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Best 5 players in the 1st England vs India Test | Ranking the top five players in the first England vs India Test at Trent Bridge
Given the frequency in which the English rain plays spoilsport, cricket fans across the globe are not necessarily angry, but disappointed. The way things panned out over the course of the first Test, it shaped as a blockbuster fifth day and cracking finish to the Test.
Rain played spoilsport and had the last laugh, but we did get to see 249.4 overs of exhilarating Test cricket. India managed to get rid of the tail quickly for once, and the Indian tail also managed to get a few runs on the board. Also, James Anderson dismissing Virat Kohli for a first ball duck has certainly added another element to the series and fans are in for a intense battle over the next four Tests.
Here are the top five players who made the most impact in the first Test:
5. Ravindra Jadeja
Ravindra Jadeja turned out to be a big difference in the middle order for India. Playing as a batting all-rounder, Jadeja has been instrumental at number 7 for India in the past 12 months and Nottingham was no different.
His 56 made a world of difference and helped KL Rahul at the other end to bat to his strengths. The sixth wicket partnership of 60 between he and Rahul saw India cross England’s total, which proved to be very helpful in setting a platform for the tailenders.
4. Ollie Robinson
From not believing that he will play cricket for England anymore to grabbing his first Test five-wicket haul, Ollie Robinson looks all set to have a long England career if he keeps his current form going.
India were looking all set for a big score in the first innings, with Sharma and Rahul looking comfortable. Importantly (and ironically) Robinson struck for his first wicket courtesy of a Rohit pull shot. With wickets at regular intervals, Robinson made sure India did not get a huge first innings lead and restricted them to 278.
3. KL Rahul
Another positive for India was resurgence of KL Rahul, the Test batsman. There were certainly doubts amongst fans when Rahul was picked to be Rohit Sharma’s opening partner, but he put those doubts to rest thanks to a well-constructed 84 off 214 deliveries in the first innings.
Just like Joe Root, Rahul saw his batting partners collapse like a house of cards but maintained his calm, and with Jadeja saw to it that India gained the upper hand in the Test.
2. Jasprit Bumrah
Fans could argue that Bumrah was right up there to get the Player of the Match with nine wickets in the Test along with his crucial 28 that dragged India’s lead to 95.
The biggest positive for India was Bumrah returning to his bowling best. He was on the mark right from the get-go, and created the chances that India crucially held. With a fiery Bumrah getting the Dukes ball to hoop around, it is going to be tough on the English batters who are not in the best form to negate his bowling. Indeed, we might get to see a big series from Bumrah.
1. Joe Root
Without a doubt, Joe Root was the biggest difference between India wrapping the Test before the rain got in their way. His hundred, which was his first at home since 2018, helped England post a respectable second innings score and set a target of 209 for India.
With that ton, Root also overcame the frustration of his first innings dismissal, where he was not able to kick on and make a big score with wickets tumbling around him. With 173 runs across the two innings in the Test match, he deservingly won the Player of the Match award.
Even though these 5 players proved to be the difference for their respective teams, it is worth mentioning other performances especially from James Anderson who grabbed a 4-for in the first innings and Mohammed Shami who took 3-28 in the first innings.
If rain does not play anymore spoilsport, fans across the world are set to experience an enthralling series and a fierce battle between the two teams.
Written by Nash Sant. Follow Nash on Twitter today.
