India vs England 2016: 4th Test, Day 3 - 5 Talking Points
The third day of a Test match often turns out to be the moving day wherein both teams tend to start thinking about the finish line. Resuming at 146/1, India had their task cut out even as a strong weekend crowd thronged the Wankhede Stadium in fervent anticipation.
England were given a huge lift when Cheteshwar Pujara shouldered arms to the second delivery of the day. But, Virat Kohli came together with Murali Vijay to carve out a 116-run stand and set the stage for a huge first-innings total. While the opener was dismissed after scoring 136, the skipper ended the day unbeaten on 147 even as India’s lead grew to 51.
Here are five of the most fascinating talking points of the third day’s play in Mumbai.
#5 Cook’s tactics under the microscope
During their Test series against Pakistan at UAE last year, England often found themselves at sturdy positions but still could not translate them into something on the score line. The same issue has cropped up in this series as well with a reluctance to take risks coming in their way.
After failing to capitalise on a massive opportunity in Rajkot, Alastair Cook continued to cling on to his conservative approach on a day that demanded a more proactive outlook. He waited for 20 overs before bringing on the leg-spinner and inexplicably kept him on for quite a long time once the horse had bolted.
Despite defending a formidable first-innings total, the 31-year old let slip yet another possibility due to his unwillingness to rotate the bowlers.