England vs India 2018, 3rd Test, Day 4, Lunch Report - Fast Bowlers Dominate First Session

The splendid time for team India continues in the 3rd Test against England at Trent Bridge. The stunning display of fast bowling by the Indian bowlers saw all the top four English batsmen walking back to the pavilion in the chase of 521 runs.

England started the day requiring 498 runs for the victory but unfortunately stood on the wrong side of the things. The lovely seam up deliveries from the fast bowlers and the impressive slip catching kept India ahead in the game.

Ishant Sharma breaths out the fire with the new ball:

Though Alastair Cook and Keaton Jennings looked rock-solid by stumps on day three, the duo failed to cope up with Indians on day four. The lanky Ishant Sharma drew end card to both the openers in a quick succession.

Ishant Sharma looked exceptional with his bowling right from the first ball. His wobble sem left the southpaws in a surprise. In one of those deliveries that hesitated to swing, Keaton Jennings found the edge of it only to hand an easy catch to Rishabh Pant.

The miserable run for Alastair Cook also continued alongside Keaton Jennings. It was the 11th time, Ishant Sharma dismissed Alastair Cook in his career. The former England skipper edged Ishant to KL Rahul at second slip.

Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami joins the party:

Meanwhile, Joe Root and the youngster Ollie Pope tried to balance the ship for England. They both paired up to stitch 30 runs for the third wicket. However, Jasprit Bumrah has the other ideas in mind.

He induced an edge from Joe Root’s flashing blade which was superbly caught by KL Rahul at the second slip. Rahul had a great time at slips, as he caught everything which came on his way.

Meanwhile, the youngster, Ollie Pope too followed his skipper in quick succession. He failed to drive Mohammed Shami through covers who ended up giving a catch to Virat Kohli at the slip cordon. The Indian skipper caught it superbly as well.

However, at the end of the lunch session, it was Jos Buttler and Ben Stokes who were batting on 19* and three*, respectively. India requires six wickets to win while England needs 437 runs to seal a historic victory.

Brief Scores:

1st innings

India – 329-all-out;   England – 162-all-out.

2nd innings

India – 352/7

England –  84/4 ( Jos Buttler 19*; Ishant Sharma 2/24, Shami 1/16)