England vs India 5th Test: Gautam Gambhir Reckons Hosts Are in a Strong Position

Out of favour Indian opener Gautam Gambhir stated Jos Buttler and Stuart Broad has helped England put themselves in a commanding position. He further added that it would take a significant effort from India to make a stunning comeback in the match.

England managed to score 332 in their first innings courtesy a brilliant 89 by Buttler. He shared a splendid stand of 98-run with Broad for the ninth wicket. The partnership was the sole reason which allowed England to post a challenging total on the board.

“Obviously it was a very disappointing day for India yesterday. First Jos Buttler and Stuart broad for putting up the batting display which they did. Especially Jos Buttler putting the total around 300,” Gambhir said in Gauti’s column for the Times of India.

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“Yet again batting disappointed for India big time. I thought it was a decent wicket to bat. The ball was swinging. No doubt about it but some of the batters who got starts couldn’t convert. I think Virat Kohli on 49 and then Pujara getting a start, KL Rahul getting a start couldn’t covert it. The only difference between the two sides are that when Alastair Cook got a start, he scored 70 and Buttler ended up scoring 89,” he asserted.

Gautam Gambhir feels Buttler and Broad has proved to be the difference between England and India:

Gambhir felt that it was the innings of Buttler and Broad which proved to be the difference between the two sides in the end.

Gambhir also lauded the likes of James Anderson and Broad who was quite brilliant. They bowled in the right lines, and the Indian batters yet again fell to their trap.

After getting off to starts, Virat Kohli, Cheteshwar Pujara and KL Rahul were dismissed to see the Three Lions made a strong return.

“So I think that has been the difference. It was very disappointing, but I think the England bowlers were magnificent, especially James Anderson and Stuart Broad. So I feel now it will be a massive challenge for India to win the Test or even compete in the match. Looking forward to the 3^rd day. India has a daunting task on hand. Because they still trail by 158 runs and they have the last the recognized pair with Vihari and Jadeja in the middle,” he further added.

Currently, Hanuma Vihariand Ravindra Jadeja are at the crease. They will surely look to get some runs under their belt and get off to a good start on day three of the fifth and the final Test.

Gambhir felt that the duo would at least look to share a 50-run partnership and then take it from there.

Gautam Gambhir feels the duo of Vihari and Jadeja will look to get some runs in the morning session on Day 3

“They will surely look to get a partnership. Anything above 50 odd and then try and decrease the lead as much as possible. Again I feel England is in a commanding position. But all in all, India will look to get as many runs as possible and cut down the lead. Probably then have a bowl at England and get them out as early as possible,” he stated.

“But it looks like a very difficult task. But again anything can be possible in cricket. We have seen in the series how things can change within a span of 5 overs. The Indian bowlers have done that in the past. But now it will be a challenge. They are 5 Test matches old, and the body will be tiring as well. They haven’t got enough rest. So coming back and bowling with the same passion will be a challenge,” Gautam Gambhir added.

“But let’s see what happens. All in all, England is in a commanding position. I think they can actually dominate the Test match. India has got a massive task cut out. If they have one of two good sessions today, anything can happen. But England will dominate the Test match,” the former left-hander concluded.