INDIA vs ENGLAND 1st TEST REVIEW

England came India after losing to Bangladesh and India began the series after sweeping aside New Zealand. Moreover, we are the No. 1 ranked team in the world. Though we knew it wouldn't be a walk in the park, but you expect more from your team when they are the best ranked side in the world. Credit goes to England, the way they played Ashwin & co. it looks pretty clear that in next match India needs to be more sharp in their strategies and tactics.
Test ended in a draw, but England will be oozing with confidence after the performance they gave in  this Test.

ENGLAND OWNED THE DAY

It was English domination over India. They began the day with a lead of 163 runs, without any fear of losing the match both the openers played confidently. Hameed reached his fifty yesterday and Alastair Cook began the day on 46*. As the play started, Cook completed his fifty. They showed real character against the Indian spinners not giving them any chance. There were some half hearted appeals but nothing happened. Indian team desperately wanted a wicket, their desperation was visible when they reviewed some clear not-out instances. Both the batsmen were scoring runs at almost similar pace. It was Amit Mishra's delivery which Hameed hit hard and straight into his hands thus giving India the first breakthrough. He got dismissed at well played 82. The motto was clear, England wanted to score quick runs and give India a target with significant number of overs remaining. After Hameed, Joe Root gave away his wicket trying to sweep the ball. Mishra took two in quick succession.

                                                                                                                                                                 
                                 

But it was Alastair Cook's show on the fifth day of the Test match as he completed his 30th century in Tests, going past Alan Border, also most by an England batsmen. He has scored five tons against India, he completed 1000 runs against India in India and 2000 runs overall. Cook's temperament and self confidence was remarkable.

England finished first session on 211/2. 

England came out firing after lunch. Both Stokes and Cook scored quick runs. Cook hit 3 boundaries in Mishra's over. He got out trying to hit Ashwin out of the park. Jadeja took his catch and with his wicket England declared the innings at 260/3 and gave India a target of 310 runs.

INDIA WOBBLED BUT SOMEHOW GOT THROUGH

Indian team knew the pressure was on them and they have to bat sensibly. As feared, India lost their first wicket without opening the scoring as Gambir edged the ball to slips off a Chris Woakes' delivery. England thought if they could pick another wicket quickly they could give themselves a chance of an unlikely win. Pujara and Vijay continued the innings at a slow pace. Just before tea, Pujara was given lbw off a Rashid ball. He missed the leg spinner and was caught right in front. He had the chance to review it but he didn't.
 On came Virat Kohli. India were 49/2 at tea.

After tea India had to play another 30 overs. Virat Kohli knew the importance of his wicket and so he was not taking any risks. Just 19 runs were added to the total, Murali Vijay misjudged the line from Adil Rashid and edged the ball with Hameed taking the catch. Boy, Hameed having some debut.
Just 8 balls later Ajinkya Rahane played an awful shot to give away as his wicket to Moeen Ali. He got bowled, again.

India were in real danger after losing two quick wickets.
R. Ashwin came out to accompany skipper Kohli in the middle with 25 overs still left to play.
Cook set up an attacking field not giving India any space to breathe. Ashwin and Kohli remained calm and kept their cool not giving England bowlers any chance.
There was an appeal when Ashwin was caught in front of his wicket, as the original decision was not-out they reviewed but it was turned down as it was umpire's call.
Cook tried different tactics to get Indian batsmen out.
In 39th over of the match, Ashwin hits 3 fours to Zafar Ansari, all he had to do was defend but played an awful shot and was caught by Joe Root, thus opening the door for England again.
But as long as Virat Kohli was there, England chances faded away. Even after losing Saha as 6th wicket. Jadeja and Kohli kept hanging themselves in the middle to play out a draw.
India finished 172/6 in 52.3 overs and both captains shook hands.

The first test ended in a draw but it has set up the series nicely. Beware India, this England team will not be your cup of tea.


©sportskafun.blogspot.com