It all started with Ishant Sharma’s important break-through of in-form Sam Robson which later resulted in the collapse of the English batting line-up. His three wickets within a span of ten overs were adequate to cause dent in the home team’s batting line up. Ishant would have also gained immense confidence from this bowling spell as for some time he had missed that nip in his bowling which he has been best known for. He is the most experienced fast bowler in this team and he played like one today. The Delhi-lad made full use of the old ball and once he found his rhythm, he ensured that English batsmen weren’t comfortable at the crease.
One also cannot take credit from young Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Mohammad Shami, who fittingly supported their senior counterpart from the other end. The three fast bowlers have shared nine wickets amongst themselves, which shows how good the performance has been from the Indian fast bowlers on a wicket which has been rated as a batting paradise and has little for the bowlers.
Joe Root’s unbeaten 54 run partnership with tail ender James Anderson for the last wicket would definitely be frustrating for India, and they need to get rid of it as early as possible in order to have a lead of at least 90-100 runs.
