Agency:
A second double hundred in the last 5 innings for skipper Joe Root coupled with an attacking 82 by Ben Stokes were the highlights of the second day’s play of the series opener in Chennai. England, resuming on Day 2 at 263 for 3 ended at 555 for the loss of 8 wickets. It is England’s third-highest total in the first innings in a Test match in India and the highest in 36 years. The visitors are in a commanding position with the runs on the board to dictate the course of play over the next three days.
The day started with Jasprit Bumrah and R Ashwin bowling a good first spell but without any real help and purchase from the wicket. Ishant Sharma continued to impress but could not find a way to get an early wicket. Root and Stokes grew in confidence with the latter playing the role of the aggressor. Ashwin dropped Stokes – a tough caught and bowled chance – when the all-rounder was on 31.
He was given another reprieve in the very next over when Cheteshwar Pujara dropped one off the bowling of Shahbaz Nadeem. And he made India pay! Root soon registered his third 150-plus score in his last 5 innings while Stokes got stuck into Nadeem to register a quick half century off just 73 balls. The left-arm orthodox bowler bowled better today getting some turn and sharp bounce from the wicket.
The day started with Jasprit Bumrah and R Ashwin bowling a good first spell but without any real help and purchase from the wicket. Ishant Sharma continued to impress but could not find a way to get an early wicket. Root and Stokes grew in confidence with the latter playing the role of the aggressor. Ashwin dropped Stokes – a tough caught and bowled chance – when the all-rounder was on 31.
He was given another reprieve in the very next over when Cheteshwar Pujara dropped one off the bowling of Shahbaz Nadeem. And he made India pay! Root soon registered his third 150-plus score in his last 5 innings while Stokes got stuck into Nadeem to register a quick half century off just 73 balls. The left-arm orthodox bowler bowled better today getting some turn and sharp bounce from the wicket.
