XtraTime Web Desk – Just like Ajinkya Rahane predicted, the pitch was indeed turning a lot from day one itself. Hitman Rohit Sharma had no problem with it whatsoever. Along with Ajinkya, he helped India put on 300 runs at the end of the day.
Youngster Shubman Gill was dismissed early on. He wanted to leave the ball which eventually struck to his knee and the umpire had no confusion regarding the decision and he was given out. Pujara then came on to bat. Rohit by then started playing well and looked set. He scored a quick half-century but that’s on Pujara got out.
Pujara was batting on 21 when Jack Leach dismissed him. Captain Virat Kohli then came to bat and to his horror, Moeen Ali picked his wicket in a manner that Virat Kohli couldn’t believe. The ball turned so much that Kohli couldn’t do anything. He was dismissed for 0.
After losing 2 quick wickets, Rohit slowed down his innings and along with Rahane made 162 run partnership to bring India back into the game. Rohit made a brilliant century and just when everyone felt that he’s once again on his way to 200, he got dismissed.
Going for the sweep shot, he was caught by Moeen Ali and a beautiful innings of 161 runs came to an end. Rahane as well got out pretty soon after that. He made 67 runs when Ali dismissed him. Ashwin was picked by Root on 13.
Rishabh Pant and Axar Patel was batting when the umpires called it a day. Rishabh is batting on 33 while Axar is batting on 5. If they put another 60-70 runs on board, India will have a great chance to put England in a lot of pressure specially when the ball is turning so much.