"If Anyone Can Save England From Losing the Match, It’s Joe Root"– VVS Laxman

Former Indian batsman VVS Laxman has no qualms in admitting that Team India are firm favorites to win the first Test match against England unless Joe Root has a say. If India can get quick wickets on Day 4 and bring Root to the crease early, they will be far ahead in the contest, according to Laxman.

Root top-scored for England in the first innings with 64, while the rest of the batsmen looked all at sea against India’s quick bowlers. In a conversation with ESPNcricinfo regarding the state of the match, Laxman said:

“India is definitely in the driver’s seat. There’s no doubt about that. 95 runs is a substantial lead and when England won the toss and batted first – they ended up getting only 183. So you can understand how important that is from India’s point of view.”

“But it’s all about those early wickets and getting Joe Root to the crease as soon as possible. If anyone can save England from losing this Test match, it’s Joe Root. He’s the only one to look in total control. The other batsmen looked very susceptible against the moving delivery and India has four quality fast bowlers who look in good form.”

“It won’t be realistic to bowl England out in 60-70 overs like the first day” – VVS Laxman

If Day 3’s last few overs are anything to go by, the pitch has eased out and the batsmen look comfortable on it. The sun was beaming down as well which made batting a bit easier. Neither Jasprit Bumrah nor Mohammad Shami could extract much from the pitch. Taking that into consideration, Laxman felt India need at least 90 overs to bowl the hosts out.

Going into Day 4, England trail India by 70 runs in the second innings, with both openers Dom Sibley and Rory Burns looking composed.