, defended off the front foot. |
| 31.6 : R Ashwin to A Cook, Cook drives it with the spin through covers for a single. |
| 32.1 : A Mishra to Cook, Full on middle and leg, Cook clips it through mid-wicket for a single. 100 up for England! |
| 32.2 : A Mishra to Hameed, Tossed up outside off, spinning away. Hameed lets it go through. |
| 32.3 : A Mishra to Hameed, Haseeb presses forward and defends it to the off side. |
| 32.4 : A Mishra to Hameed, A bit quicker on leg stump, Hameed strides forward and blocks. |
| 32.5 : A Mishra to Hameed, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. |
| 32.6 : A Mishra to Hameed, A bit short outside off, Haseeb stays back and cuts it through covers for a single. |
| 33.1 : R Ashwin to Hameed, Spinning in from outside off, Hameed camps back and defends. |
| 33.2 : R Ashwin to Hameed, Full and wide outside off, driven through cover-point for a single. |
| 33.3 : R Ashwin to Cook, Fullish ball on middle, Cook is squared up a bit as he edges it past the keeper for a single. |
| 33.4 : R Ashwin to Hameed, On a length on off, turning in. Hameed defends it from the inner half through square leg for a single. |
| 33.5 : R Ashwin to Cook, On middle and leg, nudged to fine leg for a couple. |
| 33.6 : R Ashwin to Cook, Cook pushes it with the spin through covers to retain the strike! |
| 34.1 : A Mishra to Cook, Outside off, Cook looks to drive but mistimes it back to the bowler. |
| 34.2 : A Mishra to Cook, Cook sweeps this one from off stump and down to fine leg for a single. |
| 34.3 : A Mishra to Hameed, Loopy ball around off, driven to the covers. |
| 34.4 : A Mishra to Hameed, Straighter one on middle and off, Hameed defends it to short leg. |
| 34.5 : A Mishra to H Hameed, Hameed eases it to long off for a single. |
| 34.6 : A Mishra to Cook, Too full to play the sweep shot but he manages to get it through square leg for a single. |
| RAVINDRA JADEJA comes back. |
| 35.1 : R Jadeja to A Cook, Back of a length ball around off, turning in. Cook gets an inside edge towards leg gully. |
| 35.2 : R Jadeja to Cook, Cook plays it with the spin to mid on. |
| 35.3 : R Jadeja to Cook, Loopy on off, Cook stays back and defends. |
| 35.4 : R Jadeja to Cook, The English skipper goes back and defends it to short leg. |
| 35.5 : R Jadeja to Cook, Turning in from the rough outside off, Cook pads it away. |
| 35.6 : R Jadeja to Cook, Turning in sharply from outside off, Cook leaves it and takes it on the pads again. |
| 36.1 : A Mishra to Hameed, Slips in a googly, Hameed clips it through mid-wicket for a couple. |
| 36.2 : A Mishra to H Hameed, Full on middle, Haseeb makes room and eases it to long off for a single. |
| 36.3 : A Mishra to Cook, Wide outside off, turning in. Cook comes forward and pads it away. |
| 36.4 : A Mishra to Cook, Loopy ball outside off, Cook comes forward and defends it with the turn towards mid on. |
| 36.5 : A Mishra to Cook, Around middle and off, nudged with the spin round the corner for a single. |
| 36.6 : A Mishra to Hameed, THAT'S A RIPPER! Pitches it on a length outside leg, Hameed stays back and looks to defend but the ball turns square to whiz past his outside edge. That was unplayable! Mishra has his hands on his head. Both the openers have seen through the tricky passage and THAT WILL BE STUMPS ON DAY 4! |
| Superb opening partnership for England to neutralize whatever pressure that could have mounted on them. It means that they have ended the day on a high. Although they had gained a lead of 49, a few early strikes could have dented them. India's marathon batting effort had meant that England were the only side that could lose with the little time left in the match. Cook and Hameed put all those doubts to rest with a solid partnership, the debutant notching up his maiden fifty as well. The duo has |
| Earlier in the day, Ashwin shepherded the lower order as India got to 488 despite losing Kohli and Rahane in the first hour of the morning. Rashid's 4-fer was the highlight today for the visitors as they managed to get a handy lead. India did well to reduce the deficit with some dogged batting. The match looks to be heading for a tame draw unless Cook decides to make a sporting declaration tomorrow once the lead goes past 260 or so. The ball is definitely in England's court. Tune in at 0930 IST |
| ...DAY 5, SESSION 1... |
| Hello and a warm welcome on the final day of the first Test match between India and England in Rajkot. England have secured a lead of 163 and are boarded safely at the harbor at the moment but cricket is a game of glorious uncertainties. The tides may turn around and catch the English side off guard. For now, the game is heading towards a draw but the duo of Ashwin and Jadeja can prove to be venomous on this track as the pitch has started to crumble. |
| Cook and Hameed have applied themselves well and especially the youngster has been a class apart. It needs to be seen what kind of mindset the English batsmen come out with and that could well decide the fate of this contest. The hosts are the No. 1 side in the world and expect them to give it their best shot. Another cracker of a day awaits! |
| We are ready to kick start the first session. The players and umpires walk out in the middle. It will be interesting to see how COOK and HAMEED build their innings today. Will India make early inroads today? ASHWIN to start the proceedings. Here we go... |
| 37.1 : R Ashwin to A Cook, A bit short outside off, cut away to the off side. |
| 37.2 : R Ashwin to Cook, Flatter outside off, punched off the back foot through the covers for a single. |
| 37.3 : R Ashwin to Hameed, Floated outside off, Hameed pushes at it but gets an inside edge on to the pads. |
| 37.4 : R Ashwin to Hameed, Fuller outside off, defended off the front foot. |
| 37.5 : R Ashwin to Hameed, Flatter outside off, Hameed looks to block but is hit on the pad. |
| 37.6 : R Ashwin to Hameed, Drifting in from around off, Hameed blocks it solidly from the crease. |
| MOHAMMED SHAMI to bowl from the other end. |
| 38.1 : M Shami to Cook, Fuller and around off, Cook jams it towards short mid-wicket. |
| 38.2 : M Shami to Cook, Length ball wider outside off, no shot offered to that one. |
| 38.3 : M Shami to Cook, Short of a length on middle, Cook looks to pull as it goes down the leg side to Saha. Slight appeal for a catch but no bat involved. |
| 38.4 : M Shami to Cook, Fuller outside off, Cook leans into it and blocks. |
| 38.5 : M Shami to A Cook, Back of a length wider outside off, cut away to deep point for a single. |
| 38.6 : M Shami to Hameed, Full and outside off, shaping away, Hameed is beaten on the poke. |
| 39.1 : R Ashwin to Cook, Floated on a length outside off, Cook goes back to cut but is beaten. |
| 39.2 : R Ashwin to Cook, Tossed up outside off, gets well forward to that one and blocks it firmly. |
| 39.3 : R Ashwin to Cook, Drifting away outside off, no shot offered to that one. |
| 39.4 : R Ashwin to Cook, Floated wider outside off, Cook looks to play the lap sweep but misses. |
| 39.5 : R Ashwin to Cook, Drifting in from outside off, Cook makes a leave as that comes in with the angle. |
| 39.6 : R Ashwin to Cook, Tossed up outside off, blocked off the front foot. |
| 40.1 : M Shami to H Hameed, FOUR! Controlled edge! Length ball just outside off, Hameed pokes at it with soft hands but gets the nick. On the bounce and flies between slip and gully to the third man fence. |
| 40.2 : M Shami to Hameed, Length ball outside off, steered through backward point for a single. |
| 40.3 : M Shami to Cook, Length ball outside off, pushed towards point for a single. |
| 40.4 : M Shami to Hameed, Length ball on middle and leg, tucked away to deep mid-wicket for a single. |
| 40.5 : M Shami to Cook, Dug in short around off, Cook controls the pull down to fine leg for a single. |
| 53rd Test fifty for Cook. |
| 40.6 : M Shami to Hameed, Length ball wider outside off, no shot offered to that one. |
| 41.1 : R Ashwin to Cook, Flatter outside off, no stroke offered to that one. |
| 41.2 : R Ashwin to Cook, Speared in on middle, Cook stays back and clips it on the leg side for a single. |
| 41.3 : R Ashwin to Hameed, Tossed up around off, Hameed leans into it and blocks firmly. |
| 41.4 : R Ashwin to Hameed, Flatter ball outside off, Hameed looks to poke at it but is beaten. |
| 41.5 : R Ashwin to Hameed, Drifting in from outside off, defended well off the front foot. |
| 41.6 : R Ashwin to Hameed, Good ball! Loopy just outside off, extra bounce as Hameed is beaten on the poke. |
| 42.1 : M Shami to Cook, Good length angled in from outside off, blocked off the back foot. |
| 42.2 : M Shami to Cook, Fuller on middle and leg, Cook works it through mid-wicket for a single. |
| 42.3 : M Shami to Hameed, Length ball well outside off, no stroke offered to that one. |
| 42.4 : M Shami to Hameed, Full and outside off, Hameed pushes it to the covers. |
| 42.5 : M Shami to Hameed, Very full and outside off, Hameed looks to dig it out as the ball goes off the outer half towards Saha who stops it well diving to his right. |
| 42.6 : M Shami to Hameed, Good length angled in around off, Hameed steers it down to third man for a single. |
| 43.1 : R Ashwin to Hameed, Flighted outside off, Hameed leans into it to block but is struck on the pad. |
| 43.2 : R Ashwin to Hameed, Loopy on a length well outside off, no stroke offered to that one. |
| 43.3 : R Ashwin to Hameed, Floated on a length outside off, Hameed goes for the cut but is beaten. |
| 43.4 : R Ashwin to Hameed, Tossed up outside off, blocked firmly off the front foot on to the track. |
| 43.5 : R Ashwin to Hameed, Loopy on middle and off, Haseeb reaches out and defends it well. |
| 43.6 : R Ashwin to Hameed, Flighted outside off, Hameed presses forward to push it towards gully. |
| 44.1 : M Shami to Cook, FOUR! First boundary for the captain today! Back of a length outside off, Cook pokes at it but gets the edge that goes well past gully towards the third man fence. |
| 44.2 : M Shami to Cook, Length ball outside off, steered off the back foot to the off side. |
| 44.3 : M Shami to A Cook, Shortish on off, pulled away through backward square leg for a single. |
| 44.4 : M Shami to Hameed, Edged but safe! Length ball closer to off, Hameed pushes at it but gets the edge which doesn't carry to slip. |
| 44.5 : M Shami to H Hameed, Very full outside off, Hameed looks to dig it out but gets a slice to Saha on the bounce. |
| 44.6 : M Shami to Hameed, Fuller around off, Hameed leans across and blocks it. |
| 45.1 : R Ashwin to Cook, Floated well outside leg, no stroke offered to that one. |
| 45.2 : R Ashwin to Cook, Floated outside leg, worked through backward square leg for a single. |
| 45.3 : R Ashwin to Hameed, Tossed up well outside off, Hameed presses forward and smothers it. |
| 45.4 : R Ashwin to Hameed, Flighted outside off, driven towards deep cover for a single. |
| 45.5 : R Ashwin to Cook, Loopy around leg stump, worked away towards short mid-wicket. |
| 45.6 : R Ashwin to Cook, Saha takes a blow! Drifting away down the leg side, Cook goes for the sweep but misses. The ball rises sharply to ram Saha on the neck. |
| UMESH YADAV comes on to bowl. |
| 46.1 : U Yadav to Hameed, Good length wider outside off, no shot offered to that one. |
| 46.2 : U Yadav to Hameed, Play and a miss! Good length outside off, Hameed flashes loosely at it but misses. |
| 46.3 : U Yadav to Hameed, Full and outside off, Hameed leans forward to push at it towards cover. |
| 46.4 : U Yadav to Hameed, Back of a length outside off, Hameed steers it towards squarish gully with an angled bat. |
| 46.5 : U Yadav to Hameed, Good length around off, Hameed blocks it from the crease. |
| 46.6 : U Yadav to Hameed, Length ball well outside off, no stroke offered to that one. |
| 47.1 : R Ashwin to Cook, Floated outside off, pushed off the front foot to the covers. |
| 47.2 : R Ashwin to Cook, FOUR! Sliced away! Floated on a length outside off, Cook shapes for the cut but gets a thick edge that flies well past first slip to the third man fence. |
| 47.3 : R Ashwin to Cook, Floated outside off, Cook goes across to sweep but gets a top edge of sorts. Just falls between mid on and mid-wicket. Single taken. |
| 47.4 : R Ashwin to Hameed, Fuller outside off, Hameed defends it off the front foot. |
| 47.5 : R Ashwin to Hameed, Fuller on middle and leg, Hameed works it to the leg side for a single. |
| 47.6 : R Ashwin to Cook, Beaten! Flighted outside off, Cook looks to play at it and leaves it at the last moment nervously. |
| 48.1 : U Yadav to Hameed, Length ball outside off, left alone to the keeper. |
| 48.2 : U Yadav to Hameed, Good length wider outside off, Hameed chases it but is beaten. Stifled appeal for caught behind but none from the bowler. Hameed has looked very nervous today. |
| 48.3 : U Yadav to H Hameed, FOUR! Edge flies through! Full and outside off, Hameed plays a loose drive but gets a thick outside edge. The ball flies between slip and gully to the third man fence. |
| 48.4 : U Yadav to Hameed, Length ball outside off, no shot offered to that one. |
| 48.5 : U Yadav to Hameed, Length ball outside off, another leave from Hameed. |
| 48.6 : Yadav to Hameed, Very full and tailing into the pads, Hameed shuffles across to flick but is hit on the pads. Huge lbw appeal that's turned down. Kohli thinks of the review but is late to decide on it. Replays show an inside edge. |
| 49.1 : R Ashwin to Cook, Fuller outside off, Cook pushes it towards cover for a single. |
| 49.2 : R Ashwin to Hameed, Flatter outside off, Hameed defends it from the crease. |
| 49.3 : R Ashwin to Hameed, Fuller outside off, Hameed reaches out and blocks it well. |
| 49.4 : R Ashwin to Hameed, Loopy and outside off, Hameed gets well forward and defends it. |
| 49.5 : R Ashwin to Hameed, Floated outside off, Hameed reaches out to block but is struck on the pads. |
| 49.6 : R Ashwin to Hameed, The off break turns back in sharply, left alone by Hameed. |
| 50.1 : U Yadav to Cook, Fuller and outside off, Cook leans into it and pushes it towards cover. |
| 50.2 : U Yadav to Cook, Back of a length outside off, steered to deep backward point for a single. |
| 50.3 : U Yadav to Hameed, Full and outside off, shaping away, no stroke offered to that one. |
| 50.4 : U Yadav to Hameed, Good length outside off, no stroke offered to that one. |
| 50.5 : U Yadav to Hameed, Fuller and around off, Hameed presses forward and blocks it out. |
| 50.6 : U Yadav to Hameed, Fuller and around off, Hameed blocks it from the crease. |
| 51.1 : R Ashwin to Cook, Outside off, Cook stays back and cuts it to the man at point. |
| 51.2 : R Ashwin to Cook, FOUR! GOOD SHOT! Shortish ball outside off, Cook camps back and cuts it very late past wide slip. The ball races to the fence. |
| 51.3 : R Ashwin to Cook, Around off, turning away. Cook lets it through. |
| 51.4 : R Ashwin to Cook, Loopy ball on off, Alastair comes forward and defends. |
| 51.5 : R Ashwin to A Cook, Full on off, driven with the spin to mid off. |
| 51.6 : R Ashwin to Cook, Tossed up around off, Alastair prods forward and pushes it to short cover. |
| Drinks break.... |
| 52.1 : U Yadav to Hameed, Very full outside off, Haseeb squeezes it towards covers where the fielder dives well to keep it down to one. |
| 52.2 : U Yadav to Cook, Comes around the wicket and bowls a full length ball outside off, Cook leans forward and defends it to the covers. |
| 52.3 : U Yadav to Cook, FOUR! WELL PLAYED! Back of a length ball outside off, angling in. Cook camps back and cuts it past the fielder at fine gully and the ball also beats the diving fielder at boundary. |
| 52.4 : U Yadav to Cook, On a length outside off, Cook leaves it alone. |
| 52.5 : U Yadav to Cook, Good length ball around off at 140 clicks, stays low. Cook hops back to defend it to the off side. |
| 52.6 : U Yadav to Cook, On a length, angling into Cook. He pushes it back to the bowler. |
| 53.1 : R Ashwin to Hameed, Hameed prods forward and defends to the off side. |
| 53.2 : R Ashwin to Hameed, Tossed up outside off, Hameed goes for the sweep but toe ends it towards the fielder at short mid-wicket. |
| 53.3 : R Ashwin to Hameed, Hameed drives it with the spin through mid on for a single. |
| Field change. Short leg and short fine leg in place. Looks like he is going to aim around leg stump. |
| 53.4 : R Ashwin to Cook, Pitched outside leg, Cook waits for it and plays it towards short fine leg. |
| 53.5 : R Ashwin to Cook, Down the leg side, spinning in. Cook looks to sweep but misses. |
| 53.6 : R Ashwin to Cook, NICELY BOWLED! Tosses it around leg stump, Cook looks to sweep but gets a top edge through square leg that falls in no man's land. |
| 54.1 : U Yadav to Cook, Full length ball outside off, defended solidly off the front foot to the covers. |
| 54.2 : U Yadav to Cook, Fullish delivery coming into middle, Cook drives it with the inner half to mid on. |
| 54.3 : U Yadav to Cook, Shaping in sharply on middle and leg, Cook clips it in front of square and takes the single. Goes for the single but there is a bit of hesitation from Haseeb but another run taken safely in the end. |
| 54.4 : U Yadav to Cook, Full and wide outside off, Cook drives it firmly to the man at point. |
| 54.5 : U Yadav to Cook, Good delivery! Good length ball, swinging in. Cook looks to defends but gets an inside edge towards square leg. Single taken! |
| 54.6 : U Yadav to Hameed, Back of a length and wide outside off, Hameed throws his bat at it but gets a bottom edge that goes through the slip fielder. Couple taken! |
| RAVINDRA JADEJA comes on to bowl. |
| 55.1 : R Jadeja to Cook, NOT OUT! On a length, turning in from outside off, Cook looks to work it through but misses and is rapped on the pads. There is a loud appeal for LBW but not given. The replays indicate that it may be going down leg and height was also a factor. |
| 55.2 : R Jadeja to Cook, Full and outside off, Cook goes for an ambitious slog sweep but misses. Aggressive intent from the English skipper. |
| 55.3 : R Jadeja to Cook, VERY TOUGH TO CATCH THOSE! Short and wide outside off, Cook looks to cut but gets a bottom edge that carries to Saha but goes down. |
| 55.4 : R Jadeja to Cook, FOUR! SHOT! Shortish and wide outside off, Cook camps back and guides it to third man. Shami is after it but makes a lazy effort to concede the boundary. |
| 55.5 : R Jadeja to Cook, Down the leg side, left alone. |
| 55.6 : R Jadeja to Cook, The batsman has flicked the ball off his pads. |
| Appeal for a run out is sent upstairs. Hameed was ambling to make his ground and leaped a bit. |
| 56.1 : U Yadav to Hameed, NOT OUT! HE WAS ALMOST RUN OUT THERE! Fullish delivery outside off, Hameed drives it towards extra cover. Pujara dives to his right and scores a direct hit at the bowler's end. Hameed looks to save himself from the throw and just lands his bat in. Run out appeal is referred upstairs. The replays show that he was just in. He is looking jittery at the moment. |
| 56.2 : U Yadav to Cook, FOUR! LOVELY SHOT! Full outside off, Cook comes forward and drives it elegantly through covers for a superb boundary. |
| 56.3 : U Yadav to Cook, On a length outside off, steered towards point. |
| 56.4 : U Yadav to Hameed, Fullish around off, worked to fine leg for a single. |
| 56.5 : U Yadav to Cook, The batsman works it down the leg side. They pick up a single. |
| 56.6 : U Yadav to Hameed, Outside off, left alone. |
| 57.1 : R Jadeja to Cook, Tossed up outside off, turning in. Cook looks to defend but misses and is rapped on the thigh pad. Muted appeal for LBW turned down. |
| 57.2 : R Jadeja to Cook, Cook kneels and sweeps it with the spin down to fine leg. Jayant Yadav, the substitute covers good ground and makes a brilliant save to keep it down to two! |
| 57.3 : R Jadeja to Cook, Cook pushes it against the spin through covers for a single. |
| 57.4 : R Jadeja to Hameed, The batsman has worked it off his pads behind square. They pick up a single. |
| 57.5 : R Jadeja to Cook, Dated in around off, Cook comes forward and blocks. |
| 57.6 : R Jadeja to Cook, Leg bye! Tossed up outside off, spinning in. Cook looks to sweep but is hit on the pads. Loud appeal for LBW turned down! The impact was well outside off. The batsmen get a leg bye. |
| AMIT MISHRA comes on to bowl. |
| 58.1 : A Mishra to Cook, Way down the leg side, Cook isn't bothered about. |
| 58.2 : A Mishra to Cook, Cook stays back to this one and defends it down the track. |
| 58.3 : A Mishra to Cook, Down the leg side, Cook kneels and sweeps it round the corner for a single. |
| 58.4 : Mishra to Hameed, OUT! THE YOUNGSTER DEPARTS AFTER PLAYNIG A FINE KNOCK! Full and wide outside off, Haseeb goes for a fierce aerial shot down the track but only manages to hit it back to Mishra because of the length. Mishra gets into position quickly and takes a sharp catch above his head. Indians are celebrating but the umpires check for the no ball. Mishra's foot is just on the crease. But nowadays, it goes in the favour of the bowler. He might just get away with and it does as he is co |
| JOE ROOT walks out to bat. |
| 58.5 : A Mishra to Root, On off, turning away. Root goes back and punches it through covers to get off the mark! |
| 58.6 : Mishra to Cook, Pitches it on a leg stump, Cook looks to defend but misses and the keeper takes a catch. There is an appeal for caught behind but in vain. The replays show that there was no bat there. |
| 59.1 : R Jadeja to Root, On the pads, clipped to the leg side for a single. |
| 59.2 : R Jadeja to Cook, Full outside off, Cook looks to defend but misses. |
| 59.3 : R Jadeja to Cook, Going down leg, Cook looks to clip it but misses. |
| 59.4 : R Jadeja to Cook, Two Byes. Spinning away sharply down the leg side, Cook faisl to nudge it but misses. The ball goes to the deep. Two byes signaled. |
| 59.5 : R Jadeja to Cook, The batsman has flicked the ball off his pads. The batsmen have run through for a single. |
| 59.6 : R Jadeja to Root, Root stays back and defends it. |
| 60.1 : A Mishra to Cook, Back of a length ball outside off, Cook stays back and pushes it back to the bowler. |
| 60.2 : A Mishra to A Cook, FOUR! WAYWARD DELIVERY! Flat and down the leg side, Cook goes back in the crease and works it down the leg side for a boundary. |
| 60.3 : A Mishra to Cook, Outside off, Cook comes forward and pushes it to the off side for a single. |
| 60.4 : A Mishra to Root, Root works it against the spin through mid-wicket for a couple. |
| 60.5 : Mishra to Joe Root, OUT! ROOT DEPARTS IN THE HUNT TO UP THE ANTE! Tossed up around middle and off, Root looks to go for a full blooded slog sweep but miscus it completely. The ball catches the top edge of the bat and lobs into the sky towards Saha. He gets under it and takes a simple catch. Mishra gets his second! |
| BEN STOKES is the new man in. |
| 60.6 : A Mishra to Stokes, On middle and leg, Stokes looks to clip it through but is rapped on the pads. |
| 61.1 : R Jadeja to Cook, On a length outside off, spinning in sharply. Cook goes back and gets it from the inner half past short leg for a single. |
| 61.2 : R Jadeja to Stokes, Spinning back in sharply again, Stokes works it past short leg for a run. |
| 61.3 : R Jadeja to Cook, Outside off, pushed to the covers. |
| 61.4 : R Jadeja to Cook, On a length around off, Cook stays back and defends it back to the bowler. |
| 61.5 : R Jadeja to Cook, Around middle and leg, Cook stays back to work it through square leg. Single taken! Moves to 99. |
| 61.6 : R Jadeja to Stokes, Quicker one on middle, Stokes stays back and defends it to leg side. |
| 62.1 : A Mishra to Cook, Cook stays back and defends it with the spin past short leg. |
| 62.2 : A Mishra to Cook, Pitched on leg stump, spinning down. Cook looks for his century as he wants to sweep it down to fine leg but misses. |
| 62.3 : A Mishra to Cook, Cook stays back and defends it towards mid-wicket. |
| 62.4 : A Mishra to Cook, Well bowled! Slips in a quick googly outside off, Cook looks to defend but is beaten all ends up. |
| 62.5 : A Mishra to Cook, A GOOD SHOUT FOR LBW turned down! Slips in the googly again on middle and off, Cook looks to defend but misses and is rapped on the pads. There is a loud shout but the umpire refuses. Kohli doesn't take the review. It looked close! |
| 62.6 : A Mishra to Cook, Cook drives it with the spin through mid on for a single. He thumps his fists in the air and it has been a brilliant knock! The crowd cheers his effort. Well done Cook! |
| 30th Test ton for Cook. He now has the most tons by a visiting player in India, most by an English captain as well. What a player! |
| 63.1 : R Jadeja to Cook, Four Byes. Going down leg, Cook looks to clip it but misses and beats the keeper. Goes through to the boundary. Byes signaled by the umpire. |
| 63.2 : R Jadeja to Cook, Cook gets across and clips it to the leg side. |
| 63.3 : R Jadeja to Cook, OH! THAT WAS DANGEROUS! Cook looks to sweep but the ball whizzes just over his leg stump. |
| 63.4 : R Jadeja to Cook, Quicker one on off, helped with the turn to fine leg for a single. |
| 63.5 : R Jadeja to Stokes, Floated outside off, Stokes plays it to point. |
| 63.6 : R Jadeja to Stokes, Ben plays it with the spin to mid-wicket. |
| 64.1 : A Mishra to Cook, Flatter on off, punched off the back foot towards long on for a single. |
| 64.2 : A Mishra to Stokes, Flighted around off, Sto9kes tucks it with the turn to long on for a single. |
| 64.3 : A Mishra to Cook, Fuller on middle and off, dug out back to the bowler. |
| 64.4 : A Mishra to Cook, Drifting on the pads, Cook tucks it through square leg for a brace. |
| 64.5 : A Mishra to Cook, Flighted on middle and leg, flicked through mid-wicket for a single. |
| 64.6 : A Mishra to Stokes, FOUR! Poor from Shami! Floated outside off, Stokes goes for the slog sweep in front of square leg. Shami in the deep didn't move at all as he probably didn't sight the ball. Another boundary to the total. Lead is now 259. |
| MOHAMMED SHAMI comes back to bowl. This is the last over before Lunch. |
| 65.1 : M Shami to Cook, On a length angling into Cook. He shuffles across and clips it to mid-wicket. |
| 65.2 : M Shami to Cook, Back of a length ball outside off, Cook camps back and plays it to point. |
| 65.3 : M Shami to Cook, Fullish delivery around off, Cook comes half-forward and defends it to cover-point. |
| 65.4 : M Shami to Cook, Similar delivery, Cook comes forward and presents a much more compact defense to the covers this time. |
| 65.5 : M Shami to Cook, Fractionally overpitched outside off, Alastair lunges forward and plays a free flowing drive but fails to pierce the off side field. |
| 65.6 : M Shami to Cook, Change of pace! Slower off cutter outside off, Cook picks it up, leans ahead and pushes it wide of mid off for a single. THAT WILL BE LUNCH ON DAY 5! |
| Another good session for the visitors. The openers continued to milk the bowling around. There were glimpses of some turn and extra bounce but those instances were far and few in between. Hameed missed out on a well-deserved ton when he was dismissed by a blinder from Mishra off his own bowling. The leggie then removed Root cheaply too as the visitors were pressing for quick runs. Meanwhile, Cook dug in to register his 30th Test ton, smashing several records in the process. |
| India's bowlers continued to struggle in getting much out of the pitch. There were brief moments where they got the ball to rear with turn but it didn't happen consistently enough to trouble the batsmen. Mishra bowled a testing spell and got rewarded with a couple of wickets as England entered into declaration mode. The lead is 260 now and the declaration seems imminent after lunch. It shall be interesting to see how many runs Cook decides on. The track still looks good but surely, only one team |
| .....DAY 5, SESSION 2..... |
| Welcome back for the second session. Let's see when England will declare. It should be inside the next 5-6 overs or so I assume. AMIT MISHRA to continue his spell. |
| 66.1 : A Mishra to Cook, Leg break fizzes way down the leg side, Cook misses the flick. |
| 66.2 : A Mishra to Cook, Loopy around off, turning in, Cook tickles it to short fine leg. |
| 66.3 : A Mishra to Cook, Floated on a length outside off, blocked off the back foot to the bowler. |
| 66.4 : A Mishra to Cook, Floated on a length outside off, Cook steers it through backward point for a run. |
| 66.5 : A Mishra to Stokes, FOUR! Clever batting! Floated on middle and off, Stokes connects the reverse sweep well to find the fence at third man. With the declaration looming, all the limited-overs shots will come out now. |
| 66.6 : A Mishra to Stokes, Beaten! Floated outside off, Stokes pushes at it but is beaten as that kicks up off the deck. |
| RAVICHANDRAN ASHWIN to bowl from the other end. |
| 67.1 : R Ashwin to Cook, Drifting well down the leg side, Cook paddles it but can't beat short fine leg. |
| 67.2 : R Ashwin to Cook, Once again outside leg, Cook paddles it to short fine leg and this time takes a single. |
| 67.3 : R Ashwin to Stokes, That spun with a bounce! Floated outside leg, turns away with a puff of dust. Explodes to square Stokes all ends up. |
| 67.4 : R Ashwin to Stokes, Fuller around leg stump, tucked through mid-wicket for a single. |
| 67.5 : R Ashwin to Cook, Speared wider outside off, Cook is confused by the change in line and is beaten on the poke. |
| 67.6 : R Ashwin to Cook, Drags it short on middle, pulled towards backward square leg for a single. |
| 68.1 : A Mishra to Cook, Tossed up around off, dug out towards the mid-wicket region. |
| 68.2 : A Mishra to A Cook, Tossed up around off, Cook drives it with the spin down to long on. Single taken. |
| 68.3 : A Mishra to Stokes, Shortens the length outside off, spinning in, Stokes pats it down the track. |
| 68.4 : A Mishra to Ben Stokes, Drops it short outside off, Stokes goes back to pull it over mid-wicket. Mistimes it a bit but falls well short of the fielder in the deep. Single taken. |
| 68.5 : A Mishra to Cook, Drifting in on middle and off, tucked behind square for a single. |
| 68.6 : A Mishra to Stokes, Floated leg break around off, Cook makes room to cut but gets it off the inside half to the bowler. |
| 69.1 : R Ashwin to Cook, Floated around leg stump, Cook looks to paddle it but is hit on the thigh. |
| 69.2 : R Ashwin to Cook, FOUR! TERRIFIC SHOT! Floated outside leg, Cook charges down the track and makes ample room to launch it inside out over the covers. Picked his spot to perfection. What a way to bring up 1000 Test runs in India. |
| 69.3 : R Ashwin to Cook, Loopy on a length around leg stump, Cook looks to flick but is struck on the thigh. |
| 69.4 : R Ashwin to Cook, Drifting in from outside leg, tucked towards mid-wicket with the turn. |
| 69.5 : R Ashwin to A Cook, Loopy on a length around leg, Cook looks to block but gets an edge towards the off side. |
| The ball has lost its shape. The fourth umpire comes out with the replacement. |
| 69.6 : R Ashwin to Cook, Drifting in from outside leg, Cook looks to flick but is struck on the pads. |
| 70.1 : A Mishra to Stokes, Floated wider outside off, Stokes jams it back at Mishra who does well to get a hand on it. Parries it to mid off. |
| 70.2 : A Mishra to Stokes, Slider on middle and off, worked away behind square for a single. |
| 70.3 : A Mishra to Cook, FOUR! Finds the fence! Floated outside leg, Cook gets well across and sweeps it comfortably to the long leg fence for a boundary. Poor ball from Mishra. |
| 70.4 : A Mishra to Cook, Drifting in from around off, Cook works it through square leg for a single. |
| 70.5 : A Mishra to Stokes, FOUR! Stokes joins in the fun! Tossed up wider around middle and off, Cook gets across to that one and sweeps it powerfully to the deep square leg fence for a boundary. |
| 70.6 : A Mishra to Stokes, FOUR! Hammered! Mishra'a losing the plot here. Full toss this time and Stokes clobbers it to the deep mid-wicket fence for another boundary. England now on the rampage at the moment. Lead is now 289. |
| 71.1 : R Ashwin to Cook, Floated outside leg, Cook reaches out and blocks it out. |
| 71.2 : R Ashwin to Cook, Floated well outside leg, Cook steps out and adjusts to tuck it through mid-wicket for a single. |
| 71.3 : R Ashwin to Stokes, Floated outside leg, Stokes goes for the reverse sweep but misses. Saha fumbles down the leg side and concedes a bye. |
| 50-run stand between Cook and Stokes. |
| 71.4 : R Ashwin to Cook, Floated on middle and leg, swept away down to fine leg for a single. |
| 71.5 : R Ashwin to Stokes, Flatter outside off, blocked off the back foot to the off side. |
| 71.6 : R Ashwin to Stokes, Full and outside leg, Stokes steps out and flicks it through mid-wicket for a single. |
| UMESH YADAV is back on. |
| 72.1 : U Yadav to Ben Stokes, Short and wide outside off, Stokes chases it but gets an edge that goes down to third man for a single. |
| 72.2 : U Yadav to A Cook, FOUR! SMACK! That made a cracking sound off the bat! Full and outside off, Cook leans into it and thumps it with aplomb through extra cover. That went to the fence in a jiffy. |
| India have taken a review for caught behind against Cook. |
| 72.3 : U Yadav to Cook, WASTE OF A REVIEW! Full and outside off, Cook chases it as it goes through to Saha. There was some noise as the Indians appeal for a catch. Turned down by the umpire and Kohli opts for the review. Replays show that there is daylight between bat and ball. Quite a lot of deceptive noises in this match off the track. 'Demons' maybe? |
| 72.4 : U Yadav to Cook, Length ball wider outside off, Cook chases it with a wild drive but misses. |
| 72.5 : U Yadav to Cook, Good length angled away wider outside off, Cook looks to steer it down to third man but misses. |
| 72.6 : U Yadav to A Cook, Length ball wider outside off, Cook glides it to third man for a single. |
| 73.1 : R Ashwin to Cook, Floated outside leg, Cook looks to flick but misses. |
| 73.2 : R Ashwin to Cook, Tossed up wider outside off, Cook thumps it to deep cover for a single. |
| 73.3 : R Ashwin to Stokes, Floated around leg stump, Stokes makes room to drive but gets an inside edge on to the pads. |
| 73.4 : R Ashwin to Stokes, Tossed up outside off, steps out and drills it down to long off for a single. |
| 73.5 : R Ashwin to Cook, Floated outside off, dabbed towards point for a single. |
| 73.6 : R Ashwin to Ben Stokes, Darted well outside leg, pulled away down to fine leg for a single. |
| 74.1 : U Yadav to Stokes, FOUR! Superb batting! Fuller outside off, Stokes shuffles and whips it away powerfully to the deep backward square leg fence. Amazing shot! |
| 74.2 : U Yadav to Stokes, Dug in short on middle, Stokes looks to pull but gets it off the forearm towards Saha. |
| 74.3 : U Yadav to Stokes, Full and outside off, Stokes drills it hard towards mid off. |
| 74.4 : U Yadav to Stokes, Shortish on leg stump, Stokes goes for the pull but it goes off the pads to the leg side. They take a leg bye. |
| 74.5 : U Yadav to Cook, Length ball on leg stump, Cook shuffles to flick but is hit on the pads. |
| 74.6 : U Yadav to Cook, Full and on off, Cook makes room to play the lofted drive but gets a slice that goes to third man on the bounce. |
| 75.1 : R Ashwin to Cook, Floated outside leg, Cook goes for the sweep but is hit on the pad. |
| 75.2 : R Ashwin to Cook, Floated well outside off, Cook is beaten on the slash! |
| 75.3 : R Ashwin to Cook, OUT! COOK DEPARTS, ENGLAND HAVE DECLARED! Floated outside leg, Cook steps out and makes room for the inside out lofted stroke but miscues it. Jadeja at long off takes the skier with ease. Ends a great innings from the England captain. INDIA NEED 310 RUNS TO WIN. |
| Another solid batting performance by the visitors. The big opening partnership set things up. Hameed missed out on a ton but the skipper didn't and was eventually dismissed only while trying to up the ante. Mishra and Ashwin were the wicket-takers but it was mainly due to the batsmen's over-aggression. There was considerable intent from England today and they have given themselves a slight crack at the Indians. |
| A minimum of 49 overs are left and the target of 310 is definitely improbable considering the surface. It's very slow and while batting is not difficult at all, you need a grinding approach to score runs. So, racking up runs at 6 rpo is next to impossible. England haven't given India any sniff with this declaration. This means that the visitors can have men around the bat from the very beginning. How will the hosts reply? Will they have a go? The chase isn't far away. |
| The local boy CHETESHWAR PUJARA comes in at 3. |
| 0.1 : S Broad to Vijay, Fuller on off, Vijay flicks it towards short mid-wicket. It was a bit uppish. |
| 0.2 : S Broad to Vijay, Full and around off, Vijay blocks it solidly off the front foot. |
| 0.3 : S Broad to Vijay, Full and outside off, driven firmly towards mid off. |
| 0.4 : S Broad to Vijay, Yorker on off, angled in, Vijay gets across and digs it out just in time. |
| 0.5 : S Broad to Vijay, Length ball on off, blocked off the back foot towards short mid-wicket. |
| 0.6 : S Broad to Vijay, Very full and around off, Vijay bunts it straight back to the bowler. Maiden to start the innings. |
| CHRIS WOAKES to share the new ball. |
| 1.1 : C Woakes to Gambhir, Full and outside off, Gambhir blocks it well off the front foot towards point. |
| 1.2 : C Woakes to Gambhir, Good length around off, blocked well off the front foot. |
| 1.3 : C Woakes to Gambhir, Short ball and Gambhir ducks under the bumper. |
| 1.4 : C Woakes to G Gambhir, Full and outside off, Gambhir drives it firmly to the covers. |
| 1.5 : C Woakes to Gambhir, Length ball outside off, Gambhir leans into it and defends it to the off side. |
| 1.6 : C Woakes to G Gambhir, OUT! WOAKES DRAWS FIRST BLOOD! Brainfade from Gambhir. Short of a length around off, climbs on the southpaw and he just dabs at it. The ball flies off the edge towards second slip where it is easily taken. Duck for Gambhir. What a start for England this is! Must say that it was a very poor shot though. |
| 2.1 : S Broad to Vijay, Fuller on off, Vijay looks to flick but gets a leading edge towards cover. |
| 2.2 : S Broad to Vijay, Short of a length on middle and leg, worked off the back foot towards short leg. |
| 2.3 : S Broad to Vijay, Length ball around off, blocked well off the back foot towards short mid-wicket. |
| 2.4 : S Broad to Vijay, Back of a length around off, climbs on Vijay who looks to fend. The ball goes up off the bat handle but falls safely. |
| 2.5 : S Broad to Vijay, Good length around off, Vijay hangs back to that one and blocks it out. |
| 2.6 : S Broad to Vijay, Dug in short on leg stump, Vijay ducks under the bumper. |
| 3.1 : C Woakes to Pujara, Back of a length ball on middle and off, Pujara camps back and defends it solidly down the track. |
| 3.2 : C Woakes to Pujara, Shortish delivery outside off, Pujara drops his wrists and watches it closely to let it through to the keeper. |
| 3.3 : C Woakes to Pujara, Shortish on middle and off, Cheteshwar camps back and defends it towards mid on. |
| 3.4 : C Woakes to Pujara, On a good length on off, Pujara hangs back and defends it towards mid on. |
| 3.5 : C Woakes to Pujara, Dug in short, Pujara ducks underneath it. |
| 3.6 : C Woakes to C Pujara, FOUR! THAT'S CREAMED! Overpitched outside off, Che lunges forward and drives it elegantly through extra cover. The ball races to the fence! First runs for Pujara and also for India! |
| 4.1 : S Broad to Vijay, Full length ball around off, Murali strides forward and defends it back to the bowler. |
| 4.2 : S Broad to Vijay, FOUR! SHEER CLASS! Fuller length ball outside off. Vijay leans into it and times his push to perfection. Gets it through the point region and the ball rolls towards the boundary. Ansari sprints after it and puts a slide but can't prevent the boundary. |
| 4.3 : S Broad to Vijay, Fullish ball outside off, Vijay strides ahead and defends it to the covers. |
| 4.4 : S Broad to Vijay, Shortish delivery on middle, Vijay swivels across and looks to pull it but gets an inside edge onto his body and it just lands in front of the fielder at short leg whose initial reaction to evade the shot. |
| 4.5 : S Broad to Vijay, FOUR! WELL PLAYED! Back of a length ball outside off, Vijay stays back and steers it past the slip cordon. The fielder rushes after it but the ball wins the race in the end! |
| 4.6 : S Broad to Vijay, Fullish ball angling in on off, Murali clips it wide of mid on. Looks for a single but it is not on. |
| 5.1 : C Woakes to Pujara, Back of a lenth ball angling in on leg stump, Pujara camps back and tucks it through backward square leg for a single. |
| 5.2 : C Woakes to Vijay, On a length on off, stays low after pitching. Vijay is up on his toes as he manages to block it out. |
| 5.3 : C Woakes to Vijay, Good length ball at the stumps, zips through the pitch. Vijay is surprised by the extra bounce as he takes his bottom hand off and defends it. |
| 5.4 : C Woakes to Vijay, On a length outside off, Murali stays back and hangs his bat at it tamely. Gets beaten all ends up! |
| 5.5 : C Woakes to Vijay, Hurls it on a length angling into middle and leg, Vijay is unsure once again as he just manages to fend it off to short leg. |
| 5.6 : C Woakes to Vijay, Dug in short outside off, Vijay has to sway away from the line quickly to evade it. |
| ZAFAR ANSARI to roll his arm over. |
| 6.1 : Z Ansari to C Pujara, FOUR! LOVELY SHOT! Tossed up on off, spins away a bit. Pujara leans forward and drives it nicely through extra cover for a superb boundary. |
| 6.2 : Z Ansari to Pujara, Tossed up on off, defended past short leg. |
| 6.3 : Z Ansari to Pujara, Pujara comes down the track and drives it wide of mid on against the spin. |
| 6.4 : Z Ansari to Pujara, Outside off, driven firmly to the man at mid off. |
| 6.5 : Z Ansari to Pujara, Full on off, Pujara puts his head down and defends solidly. |
| 6.6 : Z Ansari to Pujara, WELL BOWLED! Quicker one on just outside off, Pujara plants his front leg forward to cover the off pole and lets it through. |
| 7.1 : C Woakes to Vijay, Back of a length ball outside off, rises up appreciably after pitching. Vijay watches it closely and lets it go. |
| 7.2 : C Woakes to Vijay, On a length outside off, Murali points his bat skywards and leaves it alone. |
| 7.3 : C Woakes to Vijay, On a good length on off, stays a bit low. Vijay hops back and keeps it out to the covers. |
| 7.4 : C Woakes to Vijay, Short of a length ball directed at the body, Vijay rises with the bounce and tucks it past the diving leg gully fielder to his left for a single. |
| 7.5 : C Woakes to Pujara, Back of a length ball at the stumps, Che hangs back and defends it down the track. |
| 7.6 : C Woakes to Pujara, Short of a length ball outside off, Pujara camps back and plays it with an angled blade to point. |
| 8.1 : Z Ansari to Vijay, On a length on off, Vijay stays back and pushes it to short cover. |
| 8.2 : Z Ansari to Vijay, FOUR! SHOT! Tossed up on middle, Vijay comes down the track and lofts it over wide mid on. It came off the toe end of the bat and rolls through to the boundary. He hits those shots really well! |
| 8.3 : Z Ansari to Vijay, Vijay defends it against the spin to mid-wicket. |
| 8.4 : Z Ansari to Vijay, FOUR! THAT CAME RIGHT FROM THE SCREWS! Ansari is lucky to be alright after taking the hard blow. Tosses it up at the stumps, Vijay hits it hard back to Ansari. He still goes for the catch and it deflects from his fingers past the umpire who has to sway away. It still has pace to reach the boundary. |
| 8.5 : Z Ansari to Vijay, Vijay presses forward and pushes it with the spin to covers. |
| 8.6 : Z Ansari to Vijay, Full on middle, defended nicely. |
| MOEEN ALI comes on to bowl. |
| 9.1 : M Ali to Pujara, Tossed up outside off, Pujara leans ahead and defends it to silly point. |
| 9.2 : M Ali to Pujara, Steps down the track and looks to negotiate the spin. Manages to nudge it to mid-wicket for a single. |
| 9.3 : M Ali to Vijay, Vijay presses forward and defends it with the inner half to short leg. |
| 9.4 : M Ali to Vijay, Saw him coming and pulls his length back. Vijay has to readjust and goes on his back foot to defend it to short leg. |
| 9.5 : M Ali to Vijay, Tossed up outside off, defended from the inner half back to the bowler. |
| 9.6 : M Ali to Vijay, FOUR! ELEMENT OF RISK INVOLVED IN THAT! Vijay fetches it from outside off and looks to lap sweep but gets a top edge because of the extra bounce and that runs down to the fine leg boundary. |
| 10.1 : Z Ansari to Pujara, Shortish delivery outside off, cut to the covers. |
| 10.2 : Z Ansari to Pujara, Quicker delivery outside off, Che comes forward and lets it through. |
| 10.3 : Z Ansari to Pujara, Full on middle and leg, clipped this against the spin in front of square. |
| 10.4 : Z Ansari to Pujara, Tossed up on middle, Che makes room and drives it nicely to the man at mid off. |
| 10.5 : Z Ansari to Pujara, Pujara presses forward and blocks. |
| 10.6 : Z Ansari to Pujara, DROPPED! Tossed up outside off, Pujara goes for a free flowing drive on the up but ends up slicing it behind point. Broad who is stationed there dives in front to take it but the ball pops out from his hand. He would be kicking himself! |
| 11.1 : M Ali to Vijay, Stays back to the length delivery and works it past the short leg fielder. That went uppishly and it was close to the fielder. Single taken! |
| 11.2 : M Ali to Pujara, Shortish delivery, Pujara stays back and defends. |
| 11.3 : M Ali to Pujara, Quicker one on middle, Pujara gets a thick inside edge that goes past Hameed at short leg again. |
| 11.4 : M Ali to Vijay, Vijay stays back and defends it. The ball passes near the stumps. |
| 11.5 : M Ali to Vijay, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. |
| 11.6 : M Ali to Vijay, Loopy around off, Vijay presses forward and defends it back to the bowler. |
| 12.1 : Z Ansari to Pujara, Pujara camps back and punches it with the spin through covers for a single. |
| 12.2 : Z Ansari to Vijay, Slow through the air outside off, pushed to the covers. |
| 12.3 : Z Ansari to Vijay, Similar delivery, Murali pushes it through the covers for a single. |
| 12.4 : Z Ansari to Pujara, The batsman plays the square cut. One run added to the total. |
| 12.5 : Z Ansari to Vijay, Vijay takes a couple of steps down the track and pushes it back to the right of Ansari. |
| 12.6 : Z Ansari to Vijay, FOUR! BEAUTIFUL SHOT! Vijay uses his feet to the flighted ball and drills it through extra cover for a boundary. |
| 13.1 : M Ali to Pujara, back of a length ball outside off, turning in. Pujara looks to defend but is struck on the thigh pad. |
| 13.2 : M Ali to Pujara, Pujara uses his feet and clips it through square leg for a single. |
| 13.3 : M Ali to Vijay, Tossed up outside off, Murali waits for it and defends it with an angled bat to first slip. |
| 13.4 : M Ali to Vijay, Tossed up at the stumps, Murali sweeps it aerially over short fine leg. Single taken! |
| 13.5 : M Ali to Pujara, Pujara clips it with the spin through square leg for a single. |
| 13.6 : M Ali to Vijay, Vijay comes down the track and looks to go for a big shot but misses and is hit on the pads. |
| ADIL RASHID comes into the attack. |
| 14.1 : A Rashid to C Pujara, Outside off, driven to deep cover for a single. |
| 14.2 : A Rashid to Vijay, Tossed up around off, pushed to the cover region. |
| 14.3 : A Rashid to Vijay, Makes room and drives it nicely with the spin towards mid off where the fielder puts in a good dive to save runs. |
| 14.4 : A Rashid to Vijay, Outside off, spinning away. Left alone! |
| 14.5 : A Rashid to Vijay, Tossed up on middle, spinning away. Vijay brings his bat and pad together in defense. Stifled appeal for LBW turned down! |
| 14.6 : A Rashid to Vijay, THAT'S A RIPPER! Pitches it outside leg, turns and bounces venomously to beat the outside edge of Vijay's bat. |
| 15.1 : M Ali to Pujara, Pujara plays it with the spin to mid-wicket. |
| 15.2 : M Ali to Pujara, Tossed up on off, Pujara presses forward and blocks. |
| 15.3 : M Ali to Pujara, Tossed up delivery at the stumps, Pujara works it down the leg side for a single. |
| 15.4 : M Ali to Vijay, Quikcer one, Vijay stays back and defends it to leg side. |
| 15.5 : M Ali to Vijay, Shortish delivery, Vijay stays back and defends it. |
| 15.6 : M Ali to Vijay, Vijay comes forward and defends it to short leg. |
| 16.1 : A Rashid to Pujara, Full toss, Pujara clips it to deep mid-wicket for a single. |
| 16.2 : A Rashid to Vijay, On a length on off, spins away. Vijay looks to cut but withdraws at the last moment. |
| 16.3 : A Rashid to Vijay, Vijay pushes it with the spin to covers for a single. |
| 16.4 : Rashid to Pujara, OUT! RASHID STRIKES! Pitches it around leg stump, turning in towards his pads. Pujara stays back to defend but plays down the wrong line and is rapped low on the pads. There is a loud appeal from the English side and the umpire rules it out. Pujara keeps walking and doesn't take the review. It looked close. The replays show that it pitched just outside leg. He should have taken the review! |
| VIRAT KOHLI walks into bat. |
| 16.5 : A Rashid to Kohli, Kohli presses forward and blocks. |
| 16.6 : A Rashid to Kohli, Good shot! Shortish delivery, Virat goes back and pulls it through mid-wicket for a couple. |
| 17.1 : M Ali to Vijay, Quicker one at the stumps, Vijay camps back and defends it. |
| 17.2 : M Ali to Vijay, Shortish delivery, Vijay has it covered and defends it nicely. |
| 17.3 : M Ali to Vijay, On middle and leg, Vijay looks to defend but is hit on the pads. |
| 17.4 : M Ali to Vijay, Shortish delivery outside off, keeps low. Vijay is beaten by it deceives the keeper too. |
| 17.5 : M Ali to Vijay, Vijay stays back and defends it nicely. |
| 17.6 : M Ali to Vijay, Tossed up on off, Vijay presses forward and keeps it out. THAT'S TEA ON DAY 5! |
| Superb session for England. They first rattled up quick runs before declaring, thereby setting the hosts an improbable target of 310 from a minimum of 49 overs. Then, their bowlers tested the Indian batsmen and made two vital strikes to leave the home side under a bit of pressure going into the tea break. Vijay is well set and has his captain for company. Game is still heading for a draw but the hosts should not be complacent. |
| All the England bowlers barring Ansari impressed in the short burst so far. Rashid once again got the ball to turn from uncomfortable lengths and has asked questions of the batsmen. Vijay and Pujara were dropped respectively which can be said as the only blemish by England in this session. Another 8 wickets needed for the tourists to win, India need 261 more and there are 31 overs left in the game. No prizes for guessing where this match is finishing. Join us in a while for the final session of |
| ...DAY 5, SESSION 3... |
| We are ready for the final session of the game. The players and umpires make their way into the middle. Will England take quick wickets and set the cat among the pigeons? Let's see. ADIL RASHID to bowl.. |
| 18.1 : A Rashid to Kohli, FOUR! WAS IN TOTAL CONTROL! Full outside off, Virat comes forward and drives it uppishly through extra cover. The ball races to the fence! |
| 18.2 : A Rashid to Kohli, Full on middle and leg, defended off the front foot solidly. |
| 18.3 : A Rashid to Kohli, Kohli comes forward and negotiates the spin to play it towards point. |
| 18.4 : A Rashid to Kohli, Tossed up around off, driven nicely to mid off. |
| 18.5 : A Rashid to Kohli, Tossed up around leg stump, turning in. Kohli strides forward and defends it nicely. |
| 18.6 : A Rashid to Kohli, On a length at the stumps, Virat stays back and works it to deep mid-wicket for a single. |
| MOEEN ALI to bowl from the other end. |
| 19.1 : M Ali to Kohli, Stretches forward to the fullish delivery and defends it with the spin to forward short leg. |
| 19.2 : Ali to Kohli, Tosses it up on a length wide outside off, turning in sharply. Kohli looks to defend but gets an inside edge onto his pads. An appeal for LBW is turned down! |
| 19.3 : M Ali to Kohli, Outside off, played with soft hands to the covers. |
| 19.4 : M Ali to Kohli, Full just outside off, Virat wrists it to short mid-wicket. |
| 19.5 : M Ali to Kohli, Stays back to the loopy delivery and defends it to leg side. |
| 19.6 : M Ali to Kohli, Pitches it back of a length outside ff, stays low as it spins back in. Kohli goes deep in his crease and works it through mid-wicket for a single. Had he missed that, he would have been a goner! |
| 20.1 : A Rashid to V Kohli, Kohli clips it against the spin through mid-wicket for a couple. |
| 20.2 : A Rashid to Kohli, FOUR! BOTTOM HAND COMES INTO PLAY! Tossed up outside leg, turning in. Kohli makes room and drills it down the ground. The ball races to the fence! |
| 20.3 : A Rashid to Kohli, Kohli works the short delivery against the spin through mid-wicket for a single. |
| 20.4 : A Rashid to Vijay, Shortish on the stumps, tucked through square leg for a single. |
| 20.5 : A Rashid to Kohli, Short and allowing enough time to Kohli to turn it through mid-wicket for a single. |
| 20.6 : A Rashid to Vijay, Pushed to the covers by Vijay. |
| 21.1 : M Ali to Kohli, Tossed up outside off, Virat drives it had against the spin through covers for a single. He is still showing aggressive intent! |
| 21.2 : M Ali to Vijay, Tossed up around off, Vijay looks to drive but gets an inside edge towards mid on. |
| 21.3 : M Ali to Vijay, A touch short outside off, Vijay goes back and cuts it through covers for a single. |
| 21.4 : M Ali to Kohli, Going down leg, tucked behind square leg for a single. |
| 21.5 : M Ali to Vijay, Vijay comes down the track and has to readjust to defend it. |
| 21.6 : M Ali to Vijay, Tossed up outside off, turning in. Vijay comes on the front foot and takes it on the pads. |
| 22.1 : A Rashid to Kohli, Pitches it shortish around off, Kohli rocks back and punches it through the covers for a single. |
| 22.2 : A Rashid to M Vijay, OUT! RASHID IS KEEPING ENGLAND IN THE GAME! Pitched outside leg, spinning back into Vijay. He prods forward to defend but gets an inside edge onto his pads and lobs towards Haseeb at short leg. He bends in front to take a good reflex catch. Crucial breakthrough for England. They still needs 7 wickets to win! |
| AJINKYA RAHANE walks out to bat. |
| 22.3 : A Rashid to Rahane, Full on off, defended nicely off the front foot to the off side. |
| 22.4 : A Rashid to Rahane, Shortish at the stumps, Rahane rocks back and pulls it through mid-wicket for a single. |
| 22.5 : A Rashid to Kohli, The batsman flicks it away with a wristy shot. They pick up a single. |
| 22.6 : A Rashid to Rahane, Slips in a googly around off, turning in. Rahane stays back and defends it and the ball passes behind just near the off stump. |
| 23.1 : M Ali to Kohli, On middle and leg, flicked to the man at short leg. |
| 23.2 : M Ali to Kohli, Straying on the pads, Virat goes back and works it behind square for a single. |
| 23.3 : M Ali to Rahane, Full outside off, Rahane prods forward and defends to silly point. |
| 23.4 : M Ali to Rahane, OUT! Pitches this shortish on the rough outside off, Rahane makes room to cut it through point but the ball spins in appreciably and kisses his pads only to deflect back onto the middle stump. He needed to more careful. Is this the opening te English side needed? They need 6 wickets to win! |
| RAVICHANDRAN ASHWIN is the new man in. |
| 23.5 : M Ali to Ashwin, Back of a length ball, bounces a lot. Ashwin is surprised as he fends it off. |
| 23.6 : M Ali to Ashwin, The batsman plays it with an angled bat and guides it to third man. |
| 24.1 : A Rashid to Kohli, Tossed up at the stumps, Virat presses forward and blocks. |
| 24.2 : A Rashid to Kohli, FOUR! Going down leg, Kohli goes back and nudges it down to fine leg. The ball races to the fence. |
| 24.3 : A Rashid to Kohli, Shortish on the stumps, Kohli stays back and defends it down the track. |
| 24.4 : A Rashid to Kohli, Floated outside off, Virat presses forward and defends. |
| 24.5 : A Rashid to Kohli, Shortish delivery, Kohli rocks back and pulls it hard to deep mid-wicket. Couple taken! |
| 24.6 : A Rashid to Kohli, On a length outside off, spinning away. Virat lets it through. |
| 25.1 : M Ali to Ashwin, Outside off, Ashwin looks to defend it to the off side but gets it from the inner half down the track. |
| 25.2 : M Ali to Ashwin, Tossed up around middle and leg, defends it with the spin towards mid on. |
| 25.3 : M Ali to Ashwin, Shortish delivery spinning down leg, worked to the leg side. |
| 25.4 : M Ali to Ashwin, On a length outside off, Ashwin stays back and defends it to first slip. |
| 25.5 : M Ali to Ashwin, Tossed up outside off, spinning in. Ashwin looks to defend but it hits the pads and lobs over the man at silly point. |
| 25.6 : M Ali to Ashwin, Ashwin defends against the spin to the off side. |
| 26.1 : A Rashid to Kohli, Full outside off, played towards point for a single. |
| 26.2 : A Rashid to Ashwin, Shortish and quicker, going down leg. Ashwin looks to tickle it but misses. A stifled appeal for caught behind turned down! |
| 26.3 : A Rashid to Ashwin, Pitched outside leg, Ashwin pads it away as it is a harmless delivery. |
| 26.4 : A Rashid to Ashwin, Tossed up around off, driven uppishly to the cover region. |
| 26.5 : A Rashid to Ashwin, FOUR! WELL PLAYED! Shortish delivery, spinning away. Ashwin rocks back and cuts it through extra cover for a superb boundary. |
| 26.6 : A Rashid to Ashwin, On a length outside off, defended towards point. |
| 27.1 : M Ali to Kohli, Tossed up outside off, comes forward and defends it with an angled bat to first slip. |
| 27.2 : M Ali to Kohli, Shortish and angling down leg, Kohli covers his stumps and lets it go. |
| 27.3 : M Ali to Kohli, Tossed up around off, turning in. Kohli looks to defend but it gets it from the inner half to the leg side. |
| 27.4 : M Ali to Kohli, Kohli clips this one with the spin to forward short leg. Has to hurry back into his crease! |
| 27.5 : M Ali to Kohli, Kohli stays back and negotiates the spin nicely and defends it. |
| 27.6 : M Ali to V Kohli, Loopy ball just outside off, Kohli gets an inside edge onto his pads past short leg. |
| 28.1 : A Rashid to Ashwin, Ashwin stays back and defends it down the track. |
| 28.2 : A Rashid to Ashwin, Ashwin drives it with the spin to mid off. |
| 28.3 : A Rashid to Ashwin, Slow through the air outside off, Ashwin makes room and drives it wide of mid off. |
| 28.4 : A Rashid to Ashwin, Shortish delivery outside off, Ashwin goes back and punches it through extra cover for a couple. |
| 28.5 : A Rashid to Ashwin, Full outside off, driven through cover-point for a single. |
| 28.6 : A Rashid to Kohli, Kohli stays back to the back of length delivery at the stumps and defends it down the track. |
| 29.1 : M Ali to Ashwin, Tossed up outside off, Ash plants his front foot across and pads it away. There is a loud appeal for LBW but in vain! That was a long way outside off. |
| England have taken a review for lbw against Ashwin. |
| 29.2 : M Ali to Ashwin, THIS ONE IS CLOSE! Tosses it up outside off, turning back in. Ashwin again keeps his bat behind his front pad and is rapped on the pads. The English side appeal in unison but the umpire is unmoved! England decide to take the review! Hawk Eye shows that the impact was around off and it was Umpire's call. So the on-field call stays and Ashwin survives. |
| 29.3 : M Ali to Ashwin, FOUR! SHOT! Full outside off, Ash prods forward and drives it through the covers for a boundary. |
| 29.4 : M Ali to Ashwin, Tossed up around off, Ashwin comes forward and defends. |
| 29.5 : M Ali to Ashwin, Tossed up outside off, Ravichandran comes forward and is hit on the pads. |
| 29.6 : M Ali to Ashwin, Quicker one on off, Ashwin stays back and defends solidly. |
| BEN STOKES comes into the attack. |
| 30.1 : Ben Stokes to Kohli, Back of a length ball outside off, Kohli camps back and taps it to the fielder at point. |
| 30.2 : Ben Stokes to Kohli, Good length ball outside off, Virat waits for it and defends it towards the gully region. |
| 30.3 : Ben Stokes to Kohli, In the channel outside off, holds its line after pitching. Virat comes forward and lets it go. |
| 30.4 : Ben Stokes to Kohli, A bit wider on a back of a length this time, shapes away after pitching. Kohli points his bat skywards and lets it go. |
| 30.5 : Ben Stokes to Kohli, Gets this to nip back in from a length outside off, Virat makes a watchful leave. He is targeting the rough patch. |
| 30.6 : Ben Stokes to Kohli, On a length, hint of shape away with good bounce. Virat is no mood to flirt with those! |
| 31.1 : M Ali to R Ashwin, Tossed outside off, driven firmly towards extra cover. |
| 31.2 : M Ali to Ashwin, Ashwin eases this one against the spin through mid off for a couple. There is no protection in the covers and point. Inviting him to play against the spin! |
| 31.3 : M Ali to Ashwin, Tossed up at the stumps, defended to the leg side. |
| 31.4 : M Ali to Ashwin, Around off, going away with the angle. Ashwin defends it with the spin. |
| 31.5 : M Ali to Ashwin, Ravichandran plays it with the spin to short mid-wicket. |
| 31.6 : M Ali to Ashwin, Tossed up outside off, spinning in. Ashwin again takes his bat behind his front pad as he takes it on the pads. Apppeal for an LBW turned down! The impact looked outside off. |
| 32.1 : Ben Stokes to Kohli, On a length on off, Kohli stays back and defends it down the track. |
| 32.2 : Ben Stokes to Kohli, Fullish delivery swinging in on middle and leg, Virat clips it through mid-wicket for a single. |
| 32.3 : Ben Stokes to Ashwin, Back of a length ball outside off at 144 clicks, shapes away after pitching. Ashwin makes a watchful leave. |
| 32.4 : Ben Stokes to Ashwin, Full length ball outside off, Ashwin comes forward and defends it to the covers. |
| 32.5 : Ben Stokes to Ashwin, Shortish delivery directed at the body, rises with extra bounce. Ashwin fends ar it and gets an edge towards the off side. |
| 32.6 : Ben Stokes to Ashwin, On a length on off, Ash camps back and defends. |
| 33.1 : M Ali to Kohli, Kohli comes forward and defends it to leg gully. |
| 33.2 : M Ali to Kohli, Kohli stays back and defends this one. |
| 33.3 : M Ali to Kohli, Turns in sharply from outside off, angling down leg probably. Virat plants his front foot forward and pads it. Stifled appeal for LBW turned down. Hawk Eye shoes it would have gone down leg and it would have gone over the stumps too. |
| 33.4 : M Ali to V Kohli, Virat wrists it with the spin to long on for a single. |
| 33.5 : M Ali to Ashwin, Shortish delivery outside off, spinning in. Ashwin camps back and cuts it through point for a couple. |
| 33.6 : M Ali to Ashwin, Tossed up outside off, turning in. Ashwin prods forward and takes it on his pads. Stifled appeal for LBW but in vain. |
| Drinks break. Not handshakes just yet as England still feel they are a wicket or two away from exposing the lower order. Cannot fault their thinking either. A tricky passage coming up and this Kohli-Ashwin pair will be key. Dharmasena has signaled the final hour of the game. |
| ZAFAR ANSARI is back on. One hour left, a minimum of 15 overs can bowled. England can bowl more if they can within the stipulated time. |
| 34.1 : Z Ansari to Kohli, Flatter on middle and leg worked away through backward square leg for a brace. |
| 34.2 : Z Ansari to Kohli, Fuller on middle and leg, blocked well off the front foot to short mid-wicket. |
| 34.3 : Z Ansari to Kohli, Drifting in from around off, Kohli reaches out and smothers it to the ground. |
| 34.4 : Z Ansari to Kohli, Floated outside off, reaches out to that one and pushes it to point. |
| 34.5 : Z Ansari to Kohli, Floated on middle and leg, pushed towards mid on. |
| 34.6 : Z Ansari to Kohli, Fuller on off, Kohli jams it back to the bowler. |
| JOE ROOT comes on for the first time in the game. It's been surprising that he hasn't got an over till now. Better late than never as they say. |
| 35.1 : Joe Root to Ashwin, Full and outside off, Ashwin gets forward and blocks it well. |
| 35.2 : Joe Root to Ashwin, Ripper! This is what Root can provide even with his part-time spin. Floated outside off, Ashwin looks to push at it but is beaten totally with the extra bounce. |
| 35.3 : Joe Root to Ashwin, Flatter outside off, blocked well from the crease to the off side. |
| 35.4 : Joe Root to Ashwin, Loopy outside off, defended well from the crease. |
| 35.5 : Joe Root to R Ashwin, FOUR! Slapped away! A bit short outside off, Ashwin gets back and slaps it away to the deep cover fence for a boundary. Fine shot from Ravichandran. |
| 35.6 : Joe Root to Ashwin, Loopy outside off, Ashwin gets well forward and blocks. |
| 36.1 : Z Ansari to Kohli, Floated outside off, punched off the back foot to the covers. |
| 36.2 : Z Ansari to Kohli, Sliding in from outside off, defended well off the back foot by Kohli. |
| 36.3 : Z Ansari to Kohli, FOUR! Fab shot! Slightly short outside off, Kohli won't miss out on such freebies even in such situations. Rocks back and crunches it through extra cover to find the fence. |
| 36.4 : Z Ansari to Kohli, Drifting in from outside off, a bit of spin away as Kohli leaves it alone. |
| 36.5 : Z Ansari to Kohli, Full and outside off, Kohli doesn't offer a shot to that one. |
| 36.6 : Z Ansari to Kohli, Sliding in from outside off, Kohli hangs back and blocks it well. |
| 37.1 : Joe Root to Ashwin, Tossed up outside off, Ashwin drives it firmly to the covers. |
| 37.2 : Joe Root to Ashwin, Drifting in from around off, Ashwin taps it with the turn to short leg. |
| 37.3 : Joe Root to Ashwin, Loopy on a length on off, blocked well off the back foot towards the leg side. Got his bat down just in time. |
| 37.4 : Joe Root to Ashwin, Full and outside off, Ashwin gets on the front foot and defends it solidly. |
| 37.5 : Joe Root to Ashwin, Sliding in from outside off, punched off the back foot to sweeper cover for a single. |
| 37.6 : Joe Root to Kohli, Flatter outside off, Kohli gets back and blocks it out to the off side. |
| 38.1 : Z Ansari to Ashwin, FOUR! Hammered away! Too short and outside off, Ashwin feasts on the width and cuts it away to the deep point fence for a boundary. Very positive batting. |
| 38.2 : Z Ansari to Ashwin, Full and outside off, Ashwin presses forward to that one and blocks it. |
| 38.3 : Z Ansari to Ashwin, FOUR! Fab stroke! A touch short outside off, Ashwin sits back to that one and punches it sweetly through the covers to find the fence. |
| 38.4 : Z Ansari to Ashwin, Floated outside off, no stroke offered to that one. |
| 38.5 : Z Ansari to Ashwin, FOUR! Another boundary! Ashwin's on a roll here. A touch short outside off, sits back to that one and cuts it nicely behind point to find another boundary. He's enjoying himself at the moment. |
| 38.6 : Z Ansari to R Ashwin, OUT! GONE! ENGLAND'S HOPES SOAR AGAIN! Fuller outside off, Ashwin goes for a big drive but cannot keep the stroke down. Finds Root at cover to perfection. Ashwin cannot believe it. India are now five down. Another 10 overs minimum left, England need 5 more wickets. |
| WRIDDHIMAN SAHA walks out to bat. |
| ADIL RASHID is back on. |
| 39.1 : A Rashid to Kohli, Fuller around off, Kohli presses forward to that one and defends it well. |
| 39.2 : A Rashid to Kohli, Fuller on middle and leg, Kohli works it through mid-wicket for a single. |
| 39.3 : A Rashid to Saha, Low full toss outside off, drilled towards the covers. |
| 39.4 : A Rashid to Saha, Floated on a length on off, Saha leans into it and smothers it to the ground. |
| 39.5 : A Rashid to Saha, Quicker ball outside off, chopped towards cover off the back foot. |
| 39.6 : A Rashid to Saha, Drifting in from around off, Saha steps out and jams it to mid-wicket. |
| 40.1 : Z Ansari to V Kohli, FOUR! Smacked! Drops it short on middle, Kohli sits back and pulls it away to the deep mid-wicket fence for a boundary. Fine positive shot. |
| 40.2 : Z Ansari to Kohli, Floated around off, Kohli defends it from the crease. |
| 40.3 : Z Ansari to Kohli, Whoa! What a ball! Pitched on a length around off, explodes and it goes high. No shot offered, it's well over head height and the umpire signals one bouncer for the over. This is a spinner bowling, mind you! Wow! |
| 40.4 : Z Ansari to Kohli, Loopy well outside off, no stroke offered to that one. |
| 40.5 : Z Ansari to Kohli, Drifting in from around off, Kohli gets forward and defends firmly. |
| 40.6 : Z Ansari to Kohli, Fuller outside off, Kohli leans into it and defends it well. |
| MOEEN ALI is back on. |
| 41.1 : M Ali to Saha, Tossed up outside off, Saha presses forward and pushes it past silly point. |
| 41.2 : M Ali to Saha, FOUR! Positive shot! Floated on middle and off, Kohli steps out to that one and lifts it easily over mid on. Finds the fence. Not a shot you would expect in this situation but certainly a high percentage shot. Needs to be careful though. Kohli seems impressed with the stroke. |
| 41.3 : M Ali to Saha, Fuller on middle and leg, worked away to the leg side. |
| 41.4 : M Ali to Saha, FOUR! Top shot! Tossed up wider outside off, Saha leans into it and drives it exquisitely through extra cover to find the fence. |
| 41.5 : M Ali to Saha, Floated well down the leg side, no shot offered to that one. |
| 41.6 : M Ali to Saha, Drifting in from outside off, pushed off the back foot to the off side for a single. |
| ADIL RASHID has a change of ends. |
| 42.1 : A Rashid to Saha, Full toss outside off, Saha leans forward and drills it hard to extra cover. |
| 42.2 : A Rashid to Saha, Flighted on middle and leg, blocked well down the track. |
| They are going upstairs to check for a catch. Doubt is if it is a bump ball. Saha is the man in question. The soft signal is out. |
| 42.3 : Rashid to Saha, OUT! GOT HIM! Soft dismissal but England will take it. Floated outside off, Saha steps out to whip as the ball lobs back at Rashid who claims the return catch. There is some doubt if it is a bump ball or not. The soft signal is out from Dharmasena. It's being referred upstairs. Replays show that it is not a bump ball. Curtains for Saha then. England now just need 4 more wickets. Massive pressure on the Indians now. Minimum of 6.3 overs left. |
| RAVINDRA JADEJA comes into bat. India are in a precarious situation with a minimum of 6 overs left after this. Can Kohli and Jadeja see the challenging situation through? |
| 42.4 : A Rashid to Jadeja, Tossed up around off, Jadeja leans into it and blocks it to the ground. |
| 42.5 : A Rashid to Jadeja, The googly spins sharply away from Jadeja who plays well inside the line of it. |
| 42.6 : A Rashid to Jadeja, Floated up around off, defended firmly off the front foot down the track. |
| 43.1 : M Ali to Kohli, Full and outside off, blocked well from the crease. |
| 43.2 : M Ali to Kohli, Almost a chance! Floated outside off, Kohli pushes at it but gets glove on it. The ball lobs on to his body and just eludes a diving Duckett at silly point. That was very, very close. |
| 43.3 : M Ali to Kohli, Fuller outside off, blocked well off the front foot to the off side. |
| 43.4 : M Ali to Kohli, Slider around off, worked off the back foot towards deep mid-wicket for a single. |
| 43.5 : M Ali to Jadeja, Fired in on middle and leg, Jadeja gets back and tucks it to the leg side for a run. |
| 43.6 : M Ali to Kohli, Drifting in on a length on off, worked off the back foot to short leg. |
| 44.1 : A Rashid to Jadeja, Floated outside off, blocked off the front foot towards first slip. |
| 44.2 : A Rashid to Jadeja, Drifting in on middle and leg, Jadeja works it with the turn to square leg. |
| 44.3 : A Rashid to Jadeja, Floated outside off, defended well from the crease. |
| 44.4 : A Rashid to Jadeja, A touch short outside off, pushed off the back foot through cover for a brace. |
| 44.5 : A Rashid to Jadeja, Drifting in from around off, Jadeja uses his exaggerated stride to block it. |
| 44.6 : A Rashid to Jadeja, FOUR! Slapped away! A touch short and around off, Jadeja goes deep on the back foot and cuts it away towards the deep cover fence. |
| 45.1 : M Ali to Kohli, Flatter on middle and leg, worked away towards the leg side. |
| 45.2 : M Ali to Kohli, Floated outside off, Kohli leans into it and defends it to the covers. |
| 45.3 : M Ali to Kohli, Flighted on middle and off, Kohli works it towards mid-wicket. |
| 45.4 : M Ali to Kohli, Another nervy moment! Loopy off break outside off, Kohli looks to flick it but gets a bat-pad that goes past short leg. Could have gone anywhere. |
| 45.5 : M Ali to Kohli, Sliding in on middle and leg, worked away to the leg side. |
| 45.6 : M Ali to Kohli, Fuller outside off, Kohli leans forward to that one and defends it well. |
| 46.1 : A Rashid to Jadeja, Loopy on a length outside off, blocked off the back foot towards point. |
| 46.2 : A Rashid to Jadeja, FOUR! Shot! Full toss around off, Jadeja leans into it and whips it away through the vacant mid on region for a boundary. He even held the pose after playing the stroke. |
| 46.3 : A Rashid to R Jadeja, FOUR! In the air but nobody out in the deep! Half-tracker this time from Rashid and Jadeja pulls it uppishly over mid-wicket. Mistimed it a bit but doesn't matter. Another boundary. |
| 46.4 : A Rashid to Jadeja, Loopy on a length on leg stump, worked away to the leg side. |
| 46.5 : A Rashid to Jadeja, Fuller on middle and off, worked through mid-wicket for a single. |
| 46.6 : A Rashid to Kohli, Drops it short and down the leg side, Kohli misses the pull. Bairstow takes it well to his left. |
| 47.1 : M Ali to Jadeja, Flatter and short outside off, cut away towards point. |
| 47.2 : M Ali to Jadeja, Fuller outside off, blocked off the front foot towards the ground. |
| 47.3 : M Ali to Jadeja, Loopy off break outside off, no shot offered to that one. |
| 47.4 : M Ali to Jadeja, Full toss and Jadeja whips it away through mid-wicket. Won't make the fence but they will get three runs. |
| 47.5 : M Ali to Kohli, Tossed up outside off, Kohli presses forward to that one and defends it well. |
| 47.6 : M Ali to Kohli, Flatter on middle and leg, worked off the back foot to the leg side. |
| 48.1 : A Rashid to Jadeja, Floated around off, Jadeja stays in the crease and defends it well down the track. |
| 48.2 : A Rashid to Jadeja, FOUR! Clean strike! Floated leg break around off, Jadeja lifts it with the turn over mid-wicket. Good shot and the ball races to the fence for a boundary. |
| 48.3 : A Rashid to Jadeja, Drifting away from around off, blocked from the crease. |
| 48.4 : A Rashid to Jadeja, Fuller outside off, blocked well off the front foot. |
| 48.5 : A Rashid to Jadeja, Googly on the pads, Jadeja works it past short leg. |
| 48.6 : A Rashid to R Jadeja, Tossed up fuller outside off, dug out down to long on. Kohli sends him back, wants to be on strike. |
| 49 overs are done now. But remember, England can bowl till the stipulated time which is about 10 minutes away. England have kept their substitute fielders all near the fence to retrieve the ball back without wasting any time. What brilliant thinking! |
| 49.1 : M Ali to Kohli, Floated on a length outside off, worked with the turn towards short leg. |
| 49.2 : M Ali to Kohli, Flatter outside off, driven to the covers. |
| 49.3 : M Ali to Kohli, Quicker ball on middle and leg, worked off the back foot to the leg side. |
| 49.4 : M Ali to Kohli, Low full toss and Kohli bunts it back to the bowler. |
| 49.5 : M Ali to Kohli, Sliding in on middle and leg, Kohli gets in the crease and blocks it. |
| 49.6 : M Ali to Kohli, Fuller on middle and leg, Kohli works it with the turn to forward short leg. |
| 50.1 : A Rashid to Jadeja, Floated outside off, Jadeja presses forward and defends it well. |
| 50.2 : A Rashid to Jadeja, Fuller on middle and leg, worked through mid-wicket for a single. |
| 50.3 : A Rashid to Kohli, Flatter outside off, Kohli stays back and blocks it well. |
| 50.4 : A Rashid to Kohli, FOUR! Superb shot! Floated on middle and leg, Kohli lifts it nicely over mid-wicket. Clean strike and it trickles away to the fence for a boundary. |
| 50.5 : A Rashid to Kohli, Full and outside off, squeezed out towards point. |
| 50.6 : A Rashid to Kohli, Kohli survives! Tossed up around off, he miscues the lofted stroke but it falls safe at long off. A couple added. |
| 51.1 : M Ali to Jadeja, Short and outside off, cut away towards point. |
| 51.2 : M Ali to Jadeja, Slider outside off, defended well off the back foot to the covers. |
| 51.3 : M Ali to Jadeja, Nearly chopped on! Darted in from outside off, Jadeja goes for the cut but gets an bottom edge that just goes past off stump. |
| 51.4 : M Ali to Jadeja, FOUR! Fab shot! Fuller on middle and off, Jadeja leans into it and thumps it straight down the ground to the fence for a boundary. |
| 51.5 : M Ali to Jadeja, FOUR! Jadeja is having fun! Flighted on middle and off, Jadeja takes on the offie with another lofted shot down the ground. Another boundary to the southpaw. |
| 51.6 : M Ali to Jadeja, Fuller outside off, blocked well off the front foot. |
| In all probability, the last over of the match coming up. |
| 52.1 : A Rashid to Kohli, Tossed up around off, Kohli presses forward to that one and defends it well. |
| 52.2 : A Rashid to Kohli, Loopy around off, Kohli strides forward and defends. |
| 52.3 : A Rashid to Kohli, Fuller on middle and off, worked away to mid-wicket for a single. |
| Kohli and Cook are having a chat. Yes, the handshakes are out. That's officially the end of the first Test of this lengthy 5-match series between India and England. MATCH HAS BEEN DRAWN. |
| It turned out to be a cracker of a match in the end. A half an hour earlier declaration may have seen the English side sneaking in a victory. Rashid weaved his magic around and took three crucial wickets to put immense pressure on India. Other bowlers played the perfect foil to him and kept the batsmen on their toes. Virat Kohli was the one who stood like a thorn and steered the home side to safe lands and Jadeja enjoyed himself in the end. |
| Earlier in the match, England batted superbly to notch up 537 on the board. They rode high on the back of centuries from Root, Ali and Stokes. Indian bowlers were made to toil hard on a good batting track. Jadeja was the most successful with three wickets. |
| India came out and gave a solid reply with the bat. Pujara and Vijay stitched together a marathon 209-run stand and hit brilliant centuries. Ashwin down the order, batted intelligently with the tail and scored a brilliant half century to take India close to 500. However, India conceded a lead of 49 to the visitors. Rashid was the star as he produced a brilliant display of spin bowling to take four wickets. Woakes tested the Indian batsmen constantly with his disciplined lines and lengths but was |
| When England came back to bat, the openers were solid and positive in their approach. Cook and Hameed stitched together a mammoth 180 run-stand before the latter tried to up the ante and missed out on his century on debut. However, Cook carried on and it was a special century that helped England set a target of 310. England had a go at the hosts with 49 overs remaining in the day. They just fell short by four wickets to register what would have been a magnificent victory. |
| ALASTAIR COOK says that it was a really tough five days. Felt that the toss was vital but adds that execution was more crucial. Says that he is proud of his team, especially the bowlers who didn't let India's batsmen to score quickly. Praises the debutant for the second innings half century. Reveals that the declaration timing was done in such a way that only they could win the game. Mentions that the track was really flat for the first three days and then started to take spin gradually. Feels t |
| VIRAT KOHLI feels that the ending was a bit tense but it was also a good opportunity for his side to learn new aspects of the game. Mentions that such mentally testing phases are crucial for a side to succeed as a top team. Adds that India could have done better in the first two days, especially in fielding where several catches were dropped. States that the catching cost his side a lot. Praises England for the strong performance and insists that they never take the visitors lightly. Doesn't fee |
| MOEEN ALI (MAN OF THE MATCH) feels that it was a really good pitch. States that he enjoyed batting with Root. Adds that England prepared well for this series with the matches in Bangladesh. Says that he has consciously tried to improve his bowling in the last 3 years. Opines that he can still get better. Lauds his spin partners for not letting the Indian batsmen off the hook. Hopes that they can keep it going throughout the series. States that he is happy with the overall performance of his side |
| That wraps up the formalities of the first Test. It looked like an off-beat drama for the first four days but today was certainly an action-packed thriller towards the end. The next Test begins in Vizag on 17th November. Do join us for that one. Action starts at 0930 IST. Until then, it's goodbye from us. |
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