England vs India 5th Test, Day 1 Tea Report: England Consolidate on Position of Strength, Cook Nearing Farewell Century

It was another stubborn display of batsmanship by the England batters as they managed to go through to the last session of the opening day’s play without the loss of any further wickets. Keaton Jennings who was dismissed in the first session remains the only wicket taken by India in the match so far. They missed a couple of easy chances of both the batters.

Alastair Cook edged a full-length delivery from Ishant Sharma straight to Virat Kohli. However, he grasped it. Moeen Ali was also dropped by Ajinkya Rahane. It was not a straightforward catch. However, in Test cricket, you expect your best slip fielder to take the catch.

Alastair Cook who is playing his final Test looks well set to score his 33^rd and final Test century. Though he hasn’t looked anywhere close to his best, the southpaw has played some impressive shots and might harbour hopes of finishing his career with a memorable century. Moeen Ali played out the burst from the fast bowlers quite well.

However, the Indian bowlers have made sure that the English batsmen don’t run away with the game. They have bowled in the right areas without much success. In 59 overs of the day’s play, England has only managed to score 123 for the loss of a solitary wicket. Cook is currently batting on 66 of 177 deliveries. He has smashed 8 boundaries in the process.

On the other hand, Moeen Ali has batted for 102 deliveries for his score of 23 runs. The only wicket-taker for India in the innings has been Ravindra Jadeja. He bagged the wicket of Keaton Jennings.

Brief Scores 

England  123/1 in 59 overs (Alastair Cook 66*, Ravindra Jadeja 1/36