Ind vs Eng, 1st Test: Another absorbing day of test cricket comes to an end. England has bossed over India so far in the first test match of the four match test series. England posted 578 in first innings, and in reply India could only manage 337 runs. However, the visitors were all out for 178 in the second innings which took the total lead to 419 runs. India lost a wicket early in the fourth innings in the form of Rohit Sharma. Once again, hitman failed to provide a solid start to team India and his current form is the biggest concern for Indian team at the moment. At the end of 4th day, Ind is at 39-1.
When Rishabh Pant got out who was well set and playing at 91, India’s score was 225-6. Washington Sundar and R Ashwin then crafted a brilliant partnership for the 7th wicket and India somehow managed to score 337 runs. Washington Sundar remained not out at 85 runs.
Surprisingly, England didn’t enforce the follow-on and had an extremely attacking mindset in the 3rd innings but Indian bowlers did an amazing job to restrict them to 178 runs.
R Ashwin and test-fifers is a love affair that many bowlers would envy. He is now on the 8th spot of the list of most fifers in test cricket. Ashwin struck on the very first ball of the 4th Innings when Rory Burns edged a sharp ball to slip region to Rahane.
Ishant Sharma became the 3rd Indian pacer to get 300 scalps in test cricket. Also, the slowest bowler in the world ever to do so.
Chasing 150+ in the fourth innings, 9 out of the last 12 times under Kohli’s captaincy India has lost the test match. A draw and only two wins. India still needs 381 runs to win this test match. If India manages to do so, it would be India’s highest successful run chase in its test cricket history.
