England vs India, 4th Test: Gautam Gambhir Terms Day Three as 'Important Day of the Series'

Out of favour Team India opener, Gautam Gambhir remarked India allowed England to claw their way back into the 4^th Test at the Ageas Bowl in Southampton on Friday (August 31).

India had England on the mat when they were batting. However, 20-year-old Sam Curran struck a sensational 78 to lead England’s comeback. With a score of 246, England looked confident.

However, Virat Kohli and Cheteshwar Pujara batted superbly and shared a 92-run stand to take India on top.

However, the English bowlers made a stunning comeback. Moeen Ali bagged a five-wicket haul. If it had not been for Cheteshwar Pujara, India would have conceded a lead to England.

But, he scored an unbeaten 132 and ensured Indian team took a slender 27 runs lead.

“Everyone was expecting especially when Kohli and Pujara were batting that India would end up getting 350. If India got to 350, they would have taken the game away from England. Day 3 today is perhaps the most important day of the series. It is very even stevens. If India can bowl well, they can get back into this game. But if England bats well they will end up winning the series. So this is probably the most important day of the series,” Gambhir said during his interaction with the ToI.

Gambhir feels that the English batting is too vulnerable and the Indian bowlers have bowled well so far in the series.

“The bowlers would be hoping to replicate their performances and have another good day. I think India lost the advantage yesterday. But all depends on how the bowlers bowl today. Good performances from either side will decide the fate of the series,” he added.

“If the Indian bowlers can produce another good performance, they will definitely be in the match. But if England bats well they will end up winning the series. So I think this is the most important day of the series,” Gambhir added.

In conclusion, it won’t be an easy job for visitors to bat fourth on this pitch.