India v England - Day 1 - 1st
Test, Chepauk, Chennai
England with strong foundation for
big total
After winning the toss and happily choosing to bat first England is in very strong position with 263/3 at the end of day one in first test at Chepauk, Chennai. After a cautious start by openers almost up to lunch England lost 2 wickets in succession at 63. Ashwin broke the opening partnership in 24th over. Burns 33 -63/1. Bumrah struck immediately to send no. 3 Lawrence on same score. Post lunch also Joe Root and Sibley continued with cautious approach especially against main Indian bowlers- Ishant, Bumrah and Ashwin. Accumulating 73 runs for no loss in second session. Post tea Root playing in his 100th test was in his elements. The elegant English captain scored excellent century and still batting on 128.Both batsmen added 200 runs for the third wicket, with a very important partnership. With 123 runs in the last session. Just during last over of the day Bumrah removed opener Sibley on 87, to bring back a bit of smile back on Indian faces. But with free flowing Root and dangerous Stokes, Butler and Pope to follow, England is hoping for a very big score of 500 plus. Let`s see if India can able to restrict them or not?
Earlier in the morning left arm spinner Shahbaz Nadeem`s sudden inclusion came as a bit of surprise to everyone. Axar Patel got injured and lost a chance to play test. Washington Sunder got the nod ahead of Kuldeep Yadav. Poor Kuldeep - who was successful in his last played test with 5 wickets, at Sydney 2 years back, has to sit out again. Who was almost a certain and hopeful for the first test. But In spite of playing at home, India chose to go for Sunder considering his batting, at no.7.After Australia, India continues to be hopeful with selection from reserve, probably thinking that England may struggle against left arm spin bowling. Let`s see how it turns out to be this time.
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