India vs England: A day which could well decide the series
It’s been an enthralling series so far. Even though, the score line reads 2-1 in favor of England, there is nothing to separate the two teams. The first Test match at Edgbaston went right down to the wire. In the second at Lord's, India were a touch unlucky with weather conditions not favouring their batsmen and bowlers; and in the third match, the visitors completely outplayed the hosts.
The score line itself does not reflect the performances of the teams. So far throughout the series, India have done a very good job and find themselves in a position to win two Test matches in a series in England since 1986.
The fourth Test so far has moved like a pendulum. Both England and India have had their moments in the match, but have not been able to capitalize it. India had England on the ropes at 86/6 on day 1 after losing the toss. It was Sam Curran again to England’s rescue and he played a counter attacking innings and took the fight to India. England were eventually bowled out for 246, but India had lost all the momentum by then.
India then, were in complete control of the match at 140/2 on day 2 and would have been eyeing a lead of at least 100-150 runs. The middle order capitulated and from being in a commanding position, India were down and almost out at 195/8, still trailing England by 51 runs. Though this is not a sizeable figure, on this pitch, it would be very handy. England were on top up until that moment, and then began to lose the plot while bowling to Pujara and Ishant Sharma. James Anderson, undoubtedly one of the best swing bowlers in current times, was coming around the wicket and bowling bouncers to Pujara!
Sometimes teams get a bit carried away in such situations and as we have seen in so many matches, once the bowling gets wayward, the tail begins to wag. Pujara was the rock and foundation of the Indian innings. Along with Bumrah and Sharma, he added 78 precious runs and India managed to eke out a slender lead of 27.
Needless to say, Day 3 is vital to this series. The team that wins this day will most likely win the series. The pitch is drying up and a lot of rough has been already created by the bowlers. Moeen Ali would be a big threat to the Indians having picked up 5 wickets in the first innings. He would be even more dangerous on a day 4 and 5 pitch and would be able to exploit all the rough that would have been created by the time he comes in to bowl. The delivery that got rid of Bumrah, shot up from a good length and therein lies the unpredictable bounce which would make it extremely difficult for the team batting last.
If England are able score about 250-300 runs in the third innings, they will have a great chance to win the match. India would not be comfortable chasing a target of 200+. Even though, India’s batsmen have shone individually, at different moments in the series so far, chasing down a target of 200+, would need a cohesive effort.
Ravi Ashwin might have a huge role to play on a spinning wicket. Restricting England to a modest score, would only be half the job done and then the batsmen have to come to the party. If India, manage to win this Test, the series would be set up beautifully at 2-2 with all to play at the Oval and India would have the momentum going into the final match.
As a wise man once said, in cricket, one can’t look very far ahead, you have to take it session by session. We are in for some fascinating action over the next three days and undoubtedly today could well decide the fate of the series.