Can Rahul and Pant seize back the initiative?
India 97/0 to 112/4 within 7 overs and England is back in the match after being dismissed for paltry 183. For first couple of hours on second day morning, Rohit and Rahul played very watchful , cautious cricket. Raised hopes for a century opening stand on a foreign soil after a long time. But on his 36, after all the hard work of the morning, Rohit failed to control his favorite pull shot - on a well directed bouncer by Robinson. 97/1 - Lunch. Post lunch hour it was all James Anderson and England show. The veteran struck two blows - dismissing Pujara 4 and Virat on 0 on very first ball. Virat Vs Anderson battle resumes - 1st round to Anderson. Rahane unnecessarily looked under pressure to start with. Escaped close run out at very start , but was not lucky second time on 5. K L Rahul, last choice as opener is holding one end with 52 not out when play had to be stopped thrice for bad light and rain. Pant after a couple of deliveries stepped out to to lift the ball over cover. If maverick Rishabh stays for a few hours playing with proper shot selection, the match can be turned fully in India`s favor. Bad light and rain resulted in 33 odd overs of play possible with couple of start - stops. With ongoing 14th Anderson over unfinished for more than 2 and half hours.
So it`s up to Rahul, Pant followed by Jadeja and Shardul to seize back the opportunity provided by excellent Indian bowling. Could be very decisive for the match. This makes it very interesting to see on third days morning.
- Vivek Ketkar
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