Last Updated on 6 years by Charbel Coorey
If you had enough of watching at Tea time, you missed out on what Test Cricket can serve up.
A massive credit to India on day one of the fifth Test. With England both sides battling away, including just one wicket in 63.2 overs in a fruitful bowling series for India, the time was prime for England to get ahead on a good batting track. Facing criticism for picking four bowlers on this pitch, Kohli needed his men to step up.
And so they did.
Day one showed how far India have come as a bowling side away from home, and how England are still finding things difficult with the bat. This time, the top order set up a platform, albeit slow, and the middle order crumbled. Alastair Cook played well, but unfortunately couldn’t get three figures, which would have been great to see.
On another note, the highlight of Joe Root’s series has been lifting both arms up for a review, and then seeing it is a poor one. You can also put the shake of the head up there as well, which has been in greater prominence than the runs he has scored, unfortunately.
Careful. Joe Root might review that statement.
So what does day two have in store for us?
Will England’s late order stand up again?
Sam Curran is not at the crease, which is a relief for India.
But, they need to be wary with Jos Buttler at the crease. With England 198/7, India will want to knock England over for 220, but with Buttler’s capabilities, such a desire can only be fulfilled if the right intensity and discipline is maintained.
Also, Adil Rashid is no slouch with the bat, and with two Test fifties to his name, it’s an opportunity for him to make a mark on a series where has been nearly as quiet as a mouse. Can he creep up and scare India?
Will India’s batsmen prove the selection committee correct?
Karun Nair was controversially left out of the Indian side for this one. With Hanuma Vihari on Test debut, can India’s top order get going and test England’s patience with the ball?
KL Rahul is being persisted with by India, and he needs to step up. India will be hoping Shikhar Dhawan can get a start and then get a decent score. Can Pujara and Kohli repeat their last game efforts? What about Rahane, who was good in the second innings at Southampton, and the middle/lower order, who have been underwhelming in the series?
Day two is a huge opportunity for India to go a long way to winning this Test.
Can England’s seamers be as patient as India’s?
It is not everyday you question whether England’s pace bowlers can match India, especially at home.
But credit to India’s bowlers for putting on a really committed show yesterday.
This pitch tells us that wicket taking can be challenging, but a new batsman coming in might find it a little challenging at first. Can England maintain pressure on any new batsman, coupled with regular wickets? If they can, India won’t be getting a very big lead, if at all.
I pondered over whether to play Alastair Cook, but didn’t, much to my disappointment!
With bowling to play a key role for my team, day two promises to be important, with Ben Stokes, Jonny Bairstow and Sam Curran flopping with the bat (damn). Interested to see what day two holds.
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My verdict and prediction
Most definitely India’s day after being asked to bowl on a pretty good batting strip.
I think England will get to 250 with Jos Buttler the key, and then India will end the day at about 200/5.
We shall see! Thanks for reading.
