Chris Woakes’ swashbuckling century has put England in a good position at stumps on day three of the second Test against India at the Lord’s Cricket Ground.
Meanwhile, Woakes made a scintillating return to Test cricket giving his team a 250-run lead. However, with two days left and the overcast conditions, the onus will be on India to save the match.
Chris Woakes returned to Test cricket for England after recovering from injury in place of Ben Stokes. Stokes, who bowled a magical spell to hand England a win in Edgbaston missed this Test due to a court hearing.
Earlier on day two of the Test, Woakes picked up the prized wicket of Virat Kohli before finishing with bowling figures of two for 19.
And then, the all-rounder returned on Saturday to smash a brilliant century and build a 180-run partnership with Jonny Bairstow. They took England to a good position, as they finished off the day with 357 runs at the loss of six wickets.
Chris Woakes, with his unbeaten 120, made his way up to the Lord’s Board of Honour for both his batting and bowling heroics at the venue.
However, India will look to salvage this Test into a draw following England’s domination so far. And VVS Laxman and Harbhajan Singh reckon India can end the match on a draw if the weather stays on their terms.
Rain can only save India – Harbhajan Singh
The off-spinner feels a draw is the only possible result possible for India from this situation. However, for that, India will have to bat out of their skin, and they have failed to show intent so far in this series.
“A lot of it is dependent on the weather. I think rain is the only thing that can save them. India needs to bat out of their skin. So far we have not seen the intent or them batting as well as they can do,” Harbhajan said to Sky Sports.
Harbhajan Singh also noted that England should declare in the morning, and they can bowl India out within 250.
“If I was the English captain, I would bowl first thing in the morning as with 250 on the board they have a great chance, especially with the bowlers they have. I think they can win in two and a half sessions,” he added.
England should declare tomorrow morning – VVS Laxman
Speaking to ESPNCricinfo, VVS Laxman admitted England should take a bold decision and declare. He also feels with the bowlers in hand they skittle India within that total.
“I feel Joe Root should take a bold decision and declare tomorrow, especially with the weather around and 250 runs and four fast bowlers to get India’s wicket. It would be pointless in being in a formidable 250-run lead and then ending the match in a draw,” Laxman said.