After having dismissed the English men for under 250 runs, team India were in the driver’s seat one thought after the first session of play in which the two veterans piled on runs with ease, style and elegance.
Soon after the first session India lost the wickets of Sachin who was caught fending at a delivery which was swinging away from him and Raina with a trail of 70 odd runs. Yuvraj singh along with Dravid put on a partnership of 128 runs to make sure India took a lead of English men. Yuvraj singh had a chance early when he was let off by KP in gully went to score 62 runs and gave a solid stance in the partnership.
After letting off the opportunity given by Yuvraj when he was yet to score, was also given too many easy pickings by the English as the faster bowlers were replaced by spinners who were less effective and it was not a wise move by Strauss to bring on the spinners when everyone knew Yuvraj somehow does not like the quickies especially with swing.
India having surpassed the tally of English men went to tea with 213 runs on the board with Rahul Dravid and Yuvraj Singh undefeated. India were on course to post a lead of more than 150 runs is what was expected at this time of play with Yuvraj Singh finding gaps with ease and Rahul stroking his majestic shots.
It was the last session of play after Tea, Rahul Dravid scored yet another century in this test cricket to equal the record of the legendary ‘Sunny’ Gavaskar with some gorgeous, elegant and picture perfect cricketing shots. Then came the new ball and Stuart board who were the real star of the day went to produce a magical spell scalping not only 4 wickets but also stumbled the India team with his hat trick. India soon realized that they don’t have much as lead in their kitty after being exposed by Board’s magical spell with only 67 runs ahead.
English had eleven overs to see off the day and lost the early wicket of Alistair Cook when he looped one to the gully. England saw off the remaining overs with ease and went back to their hut with one down for 24 runs and trail by 43 runs.
It has been the last session which has been playing the spoil sport for Team India in the test series and it should also be stated it is the brilliance of the English bowlers to exploit the swing that they get with the new ball and the lack of concentration by Indians which they could have easily avoided on day 2 by not losing the flurry of wickets considering two set batsmen at the crease.
It is very interestingly poised at the moment with both the teams on course to put on a stage which will decide the series as it is a game where one would definitely have a result and won’t be a draw unless it rains. A lot will depend on Team India fast bowlers on how they bowl in the first session of play where the bowl will swing and with some clouds in Nottingham as predicted in the forecast.
It’s time for team India to pull their socks and tighten the screws to win this battle to level the series.
Cheers...TRAK!!!
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