ENG vs IND 4th Test: Ollie Pope was impressive on day 2. While Chris Woakes half-century takes England to take 100 runs first-innings lead. Umesh Yadav was also effective for India as he takes 3 wickets.
England lower order a pain for India.
Umesh Yadav struck twice at the start of day 2, giving India a chance to take the first-innings lead. The nightwatchman Craig Overton ( 1 run from 12 balls ) was the first one to depart caught at first slip. Dawid Malan ( 31 runs from 67 balls, 5(4) ) was also out in a very similar fashion in the 2nd slip. It was looking promising from the Indian point of view.
However, Ollie Pope and Jonny Bairstow stabilized the innings with an 89 runs partnership. The partnership was looking real dangerous and no way to break it. Then came Siraj with his inswinging delivery to trap Bairstow ( 37 runs from 77 balls ) in front.
Moeen Ali was at the crease and he too built a nice partnership with Pope. Pope brought his 50 in 92 deliveries. India was getting desperate to take wickets but it was not easy for the bowler as the pitch was getting nicer to bat on.
It happened for India from out of the blue. Moeen Ali ( 35 runs from 71 balls, 7(4) ) tried to take charge against charge to get caught at short extra cover. It looked like the end of England innings but Chris Woakes had other ideas.
Woakes replicated Shardul’s innings.
Ollie Pope ( 81 runs from 159 balls, 6(4) ) playing so well until Thakur made him chopped onto his stumps. A well-played innings from the young man. England was leading by 59 runs at that point of the game.
Robinson ( 5 runs from 6 balls ) was the next batter to depart trying to go big against Jadeja. Slog sweeping on a full ball to get knocked.
Woakes took the innings by storm. Smashing 50 runs from just 60 balls which included 11 boundaries. Annoying for team India. Nothing was coming together then a miraculous moment took place. Woakes ( 50 runs from 60 balls, 11(4) ) and Anderson ( 1* run from 12 balls ) miscommunicated while taking a run and Woakes was runout.
England lead by 99 runs.
Bowling Figures: Umesh Yadav: [ 19-2-76-3 ], Jasprit Bumrah: [ 21-6-67-2 ], Ravindra Jadeja: [ 17-136-2 ], Shardul Thakur: [ 15-2-54-1 ], Mohammed Siraj: [ 12-4-42-1 ]
India survives day 2 with no wickets loss ENG vs IND.
KL Rahul and Rohit Sharma see of the day not out. Although there was a moment or two where India could have stumble but luck belonged to India.
As an Indian fan, I will hope India continues the run flow and make a big score too. India closes the day 43-0. Rohit Sharma ( 20* ) & KL Rahul ( 22* ).
Watch the highlights of ENG vs IND 4th Test day 2. here.
