ENG vs IND, 1st Test, Day 2: Virat Kohli's Hundred Keeps India in the Game

Team India skipper Virat Kohli smashed a magnificent century which ensured that day two of the Edgbaston Test between England and India finished on an even note. Meanwhile, Virat Kohli hit a sensational 149 which bettered his total runs in the 2014 Test series in England.

In a quest to complete his maiden Test ton in England, Virat Kohli got dropped twice as well. However, he made full use of the lost chances and stormed his way to a breathtaking knock. Further, he ensured India reached a competitive score of 274 in the first innings after reeling at 100 for five at one point.

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Earlier, England began proceedings on day two with the last pair Sam Curran and James Anderson. They were 285/9 and wanted to get close to the 300-mark. However, it was a perfect delivery from Mohammed Shami which ended England’s innings on 287.

India began the innings with Shikhar Dhawan and Murali Vijay. Both the batsmen looked in good touch and played some delightful shots. They shared a 50-run stand between themselves which seemed to take India to a comfortable position. However, it was Sam Curran, the left-arm seamer who helped England claw their way back into the match. He bagged the top three quite cheaply, as India were reduced to 59/3.

Virat Kohli smashes a breathtaking century 

Vijay, KL Rahul and Shikhar Dhawan were all back in the hut in quick succession. From there on, t was a brief little partnership between Kohli and Ajinkya Rahane which got India back into the game.

However, it was Ben Stokes who provided the much-needed breakthrough in the form of Ajinkya Rahane’s wicket. Dinesh Karthik also fell in quick succession, as a full-length delivery from Stokes castled him.

Virat Kohli and Hardik Pandya got reprives in successive deliveries. Kohli was fortunate, as Dawid Malan missed a sitter. Hardik was also put down on the next ball.  The duo started taking advantage of the dropped chances and began building a solid partnership. However, it was Sam Curran again who trapped him right in front with a brilliant delivery.

From there on, it was a one-person show, as Virat Kohli thrashed the England bowlers all around the park. He stormed his way to his 22^nd Test century. However, it was the 49 runs after the century which helped India claw their way back into the match. His innings of 149 came in just 225 deliveries which studded with 22 fours and a solitary six.

India eventually made 274 runs which were just 13 short of the England 1^st innings total. To add insult to the injury, it was a great delivery from Ravichandran Ashwin which sent England’s Alastair Cook back to the pavilion at the end of day’s play.

To be precise, it was an action replay of the 1^st innings. The ball pitched outside leg and turned sharply to take the top of the off stump. England is currently 22 runs ahead with a wicket down.

Brief Scores 

England 1st innings 287 all-out in 89.4 overs (Joe Root 80, Jonny Bairstow 70, Ravichandran Ashwin 4/60, Mohammed Shami 3/64)

India 1st innings 274 all-out in 76 overs (Virat Kohli 149, Sam Curran 4/74)

England 1st innings 9/1 in 3.4 overs (Keaton Jennings 5*, Ravichandran Ashwin 1/5)

England lead by 22 runs