ENG vs IND 2018: 3rd Test, Day 1: Lunch Report

England bounced back after an excellent start from India in the morning session of day one of the third of the five-match Test series at Trent Bridge.

Meanwhile, India made three changes going into this game to keep this series alive. Rishabh Pant became the 36th wicket-keeper to make his debut for India in place of Dinesh Karthik. Furthermore, they brought in Jasprit Bumrah and Shikhar Dhawan in the team. Murali Vijay and Kuldeep Yadav made their way out.

England skipper Joe Root won the toss and quite likely chose to field first on a grass-filled wicket. Things looked grim for India, who didn’t had a single fifty-run partnership in the last game at Lord’s.

However, much to the contrary, Indian openers Shikhar Dhawan and KL Rahul gave India a good start. They tactfully tackled the dangerous bowling pair of James Anderson and Stuart Broad. Dhawan looked more aggressive of the duo playing some good looking shots.

There were instances when it missed the edge or fall short, but Indian openers showed more intent. They left the ball outside off and cashed in on the loose deliveries. Rahul also joined the party driving a few through the cover cordon. Soon the visitors reached to the fifty run mark, their highest opening stand in this series.

When it looked like India will finish this session on top, man-of-the-match from the last game Chris Woakes drew the first blood for England. It was short-pitch delivery from Woakes just outside the off-stump. A late away movement found Dhawan’s edge while he tried to tap it for a single.

Chris Woakes had his second victim in the form of KL Rahul. He bowled an inswinger after a couple of outswingers which nips into Rahul’s pads. Rahul started walking back only before Cheteshwar Pujara stopped him and insisting for a review. It was a complete waste as it showed three red lights in the replay.

Since then, the duo of Virat Kohli and Pujara looked solid and confident except for one or two occasions. England skipper Joe Root wanted a review against Kohli only to lose it.

However, Woakes was once again on his duty when he removed Pujara in the last over before lunch to England ahead in the game. It was a no shot from Pujara as he pulled one in the last over only to find Adil Rashid at the deep backward fine leg.

As a result, England wins the first session riding on Chris Woakes brilliant spell to finish the session at 82 for 3.

Brief Score: India 82/3 (Dhawan 35, Woakes 3/18)