text:
Jadeja and Ishant have India believing
England 319 and 105 for 4 (Root 14*, Moeen 15*) need another 214 runs to beat India 295 and 342 (Vijay 95, Jadeja 68, Bhuvneshwar 52)
Scorecard and ball-by-ball details
Fifteen overseas Tests, and more than three years, have elapsed since India last won a Test outside their own country, but they will barely be able to curb their excitement that the run is about to end. England, without a win in their last nine Tests, look as vulnerable as a family of hedgehogs crossing a motorway: four down, their captain dismissed once more, threats wherever they look, still 214 short of their victory target.
From the moment that Ravindra Jadeja implanted India's authority with a half-century of unbridled passion, England's new era looked as troubled as ever. If there was one contented Englishman in the ground it was Mick Hunt. After the horrors of Trent Bridge, the groundsman has produced a surface to abet enthralling cricket.
England will pray there is a final twist but only the great West Indies side of 1984, who famously reached 344 for 1, have ever successfully chased a fourth-innings total at Lord's in excess of the 319 laid before them.
Alastair Cook's latest stressful contribution brought 22, 93 deliveries met with utmost suspicion, before England's troubled captain pushed hesitantly at a ball of decent line from Ishant Sharma and edged behind. His captaincy is under scrutiny, his runs have dried up and his senior players are not delivering. As he walked up the pavilion steps, some MCC members averting their eyes, Andy Flower's warning sprang to mind: "Things will get worse before they get better."
It took some time before England's second innings began to subside, assisted a little perhaps by some captaincy by Dhoni that was not as much funky as psychedelic. There were too many early bowling changes to quite comprehend, the sight of sharp, leaping turn persuaded him to major, prematurely perhaps, on Jadeja's slow left-arm which Cook met calmly (the fact that Dhoni stood back to Jadeja was particularly idiosyncratic), and finally he settled on the sort of persistent, full-length seam bowling that has put India on the verge of winning the Test. The spinners could still have the final word for all that.
Sam Robson did fall to spin - a marginal lbw decision for Jadeja before tea - but it was pace which caused three England wickets to fall for two runs in 19 balls. Gary Ballance shuffled to 27 before poking Mohammed Shami to the keeper, Ian Bell was bowled by a low one from Ishant Sharma (there again, he does seem to receive rather a lot which makes you wonder) and then Cook's introspective innings ended, replaced no doubt by introspection behind closed doors. Moeen Ali needed a slice of luck or two to survive with Joe Root until the close.
For much of this England disarray, Jadeja deserved the credit. Ever since India laid charges against James Anderson for an alleged kerfuffle with Jadeja during the Trent Bridge Test, he has become the bete noire in a resentful England dressing room. He responded with a hustling innings of 68 from 57 balls, a first Test fifty by a batsman in his 10th Test, encouraged not just by his continued ire about the Anderson incident but an instinctive recognition that, in his case, attack is assuredly the best form of defence.
He charged the fast bowlers from the outset, a high-risk strategy which succeeded in making England's pace bowlers draw back their lengths to a culpable degree, needed a change of helmet when Anderson struck him flush on the grille, and a bandaged finger when Liam Plunkett interrupted one foray by rapping him on the finger. England dropped him once - Ian Bell failing to hold a sharp chance off Ben Stokes at midwicket when he was 67 - but by then it felt too late.
Jadeja's mood was encapsulated by a ferocious front-foot pull against Stuart Broad before lunch which rattled into the midwicket boards. On a rare occasion after lunch that Anderson did bowl one in his half, the result was a fulsome lofted straight drive. He might have been accelerating India's innings in the closing phases of a one-day international.
India, four down overnight with a precarious lead of 145, luxuriated in adding a further 173 in 40.1 overs. The eighth-wicket stand between Jadeja and Bhuvneshwar Kumar brought India 99 in 17 overs. Sixty-five of those came in the first eight overs after lunch with the second new ball still hard and shiny.
Cook's faith in his two senior bowlers, Anderson and Stuart Broad, went unrewarded as Anderson in particular repeatedly resorted to the short stuff after lunch. Plunkett adopted a similar tactic from around the wicket - by then things were so desperate such a ploy seemed understandable - without avail before Stokes finally broke through.
Stokes defeated Jadeja's on-the-charge pull, Cook taking a skied catch running back from slip, but the memory remained implanted of Jadeja's bat twirling celebration after he had reached his 50, a circus master's display which England observed in stony-faced silence.
Anderson's sledging has been virtually non-existent in this Test but when Jadeja survived an lbw appeal on 28, courtesy of a thin inside edge, the Burnley Lip could not resist a curt sentence or two. Perhaps they can chat again on Tuesday, in the formality of an ICC enquiry.
After Jadeja's departure, India's innings folded. Moeen had Mohammed Shami caught at the wicket for nought and Bhuvneshwar was last out, edging to second slip, but not before he had completed another half-century in a productive series. Joe Root might have caught him at fourth slip, on 2, but he was standing so close a fast chance blew through his hands.
Until Jadeja threw their calculations into disarray, England were initially congratulating themselves on a productive morning. The second Investec Test was making eyes at them. M Vijay's resistance ended on 95 - the third over with the second new ball - when he pushed at Anderson and edged to the keeper, a rare error of judgment in an innings spanning more than six hours.
India had 17 overs at start of play until the second new ball and, in making 58, lost Dhoni and Stuart Binny along the way. Dhoni scraped 19 from 86 balls, his slowest Test innings of any substance, before Plunkett exposed his uncertainty outside off stump and Bell held a fast, shoulder-high catch at second slip.
A brief recourse to Moeen's off spin accounted for Binny, out for nought, attempting to launch Moeen down the ground but falling to an excellent running catch, over his shoulder, from Cook at mid-off. The captain could claim double credit for bringing him on and holding the catch. With India's lead only 179 and six wickets down, it felt like a turning point. At the close, it felt like a turning point no longer.
David Hopps is the UK editor of ESPNcricinfo
Comments have now been closed for this article
Randolph on July 21, 2014, 14:40 GMT
You know you are in serious trouble when ishant is running through you. The English fans, despite antagonizing Aussie fans for only having one player who whitewashed them in the Ashes (Johnson), would no doubt love a home grown spearhead like him, who could tear through sides.
Dummy4 on July 21, 2014, 12:37 GMT
I seriously don't understand this match. The pitch is helping both for batting and bowling. Two teams middle order have struggled and bottom played well. Both the team's bowled good and bad in bits and pieces. Are these team's bating is strong or the bowling is weak. I Seriously couldn't predict anything from this.
S on July 21, 2014, 12:33 GMT
Match in the balance again! Root and Prior will have to take their team through the new ball, which is due in 4 overs and isl likely to be taken when due.
Still plenty of batting to come for England - Prior, Stokes, Plunkett, Broad and Anderson. All of them have at least a Test fifty (Plunkett got his 55* in the previous innings). And especially the last 3 are in good batting form. But Root, Prior and Stokes (from whom a big score is due) will have to get the team close enough to the target first. Stokes has done well with the ball in this Test (2-40 and 3-51) and also in the previous Test (2-81) but still will be under pressure if he has to bat with the target 100+ ruins away.
So, a lot depends on the 6th wicket partnership. England will be looking to go to tea around 250-260 without losing any wicket. And India will aim to get the 6th wicket before 200-220.
All in all, a great hour (or two or three!) of Test cricket in store for cricket fans!
Android on July 21, 2014, 12:29 GMT
Ishant Sharma steps up to the plate when Kumar and Shami not delivering. Hallmark of a good Team. If we can workout the Team balance of the additional bowler/spinner/batsmen then we have some good times ahead.
Android on July 21, 2014, 12:23 GMT
Ali was out plum LBW yesterday to Jadeja but Dharamasena reckoned it hit him outside offstump. So its good to see the back of him finally. It opens up one end nicely and now hope Stokes and Prior play true to their form.
Tanmay on July 21, 2014, 12:16 GMT
Indian fan here....dont know whether India will win or not but Dhoni has been terrible with his bowling options...Stuart Binny doesnt get even 1 over...& Bhuvi with 125kph bowling with an old ball...Jadeja- he is an ODI bowler who at most will block one end....India should have gone with Amit Mishra for this series...Ishant & Shami with their pace looks the ones who can India this test but you never know with one of Prior, Stokes, Broad & Plunkett plays an attacking innings, game lost for India...
also i am noticing a lot of England supporters wanting Bell to be dropped....i just want them go back to last summer when he was thrashing Australia all around the park...Bell going through bad patch...wont take long before he gets back in form...also Team India need to consider pace of Aaron in next test...
Android on July 21, 2014, 12:10 GMT
Ishant Sharma has been Indias best bowler this session except the over which went for 14 .Bhuvi was ineffective .Jadeja was also great .If Ishant and co had another set of players in the slip cordon and in close catching positions England would be at least 7 down if not more .Advantage england though that last ball has India still hoping .Dhoni has to continue with Ishant and Jadeja after lunch .It would be better if we had the wicket of root .Root and the Indian bowlers will be key in the next session .This is a proper test match .Great stuff.
saradindu on July 21, 2014, 11:56 GMT
India Going the same way as in South Africa at Jo'Burg . I think England will win .
Jehaan on July 21, 2014, 11:54 GMT
This England India test has reached an exciting stage and what has made it great for us television viewers is the emergence of Saurav Ganguly as another classy and knowledgable commentator , in the same mold as people like Nasser Hussein and David Lloyd .
Hamish on July 21, 2014, 11:49 GMT
@IMCG67: To my mind your 11:16 should have been a 'featured' contribution to draw increased attention to it and seed debate. I agree that an England win will let the selectors off of the hook for one more test. My proposed team at 10:50 had Buttler and Jordan in, but I think Ali batting lower down frees up his stroke play element, à la Gower. I offered Briggs as a spin option as he steps up to the big occasion well and can 'dry up' an end for his captain; something I believe Warne drummed into him. Bottom line re Cook? I don't think he will go.
Randolph on July 21, 2014, 14:40 GMT
You know you are in serious trouble when ishant is running through you. The English fans, despite antagonizing Aussie fans for only having one player who whitewashed them in the Ashes (Johnson), would no doubt love a home grown spearhead like him, who could tear through sides.
Dummy4 on July 21, 2014, 12:37 GMT
I seriously don't understand this match. The pitch is helping both for batting and bowling. Two teams middle order have struggled and bottom played well. Both the team's bowled good and bad in bits and pieces. Are these team's bating is strong or the bowling is weak. I Seriously couldn't predict anything from this.
S on July 21, 2014, 12:33 GMT
Match in the balance again! Root and Prior will have to take their team through the new ball, which is due in 4 overs and isl likely to be taken when due.
Still plenty of batting to come for England - Prior, Stokes, Plunkett, Broad and Anderson. All of them have at least a Test fifty (Plunkett got his 55* in the previous innings). And especially the last 3 are in good batting form. But Root, Prior and Stokes (from whom a big score is due) will have to get the team close enough to the target first. Stokes has done well with the ball in this Test (2-40 and 3-51) and also in the previous Test (2-81) but still will be under pressure if he has to bat with the target 100+ ruins away.
So, a lot depends on the 6th wicket partnership. England will be looking to go to tea around 250-260 without losing any wicket. And India will aim to get the 6th wicket before 200-220.
All in all, a great hour (or two or three!) of Test cricket in store for cricket fans!
Android on July 21, 2014, 12:29 GMT
Ishant Sharma steps up to the plate when Kumar and Shami not delivering. Hallmark of a good Team. If we can workout the Team balance of the additional bowler/spinner/batsmen then we have some good times ahead.
Android on July 21, 2014, 12:23 GMT
Ali was out plum LBW yesterday to Jadeja but Dharamasena reckoned it hit him outside offstump. So its good to see the back of him finally. It opens up one end nicely and now hope Stokes and Prior play true to their form.
Tanmay on July 21, 2014, 12:16 GMT
Indian fan here....dont know whether India will win or not but Dhoni has been terrible with his bowling options...Stuart Binny doesnt get even 1 over...& Bhuvi with 125kph bowling with an old ball...Jadeja- he is an ODI bowler who at most will block one end....India should have gone with Amit Mishra for this series...Ishant & Shami with their pace looks the ones who can India this test but you never know with one of Prior, Stokes, Broad & Plunkett plays an attacking innings, game lost for India...
also i am noticing a lot of England supporters wanting Bell to be dropped....i just want them go back to last summer when he was thrashing Australia all around the park...Bell going through bad patch...wont take long before he gets back in form...also Team India need to consider pace of Aaron in next test...
Android on July 21, 2014, 12:10 GMT
Ishant Sharma has been Indias best bowler this session except the over which went for 14 .Bhuvi was ineffective .Jadeja was also great .If Ishant and co had another set of players in the slip cordon and in close catching positions England would be at least 7 down if not more .Advantage england though that last ball has India still hoping .Dhoni has to continue with Ishant and Jadeja after lunch .It would be better if we had the wicket of root .Root and the Indian bowlers will be key in the next session .This is a proper test match .Great stuff.
saradindu on July 21, 2014, 11:56 GMT
India Going the same way as in South Africa at Jo'Burg . I think England will win .
Jehaan on July 21, 2014, 11:54 GMT
This England India test has reached an exciting stage and what has made it great for us television viewers is the emergence of Saurav Ganguly as another classy and knowledgable commentator , in the same mold as people like Nasser Hussein and David Lloyd .
Hamish on July 21, 2014, 11:49 GMT
@IMCG67: To my mind your 11:16 should have been a 'featured' contribution to draw increased attention to it and seed debate. I agree that an England win will let the selectors off of the hook for one more test. My proposed team at 10:50 had Buttler and Jordan in, but I think Ali batting lower down frees up his stroke play element, à la Gower. I offered Briggs as a spin option as he steps up to the big occasion well and can 'dry up' an end for his captain; something I believe Warne drummed into him. Bottom line re Cook? I don't think he will go.
Dummy4 on July 21, 2014, 11:47 GMT
India again not learning it's lessons. It happened in SA and then NZ. They let the opponent off the hook in matches that they should have won. Indian players talking too soon. They are unable to close out games. In fact while batting they should have gone for another 1 hour and set the target beyond 350. They don't have a Warne or Murali or Kumble or Akram, or Ambrose or McGrath ... so they must be very careful.
Paulo on July 21, 2014, 11:47 GMT
I still don't see how England have much chance in this game. Root has grit and Ali talent, but both haven't been too convincing.
England's tail is long. Stokes and Prior out of form. Broad irresponsible batsman. Anderson and Plunkett have recently scored their best test scores therefore are due a low score.
India have also bowled outstandingly this match and series.
India will win. Guaranteed.
Ian on July 21, 2014, 11:16 GMT
I have mixed feelings about the potential outcome of the game part of me wants England to win, but fear that if they do it will allow the selection committee a chance to look over the deficiencies in facets of the team despite being out played by India for much of this test in conditions that were supposedly in our favour. To my mind the type of pitch is a distraction to what is wrong as class bowlers learn to take wickets in all conditions(Steyn in Sri Lanka ?)and when bowlers(like Ishant)work tirelessly to get wickets in the sub continent it is going to be "easier" for them too if the ball is bowled in the right areas. The fact it is the bowling wasn't right on the first day and only the players will know whether that was them or the direction given by the captain. The reality is Cook needs to step down as captain, Buttler needs to take the gloves, Jordan needs to replace Stokes and we need a genuine spin option with Ali moving to opener - NO changes will result in the same old story
Android on July 21, 2014, 10:53 GMT
Virat Kohli has a history of dropping important catches. I wouldnt keep him in close catching positions.
Roderick on July 21, 2014, 10:50 GMT
The chances of Cook being dropped are minimal, but to my mind Bell and Prior have to go, and Robson is quite simply out of his depth. At the moment I believe Broad senior would bowl better than junior, so there's a change needed there too. My team? Cook, Lyth, Ballance, Ali, Root, Woakes, Buttler, Jordan, Plunkett, Anderson, Briggs
san on July 21, 2014, 10:34 GMT
After having witnessed hundreds of slip/keeper catches go down for India for the simple reason that they stand deep (most recent from Dhawan), I want to see at least one put down due to them standing a little up to the stumps, similar to Root's miss last innings...
It takes a lot to induce that nick.... and thy squander it by standing deep... How different it would have been if Dhawan took that Root's catch... in such a crucial junction.. and I still see him standing deep.. whats the rational?
I can see India losing the plot here... on the way to a nerve wrenching heart break... Hope India regroup soon and get some wickets before it is too late.
rob on July 21, 2014, 10:06 GMT
@ Rajshekar Gudapaty: I've seen several posters mention an historic win. Maybe a first win for India at Lords? I'm not sure but it sounded like that could be the case. Anyway, other than that, what's your point?
Dummy4 on July 21, 2014, 10:05 GMT
I see India winning this one very easily! England look very weak against spin and the ball is really ripping from the rough!!!
Cricinfouser on July 21, 2014, 10:02 GMT
I know an swinging allrounder.His name is chandrasekhar ganapathy.His batting average in one Ranji trophy was 78 and his bowling average was 24 in same Ranji trophy.Since Indian condition is not suitable for swing and being slightly out of form in next season with bat he was dropped and never got another opportunity in Ranji trophy. He has also played one IPL match for CSK and bowled one over in which he was hit for six in last ball and didnot get to bat. See his profile in Cricinfo.
Dummy on July 21, 2014, 9:53 GMT
The presence of ind and eng means all 3 results are possible. Eng have o confidance, indians have struggled to finish off opponents and both captions like almost everyone else have defence 1st mindset. Draw might be unlikely given the amt of tlme but seems likely given the recent past
Doppel on July 21, 2014, 9:53 GMT
India were in similar situation both in SA and Newzeland and they couldn't deliver and I dont see high hopes for this one too. The only situational diffrence is that in the earlier matches India were in such commanding position that loss was out of equation (Barring SA last innings heroics), well cushioned in a max to max possibility of a draw. But here draw is out of equation. If India can manage to win this match certainly they will will end the jinx , but if they cant, it will be all the more demoralizing coz this time they dont even have the cushion of draw...they will LOOSE
Anjana on July 21, 2014, 9:47 GMT
India deserve to win this match. Indian youngsters have taken the responsibility in difficult situations to get their team out of trouble and move in to a winning position. A good lesson for Sri Lankan youngsters who have given the match away to South Africans easily.
R on July 21, 2014, 9:46 GMT
@cod&chips… yes to finally get rid of bell, he has terminally been found out (like kp was).. and yes to Lyth and possibly yes to Taylor… but you are throwing out 2 bowlers with over 600 test wickets? And bringing in woakes and kerrigan? and Robson is certainly no better than Compton, very timid but you want to keep Robson? Apart from Bell, the problem lies with the culture and the culture comes from Moores Farbrace and Saker. Saker has been presiding over the slow demise of Eng bowling for the last 18months… He finished off Finn who had one of the best strike rates going, has wobbled Jordan and has ruined Broad & Anderson, 2 top 5 bowlers with over 600+ test wickets… Bringing (these or any) new players in to this current culture and expect them to beat Oz next year, or even India this year, is a pipe dream…
Android on July 21, 2014, 9:40 GMT
I am just listening to some pre match analysis on sky. What I can't understand is why is England making Prior play if he has all those injuries? Isnt the most sensible and obvious thing is to give Prior time to heal? Its not like he is the Captain like Dhoni and hence cannot be rested or dropped. It will be amazing if England show some gumption and rest Cook and Prior for the next game. It will mess up India's plans and can only make England stronger.
Dummy4 on July 21, 2014, 9:39 GMT
Posted by dunger.bob on (July 21, 2014, 8:52 GMT)
Nobody is talking about history here. What is the present condition of the match??? Histories are being made each day!! wake up and talk about current ENG vs IND match. If you keep digging histories none can make a history for future.
rob on July 21, 2014, 9:39 GMT
@ JG2704 : It's a sad day when an Aussie holds out more hope for England than an ardent Eng. fan like yourself lol. . A few other posters have nailed it. A lot depends on the first session this morning. It's crucial that you survive it unscathed. If you can can, the target should be under 200 and it's game on. .. I like young Joe Root. He had problems on the front foot in Aus. but he'll be a better player for the experience. We know he can go big, it's just a matter of consistency and I firmly believe he can do it. .. I also strongly believe that he should be your next captain. Anyone who can make Dave Warner take a swing at them in a bar has got to be captaincy material imo. All jokes aside, I'm serious. He's your man.
Android on July 21, 2014, 9:35 GMT
if england com with positive think den thay can .today is no chance fo a draw
Bob on July 21, 2014, 9:33 GMT
Let's be honest... to all intents and purposes England have "lost" this game. They have been out-bowled, out-batted and out-captained by a team who all the experts predicted were the hot favourites to lose. That's the nub of it and any result other than an Indian victory will simply paper over the obvious cracks in the England team. If these players and backroom staff represent the future of English cricket, we can look forward to many more disappointments. It'll be very interesting to see if the selectors make any changes for the next match.
Henry on July 21, 2014, 9:20 GMT
@dunger.bob: hardly offensive at all, well not to me anyway. In an earlier post today, I raised a similar point - namely the context applicable to this series with particular regard to the state of the English side at present. I did not mean any offense to either side in that post, and haven't received any negativity so far. Just my take on things as I see them, and a reminder for myself also to keep an eye on the bigger picture.
PS. in response to an older post in a thread that is likely now closed - interesting back story about the resurgence of M. Johnson. I had heard that Lillee was involved in the rebuilding of your bowling behemoth, but wasn't completely aware of the circumstances. Thanks for fleshing out some of the details. I also heard M.J. had hung out with the SAS briefly? Perhaps a clue for others who wish to develop or rebuild their bowlers...
John on July 21, 2014, 9:15 GMT
@dunger.bob on (July 21, 2014, 8:01 GMT) 65/35 - No way. If we were playing on a road of a pitch or if we were just 1 or 2 wkts down I'd say 75/25 and that would probably be being optimistic. This is on a tough wicket and we are 4 wickets down and down to our last 2 specialist batsmen. Prior is not in great nick , Stokes is probably overrated as a batsman despite what happened in 1 inns down under and then you have the tail who can all hold a bat but as I've said elsewhere batting in the 2nd inns when if you don't get parity you've lost is a different pressure from batting when behind in the 1st inns when both bowlers and batsmen have a 2nd bite at the cherry. I'd say 85-90% Ind , and 1-2% draw and the remaining % to England. When I look at what our lower order can do I get optimistic but then I give myself a reality check. Hope I'm proven wrong
Balaji on July 21, 2014, 9:01 GMT
India needs to get 3-4 wickets in the first session. If they don't do that they will not be able to close out the match. Moeen Ali was jittery against Jadeja; this is something the Indians can work on. England still has some batting to come; it will not be easy for India. I'd say 60:40 India.
rob on July 21, 2014, 8:52 GMT
I can fully understand why most of the Indian fans are getting very excited. History awaits, apparently. I don't think there's any doubt that India have improved in overseas conditions. They're hanging in there much better just lately. However (and this is how to offend two sets of fans in one statement), I think the question has to be asked. .. just how diabolically bad are England playing just at the moment? Sri Lanka pipped them at the post and walked away with their first series win in England just 2 weeks ago. The South Africans just comprehensively flogged Sri Lanka in the first of their series in Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka loses to SA in SL yet beat England in England. .. does anyone see what I'm getting at? No, probably not.
Henry on July 21, 2014, 8:49 GMT
A bunch of us here were just wondering, as we wait for play to commence, what if Binny were to take five of the six required wickets? Or all of them for that matter? An unlikely scenario, given that he has hardly looked menacing, and probably won't given the ball for long enough to effect such a result. But hypothetically, if such a thing were to occur, would he play in the next match? Should he? Perhaps a question for the fantasy pages...
ESPN on July 21, 2014, 8:46 GMT
Couple of half centuries from england side and winning this match would only be a dream for india From an indian fan
Deepak on July 21, 2014, 8:45 GMT
India deserve to win but there's some work to be done before they will. Need to keep attacking the batsmen patiently and hold on to the catches. If they do that, they'll win by around 80-100 runs. Otherwise, this could go down to the wire, as Ravi Shastri would say.
Tom on July 21, 2014, 8:43 GMT
Posted by vivkr on (July 21, 2014, 8:14 GMT) That's why, those umpiring decisions (one cannot necessarily call them errors) will cost India this hard-earned and well-deserved victory at the home of cricket.
As usual Indian fans only remember the decisions that go against them. This test has had plenty on both sides. What about the lbw decision against Root? That wasn't marginal, it was a big inside edge. How many runs did that cost England? 50? 100? 150?
Paulo on July 21, 2014, 8:39 GMT
(continued again)
Either: 1.Robson 2.Lyth 3.Ballance 4.Ali 5.Root 6.Woakes 7.Stokes 8.Foster (C) 9.Jordan 10.Barker/Onions/Brooks/Roland-Jones 11.Kerrigan
1.Robson 2.Lyth 3.Ballance 4.Taylor 5.Root 6.Ali 7.Woakes 8.Stokes 9.Foster 10.Jordan 11.Kerrigan
Depending on how much bowling you think we need. I'd go with the extra bowler myself.
Bell wouldn't be dropped completely like I would with Prior and Cook (though as I said in my previous comment I don't think Cook's international career is completely finished). But he needs to be made aware that his place isn't set in stone.
Dummy4 on July 21, 2014, 8:36 GMT
Pray for rain. The pitch will favour the India bowlers and England will have to dig in and hope to survive. To me, it looks like the weather is England's only realistic hope.
Paulo on July 21, 2014, 8:33 GMT
Ali scored that marvellous hundred but he hasn't looked too convincing. But he deserves his place. His record last season batting 3 for Worcestershire was excellent, so he can bat. He would also be a backup spinner for Kerrigan if he bottles it. He's done well this match with the ball, but I still think we'd need more at the Ageas Bowl.
Bell has been short of form. If another bowler is needed I'd drop Bell for them. Perhaps Onions (if fit), Brooks or Barker should play. But if the bowling is fine, Bell could keep his place, or perhaps Taylor (despite being short of runs this season, his record shows he is a fine player who more than deserves his chance).
If the extra bowler plays, move Ali up to 4; he should be fine as he bats 3 for Worcestershire. Root should have continuity of batting 5.
Stokes deserves another go. When at Lord's on Saturday I thought he was our best bowler. His batting has been poor, but that's partly due to him not being a white-ball cricketer.
Hamish on July 21, 2014, 8:31 GMT
@vivkr: There's no rain forecast at Lord's. This should be a cracking fifth day. Test cricket is alive and well in NW8, the home of the game.
Roderick on July 21, 2014, 8:25 GMT
The degree of negativity from some of the regular contributors here makes even Cook's captaincy look positive. Yes, India look favourite's to win, but the equation of:
1. 90 overs to be bowled with a new ball shortly after lunch by an Indian attack with its tail up;
2. 6 wickets in hand with two class batsmen at the crease;
3. Prior and Stokes batting potentially to save their international places, and career in one case;
4. Broad and Plunkett, both of whom have a demonstrated ability with the bat;
5. the capricious Jimmy Anderson;
must make for an enthralling final day.
This test is far from a done deal and on a fifth day Lord's pitch in the sun India will still have to bowl well to win. For England to win, they simply need to bad better than India bowl.
Dummy4 on July 21, 2014, 8:25 GMT
4th day of Jo'burg 2013 and 3rd day of Wellington 2014 also suggested Indian wins but this team has failed to stop the tail from punching above its weight in overseas tests. However docile the Trent Bridge pitch may have been, India bowled the top 9 out and then gave 198 for the last wicket. Not to sound pessimistic but it is best to wait for the end of day 5 to see if the Indians have finally learnt to bowl out teams on overseas pitches.
Dummy4 on July 21, 2014, 8:23 GMT
As a pom living in Australia I have seen the downs and ups and downs of the England team. I have been watching re-runs of Scandal rather than the blah of this England team. Cook is blah and at present crap. Prior could not catch a cold let alone a cricket ball. Where is the excitement, why should we give up hours of our lives (never to be regained) to watch this pathetic excuse for entertainment. Bring back big Kev, replace Prior with Jos Butler, how about Alex Hales for Cook (could he do any worse) At least it would be worth watching. As for captain, anydody else left in the team. Maybe someone who bats and bowls and has some form of understanding of how to bowl a side out and maybe has some charisma.
front on July 21, 2014, 8:22 GMT
As an England fan, I ca't help but feel that if we lose this test and series, its all the for the good. After our shellacking in Australia, where we didnt win a single a game across all formats, nothing was done in the English hierarchy....except sack KP. A lot of careers should have been ended by Australia over the winter, Mat 'cant catch' Prior, Ian "only score when the pressures off' Bell, and the now ironically titled 'Captain' Cook.
rob on July 21, 2014, 8:18 GMT
@ Mervo: Is that right? If England lose this series they're on the bottom of the ladder! Wow. Who'd a thunk it. Just 9 months ago when they were No 2 or 3 you would have gotten very long odds on that. .. It certainly is a slippery old pole and I think there could be a message there for every team. Even a relatively short period of sustained un-excellence could have dire consequences.
Vivek on July 21, 2014, 8:14 GMT
I fear that India will rue those LBW decisions not given last evening, because England are likely to escape losing this time, and again because of the 12th man England have in their team, namely the weather.
It will probably rain in the afternoon and the English team will gladly accept the let-off. And I don't see how India could prise out 6 wickets in 1 single session. That's why, those umpiring decisions (one cannot necessarily call them errors) will cost India this hard-earned and well-deserved victory at the home of cricket.
John on July 21, 2014, 8:08 GMT
@Rajeshj on (July 21, 2014, 6:36 GMT) Agree re Cook and maybe Prior. But re Bell - it was only last summer when he almost single handedly held the batting together and he isn't looking totally out of nick now. I wanted him out in 2012/13 when I thought he was a liability and looked like a frightened rabbit at the crease but unlike Cook he has looked ok at the crease. The ball he got yesterday would have done for anyone. As for KP - For cricketing reasons alone , I think if I had to choose between him and Bell I'd have chosen the latter. KP isn't the player he once was both in terms of consistency and flamboyance and is so injury prone it's difficult to plan with any sort of continuity and IMO things would only get worse. Yes you could justify the whole batting line up from the last Ashes being overhauled but averaging 29.4 in a series is certainly not form to nail down a place in any side
John on July 21, 2014, 8:07 GMT
@CricketChat on (July 20, 2014, 21:42 GMT) Batting deep on the 1st inns on a decent batting track is a whole different game to batting deep when you are still 250 runs behind and on a pitch where there is uneven bounce
@Francis Mel on (July 21, 2014, 6:39 GMT) Can't see any way the draw will happen. India will almost certainly win but our lower order play aggressively so if the day lasts out - which it won't - England will have thee most unlikely of wins
@brusselslion on (July 20, 2014, 22:37 GMT) 100% agree with the post
John on July 21, 2014, 8:07 GMT
@Chris_P on (July 20, 2014, 20:13 GMT) There's no easy solution re the bowlers. I suppose in the home series at least England did win one of the tests by getting through the Aus middle/lower order quickly. I don't know if it's the plans that are wrong or the bowlers not following orders. Part of me wonders if we have too many specialist coaching positions and in them trying to justify their positions they are messing with things which were ok?
ramachandra on July 21, 2014, 8:05 GMT
The problem is, once you bat for an hour or half, then Dhoni gets nervous and starts to spread the field and then they can just milk it. Unless England give away their wickets or some unplayable shooter comes along too often, I feel this is Englands to lose.
John on July 21, 2014, 8:05 GMT
@Chris_P on (July 20, 2014, 20:13 GMT) There's no easy solution re the bowlers. I suppose in the home series at least England did win one of the tests by getting through the Aus middle/lower order quickly. I don't know if it's the plans that are wrong or the bowlers not following orders. Part of me wonders if we have too many specialist coaching positions and in them trying to justify their positions they are messing with things which were ok?
rob on July 21, 2014, 8:01 GMT
This match isn't over yet. 65-35 India's way though. If Root can hang around and make a hundred though it should be a very tight finish. I guess it depends on what sort of support the others can give him if he gets going. ... How good is this Bhuvi bloke? So far this series he's a batting bowling rock star.
Henry on July 21, 2014, 7:59 GMT
@ Yousufahmed1: I suppose after years of mediocrity overseas, from both Dhoni and Ishant, these momentary deviations from the norm are not readily applauded. Perhaps they should be? I don't know. I, for one, like to observe the overall trend of individual and team performances, with one eye on the present and the other vacillating between the past and future. In that context, such instances are merely statistical outliers, which can actually give rise to further disappointment - to know that these individuals only rarely deliver what they are apparently capable of doing, while wondering why they don't do it more often. A harsher critic might say it was all just luck...
Giridhar on July 21, 2014, 7:55 GMT
Nice to see ishant lading the bowling. 2 wickets in the first hour is must, or else, game can drift away from india considering that all men can bat in the English side and 2.38 RPO is all that. England require. Llooks easy but NERVES can come along the way with 2 early wickets. Go India GO! make a history a lords again
Henry on July 21, 2014, 7:43 GMT
With regard to Dhawan, I feel it is predominantly a temperament issue. Couldn't resist the hook in South Africa, even though the bowler's plans were made abundantly clear by the field settings - just an example. He seems to have cured that ailment temporarily, only for others to surface. I also feel he exercises restraint at times when his spot in the playing XI appears in jeopardy - evidenced by his patient century in New Zealand. As such, he seems to respond to disincentives rather than incentives. I like to think that these issues can be addressed, although it might require that he misses out on a match or two (or a few).
Oh the joys of being an armchair critic...
Anver on July 21, 2014, 7:40 GMT
As a neutral cricket fan, wishing for an interesting 5th day's play today.... Long Live Test Cricket !!!!!
Android on July 21, 2014, 7:39 GMT
India will regret conceeding too many extras.
San on July 21, 2014, 7:32 GMT
This test is far from over, the first session is vital. India at least two wickets and dry up runs whereas England can't afford to loose more than one and keep the run rate at 3-4 an over. It is anyone's game. England can bat down to 11 and with the Indian bowlers struggling to bowl accurate bouncers it will be tough for them to get the tail out. Jadeja will be the key for India.
Yousuf on July 21, 2014, 7:30 GMT
Not a single comment praising Dhoni's innovative captaincy, mixing aggression with caution, in and out field so runs are not scored in a canter but fielders are catching position as well, he brought back Bhuvi right after Shami had taken a wicket. bringing in Jadeja in the 7th over, in the first innings as well rather people are still dwelling about a drop chance. You can see on Dhoni's face that he has trying his best to win this match. Weird fielding positions.
And also no one praising Ishant for another beautiful spell he bowled and dismissed two of their dangerous though out of form players.
Android on July 21, 2014, 7:28 GMT
@Jose Puliampatta- When England won the series in India, India didn't had their seniors in the team as well..Dravid, Laxman both retired only Sachin was there..But Indians didn't make a fuss abt it, We lost fair and square but if England fans(I know you are not) make a fuss abt senior players absence was the reason for their defeat, It would be hysterical.. As they themselves kicked out some of their seniors and some broke down mentally and some retired on their own.. If India wins, They must accept that they lost it fair and square as well.. But I know barring some of them, most of them would find some excuse to downgrade India's performance .
Sandeep on July 21, 2014, 7:23 GMT
I agree that this test is far from decided. But what is heartening to see is the fight the young Indian brigade is putting up. They have not only held their ground, but are in fact on the verge of winning a historic test at Lord's. Compare the current Indian side with the one that visited England in 2011. This bunch is showing more confidence in itself. We can not blame a depleted England side while they still playing with their strong attack consisting of Anderson and Broad.
Venkat on July 21, 2014, 7:20 GMT
Why doesn't MSD play his natural game in Tests, this will put the opposition under pressure and he himself can gain confidence, Gilly was a best example at no.7, he torn apart the sides with his batting and was one of the game greats. This is the only way Dhoni can survive in Test cricket.
Android on July 21, 2014, 7:20 GMT
@Sharma Iyer- So what should India do to make their performance look good to you? Score 5000 runs in an inning and take 40 wickets per match?! Really, There's no end to an Indian fans expectations! These players are human beings, For god sake consider them as human beings for once! They are not computer controlled machines or T-800 terminator robots who would win all time!
Daison on July 21, 2014, 7:19 GMT
Looks like ECB is happy with England in the same Shambles they were in the 90's and early 2000. They had a good run in early 2010's but it seems for them Politics is far more important than good cricket. They will not remove Cook from Captaincy, nor will they drop him from the team and they will not bring back KP. All to justify their decision to drop KP. This is a good opportunity to do the right thing. BRING BACK KP, MAKE HIM CAPTAIN and give him a young team. Most importantly - if you like it or not - FEED HIS EGO, LET HIM PLAY HIS GAME, HE IS THE BEST PLAYER YOU EVER HAD.
Yousuf on July 21, 2014, 7:18 GMT
@ electric_loco_WAP4 So you are back after another thrashing at home and staring at a whitewash. Bell wicket ball stayed low. LOL. I guess SL is getting thrashed at home becoz they don't have enough cricketing knowledge. LOL. BTW where are the rest of the Sl fans who were chirping so much before. Good SA have shut them again and brough them to the ground where they belong.
Aravind on July 21, 2014, 7:05 GMT
As expected earlier, Kholi and Dhoni, both are super flops in the series. Moreover Cooks & Dhoni both are playing very safe and both does not want to lose. They are not going for the kill.....
Shwetank on July 21, 2014, 7:02 GMT
India appear to have done what they can in this match - a fighting effort given their limited bowling stocks and overall lack of player experience in these conditions. Leave aside my consistent reservations about Ishant Sharma, I think team management (and maybe more specifically MS Dhoni) need to just change out Ashwin for Binny (better bowler and more sensible batsman) and it will be India's best team.
Paulo on July 21, 2014, 7:01 GMT
I was playing club cricket yesterday so didn't get to watch much of the game.
It looks like India will win comfortably. I predicted they'd win, for the simple reason that their lower order can bat, and England can't bowl to any tail, and they've outplayed us this test.
The issue of dismissing the tail is too much of a problem. As is the issue of dropping catches.
Cook and Bell failing once again. How many more chances will they get? It's so frustrating.
But well played India. You are deserved winners. You have clearly outplayed us and the only reason we're close to you is because the pitch changed so dramatically after day 1.
Perhaps this defeat will be the kick up the backside we need. But then again it's unrealistic to expect England to change the team mid-series.
Apparently Ali had some lucky decisions batting. But apparently he was also dropped by Dhoni. Therefore India can't complain too much, even if they have had more than their fair share of bad decisions.
GAURAV on July 21, 2014, 7:01 GMT
@ Joby George, I disagree. Dhawan looked in good touch. It's just he is getting low scores for 2 matches. He was good in NZ. Pujara has also not scored big. Same was said that Vijay should not be played, nor jadeja. But when it mattered most these 2 stood up for the team. Not everyine will score everytime. You can't drop players for couple oflow scores. If u look at scorecard Dhawan is still the 3rd highest run getter in this innings. Also remember he plays when the bowl is new unlike pujara who always hide behind him
Dummy4 on July 21, 2014, 6:56 GMT
gud to see bhuvi as alrounder option but am afraid about his dip in bowling
MB on July 21, 2014, 6:52 GMT
India had managed to draw some tests in last year when they were in better situation than in this current match. But being positive, I hope India will do this time. English tail is quite strong, India need to avoid any partnership England tries to build. Dhoni needs to be aggressive in the first session.
Vijay has sileted all those critics who were loud against him just because he was a CSK player earleir.He has always contributed sileletly be it Australia series or South Africa series. He may not have a long range of shots but He has more patience than Pujara and certainly double than Kohli. This is called adaption. Unfortuniately, he couldnt score the ton but if India manages to win, He will not mind that missed ton much.
Hope for better cricket on the final day of Lords.
Dummy4 on July 21, 2014, 6:44 GMT
The chances for both teams are 60:40 in favour of India. Even if India wins today I would like to see Gambhir replacing Dhawan and Binny replacing Ashwin. Reason being that Dhawan is out of form and Gambhir is better suited batsman for these condition. Ashwin because his batting ability at par with Binny if not better but his bowling is far better than Binny and seeing English pitches since last 2 years they are dry and assist spin on day 4 onwards. Champions Trophy and other series are proof of that. So Ashwin would help Dhoni with additional spin options.
ian on July 21, 2014, 6:42 GMT
Posted by Jared Hansen on (July 21, 2014, 3:13 GMT) : I apologise.That was a very careless error of mine. I am far from a one-eyed supporter as my comments generally bear out. I delight in cricket played in the proper spirit, no matter who's playing it.
Subramani on July 21, 2014, 6:41 GMT
I am inclined to agree with whirlaway that this Test is delicately poised at the end of the 4th day. The forecast for today is rainy and/or cloudy at Lord's. That makes it optimistic for either team to win the game. India has a decent chance but so has England.
Android on July 21, 2014, 6:39 GMT
England will have to give up the quest for a famous win as soon as they lose couple of wickets but if Mo can bat like he did in Headingly and others put a price on their wicket then a draw is possible. early wickets are the key.
Dummy4 on July 21, 2014, 6:37 GMT
its definitely gonna be exciting day 5...but joe root is an attaking batsman nd he is gonna play his natural game where india has maximum chances of getting his wicket...the key wicket in the 1st session would be moin ali who can grind there for whole day...the team who is play attacking frm the word go in the morning will reach to the end ...fingers crossed....
venu on July 21, 2014, 6:36 GMT
First time I'm seeing in Cook not to regain lost form against India :-)
Rajesh on July 21, 2014, 6:36 GMT
Looking at the England team, its quite difficult to understand on whey they still persist with Cook as captain.. Prior as the keeper... and Ian Bell as the main batsmen.. there is fundamentally something wrong with ECB in doing all of the above... Surely, the top scorer in the Ashes (KP) was shown the door and one seriously feels that it should have been Bell who should have been shown the door.. SA is managing de Kock perfectly and they gain.. whereas England is surprisingly not using Butler at all.. Monty could have been handled better and if he had been used (just like the way he bowled in Indian series) properly by Cook, England would have found themselves in better positions than what they are now..
Dummy4 on July 21, 2014, 6:33 GMT
India should win, but they have the knack of finding a way of throwing games away that makes the outcome less than certain!
vas on July 21, 2014, 6:33 GMT
Jadeja batting at 8 allowed him to play his natural attacking game. England is on the verge of losing the match. With tail Enders from both sides contributing heavily England will be hoping that they do it again.
Rahane, Bhuvi, Vijay and Jadeja were the star performers of the match. Ishant also came to the party in the 4th innings. The pitch is taking turn and Ashwin would've helped to speed up the victory.
The players are winning the match inspite of Dhoni's funky batting, fielding positions and his team selections. Binny's bowling is ignored again.
For the next match Ashwin should play in place of Binny. India now has three allrounders in Ashwin, Bhuvi and Jadeja.
chandu on July 21, 2014, 6:25 GMT
Match is not finished yet. Root is in good form. If any one hangs around with Root (Broad, Plunket, Anderson - all high probability), then England can still do it. If 1 century partnership (jadeja/kumar) can change it yday, another 1 by England tail-enders can change it today. Dhoni's defensive captaincy can hurt India!!!
Dummy4 on July 21, 2014, 6:20 GMT
India's recent records haven't been good when it comes to bowling out a team on the 5th day. The match will be close, no one is a favorite right now.
Kausthub on July 21, 2014, 6:17 GMT
An interesting coincidence in this match! The eighth partnership between Jadeja and Bhuvi was 99 runs in 99 balls and it was broken immediately after 99 overs are bowled.
sree on July 21, 2014, 6:14 GMT
Bhuvi the beauty or beast! That Jadeja played a counter attacking innings is note worthy. But Bhuvi's 52 is worth Plutonium. He has produced a rare rare feat what Botham and Hadlee had done. He has been the Superman of India who can swing ball as he likes, keep taking top order wickets, rescue batting collapse by making 50's batting at 9 and 10. What he has been doing is EXTRA ORDINARY! There is a beast belying his innocent face and fragile physique. Do no mistake, he is working consciously on his talents and strategizing his game within his limited power. Maximum output of minimum input. One year from now media would be writing articles on Bhuvi's all round skills and will cement as a genuine all rounder batting at 7, and join game's greats in 5 years. India must sit up and plan a way to build on his batting abilities without pressure or disturbing his bowling. Protect him from over use. In CHESS parlance he looks like PAWN but he is the QUEEN!
Vinod on July 21, 2014, 6:13 GMT
IND has been in such a position a couple of times in the last one year only to squander it. ENG should consult Faf Du, ABD and Big Mac.
Dummy4 on July 21, 2014, 6:09 GMT
In the last trip to England, India were really wary about two England players: KP in batting and Swann in bowling. Their absence this time, makes a big difference.
Otherwise things are evens stevens. Both teams have young batsmen, hungry to establish their test match credentials. While India have retired a few old hands, so have England.
Both have Captains whose captaincy tactics are questioned. Both are not contributing with bat; one for lack of form, and the other for lack of 'test-match-batting" skills.
Both also have two solid batsmen, who are out of form, at the moment: Kohli & Bell.
Both have tails which have occasionally wagged with the bat, and saved the blushes, for their teams.
In the first test, we had an "Indian" pitch; in the second, an "English" pitch.
Dropped catches? Yes, there again the two teams are matched. Of course, Indian bowlers benefited watching the errors committed by the England bowlers on the first day.
So, if India wins, it is credit-worthy.
Dummy4 on July 21, 2014, 6:07 GMT
Dhoni bring back Gambhir. Dhawan is not in touch. Also Binny can be another Ishant Sharma. What contributions are you expecting from him? Ashwin would have been a better option. Also i think Bhuveneswar Kumar should bat above Dhoni and Jadeja. He has better techniques than both of them.
Cam on July 21, 2014, 5:58 GMT
@whirlaway you forget Prior has no form, Stokes is averaging 2 this year, Root and Ali were in all sorts of trouble yesterday on an up and down pitch and there's an awful lot of time to bat to save the test. If Oxenford actually gets a few decisions right it won't take long. There's no way England can survive 90 overs today.
Dummy4 on July 21, 2014, 5:51 GMT
Indian team's performance does not look good and the England team's does not look bad. Every thing will look good for only team who does it better on the 5th day.
Henry on July 21, 2014, 5:42 GMT
Another positive here is that Stuart Binny himself has likely resolved the conundrum of his selection.
On another note, I can't ignore the fact that we are playing against a side that is presently in various states of turmoil and disarray. Winning this match would be great, to take the series would be even better, and victories are recorded as such in the annals of history regardless of the context in which they are earned.
I feel it is important, especially when planning for the future, that we not lose sight of the context surrounding this series. It is naive at best to believe that we will suddenly become heavyweights who arrive on Australian shores in a few months and dispatch them into oblivion. I have read such comments here, much to my amusement.
That said, there will probably be no better opportunity than this series to go for the win and introduce our players to the notion that they are able to compete and win overseas. Morale and momentum cannot be gained elsewhere yet.
Shashank on July 21, 2014, 5:39 GMT
It's real very hard for England to achieve this total. If they go for win then they should have some chance to survive if they are thinking of draw then they loose this test for sure. 220-230 score looking very promising but 4th Inng pressure is enough to put a team in tremendous pressure. Hope a tight finish. I am neutral but in 3-4 years I saw 1st time India giving some fight outside their country this is remarkable. But English bowling is awful. They need to reboot their bowling from starting otherwise it should going late.
Sachitra on July 21, 2014, 5:33 GMT
this reminds me the last day of the Headingly test vs Sri Lanka but England facing different odds. India certainly have way more threatning attack so it will be an interesting day
Android on July 21, 2014, 5:31 GMT
Bring back kp as captain it would become more interesting to watch this series.
Ashok on July 21, 2014, 5:28 GMT
The game is poised slightly in favour of India, but its still anybody's game. Both sides are just one session away from taking control of this game. The team that wins the first session will win this test.
Dummy4 on July 21, 2014, 5:22 GMT
@ whirlaway: Surely even you don't really believe that is going to happen. right? It sure is good to look positive, but looking at the last 4 overs, even Dhawan and Murali Vijay seemed capable of picking a wicket or two. If I were Dhoni, I would rotate seamers from one end, while persevering with spin from the other all through the day. If India don't get a wicket or two in first session, then he must get spin form both ends and may even try Kohli. his brand of bowling is more suited to spin than pace.
Henry on July 21, 2014, 5:17 GMT
Some positives have kept my buoyant of late include:
1) Beginning with the South African tour and since then, our top 5 (excluding Dhawan) are looking better and better as time passes. I'm not worried about Kholi yet, with three matches remaining I'm sure he will come to the party. If the Dhawan issue is addressed (replace, repair, restore, whatever), we might just have a rock solid top 5 for years to come.
2) More than runs or wickets, I admire the attitude shown by many of our fresher faces. Grinding out centuries as wickets tumble around them, bowling to take wickets rather than containment bowling, tailender contributions with bat, its all very encouraging and pleasing to watch! Indeed it is the antitheses of the example set by our captain!!
Hopefully we will not be waiting for too long for a decent test captian and coach! This could also lead to less mysterious selection criteria for squads and playing XI's, maybe even the better management of available talent...
Nav on July 21, 2014, 5:04 GMT
Win or lose, India should replace Binny with Rohit or Aswin depending on the pitch conditions. Also if Indian Win, they can give chance to Gambhir instead of Dhawan to strengthen batting more. Kohli will find his rhythm soon.
J on July 21, 2014, 4:55 GMT
Although all predict an Indian victory, England can take heart from the fact that so far in this series bulk of the runs on both sides have been made by batters 6 and after. Can'i help but feel that there could still be a twist in the "tail" considering recent record of Indian bowling in overseas tests.
Henry on July 21, 2014, 4:52 GMT
Looking good for India so far but I must wait for a result before deciding my next course of action.
@icommoner: I share your sentiments, as do some others who have posted similarly. It seems, however, that a great many of us are extremely forgiving. Apparently Dhoni's successes at home are ample justification for his continued and prolonged failures overseas.
All manner of excuses are forthcoming, from pitches to bowling stocks. The pitch arguments effectively confirm that Dhoni is a fairweather sailor - not a suitable trait for an international captain. I also wonder, if he did have better bowlers, would he even include them in the playing X1? And would these bowlers transform our captain into a better batsman, wicketkeeper and tactician?
If we do win this match it will be in spite of Dhoni, not because of him.
But on the bright side....(to be continued)
Vikrant on July 21, 2014, 4:48 GMT
India is in firm control of the game but still anyone's game India need to attack I think it is overcast weather predicted for the day so Bhuvi,Shami must be getting help from the weather.Even Binny could be used.Jadeja could lot of work to do in the day as he has to bowl in the rough yesterday The English were troubled by Jadeja
manju on July 21, 2014, 4:34 GMT
India needs get 3 quick wickets in first session for not more than 70 runs, specially root,Ali and Prior. I am banking on Bhuvi and Ishant do the job for india. Tail should be chopped of by Jaddu. If by any means the match goes to 3rd session, i can see English men having last laugh.
ms on July 21, 2014, 4:34 GMT
3 wickets for 50-60 odd runs in the first session..India will win.Otherwise it's easy for England since they have a very long tail.Moeen Ali is living dangerously.India should look to get him out early.This match lies in the hands of Jadeja.
Praneet on July 21, 2014, 4:25 GMT
Why this article highlighted just Jadeja.?? In-fact Rahane century, Vijay's fighting 95, Bhuvi's 6 wkt haul plus 52 in crucial time at second innings were also very important. Of-course Jaddu also played brisk innings well. Please not always go by T20 style cricket.. Binny performance really disappointment, he is wasting opportunity.. He is just playing careless attacking shots which he uses in domestic cricket.!!! As far as Match concern, it is still on..!!! India's old problem of Lower middle and Tail shouldn't have forgotten.. Hope Dhoni won't go for defensive field.!! Common guys, go for kill.. Bowl and field better, Lords victory should be ours.. Chak De..
Dummy4 on July 21, 2014, 4:17 GMT
Its time to recall the KP as he is still good batsman and against India he has a good record, Cook should be step down and let the Stuart Board as a captain.
Daison on July 21, 2014, 4:11 GMT
Lets not speak too soon but, a loss in the test would mean some heads should roll for England. Should start with the ECB Administration (whoever decided to sack KP), on to Cook and so on. When KP was dropped the main fear was it is going to affect English Cricket badly. And whoever made the decision insisted, dropping KP is better for England. The results have come and the fear has realized. So the time for ECB to take the correct decision. Bring KP back, whoever doesnt like it can hang up their boots. Just like KP was forced to.
Vikram on July 21, 2014, 4:02 GMT
I wouldn't say, "they will barely be able to curb their excitement that the run is about to end.... Remember the last time they were in such a position and how BMac nullified it? Joe Root needs to be gotten rid off before such thoughts are to come to mind.
Dummy4 on July 21, 2014, 3:56 GMT
What I predicted before the match! on FB, page Bhuvneshwar Kumar.
A) You will take 6 for 57 this match! not to worry......doing a good job...
B) How is my predictions before the match. Six wickets correct. Now your chance to score another half century. Keep your head cool. You will be the man of the match this time for sure. Good luck. You have a cool temperament n a v good attitude! mark my words. Be cool. robin
Daison on July 21, 2014, 3:55 GMT
India in fantasstic position. However, in recent times India has been in similar situations in overseas games and failed to effect the final blow to win it. Lets hope the bowlers find a way to complete this match!
Dummy4 on July 21, 2014, 3:42 GMT
@SnowSnake What? You left Rahane? Without Rahane's febulous century india would have bolwed out under 180. This match goes to Rahane, Bhuvi, Vijay and Jadeja's counter attacking innings.
Tahir on July 21, 2014, 3:21 GMT
Highest fourth innings totals at Lords courtesy statsguru.
*Australia draw v England Target 484 Scored 329/3 *Australia lost v England Target 522 Scored 406 *India lost v England Target 568 Scored 397 *England lost v West Indies Target 442 Scored 307 *West Indies won v England Target 342 Scored 344/1
Dummy4 on July 21, 2014, 3:13 GMT
@Nutcutlet - why do English fans have so much trouble with scorelines? The 2011 Ashes were not 0-5, they were 1-3. Just like the 2013 Ashes were not 4-0. I would have thought having won three consecutive Ashes would have been enough cause for celebration without needing to gild the lily with fabricated figures.
Dummy4 on July 21, 2014, 3:11 GMT
England's plans have definitely backfired on them despite all the effort to win at any cost. India should wrap up this test handsomely unless they bowl badly on the last day.
Vik on July 21, 2014, 2:59 GMT
After looking at Jadeja's bowling, defence is not an option for England in this test. Pitch & Indian bowlers are the biggest problem England have right now. Although Indian bowlers are not fast but they are bowling 60% of the deliveries right on the stumps which gives them 25% more chances to get wickets compare to England Bowlers. out of 6 delivers 2 deliveries were behaving odd yesterday but as the day will progress it will get worse because all the Indian fast bowlers will create more ruff patches for Jadeja.
For India still Root and Prior is the biggest threat. Stokes will attack Indian bowlers as Broad did in the first match. Right now, India have 55% of chances of winning this test but if they don't get wickets in first 2 hours then they will lose this test.
Android on July 21, 2014, 2:38 GMT
Cook should step down as Captain with dignity rather than axed. Without KP,.Trott, Swann, Monty and Finn England team is ordinary.
Android on July 21, 2014, 2:36 GMT
Today's forecast- A bright sunny day in London.. The Sun would bake the pitch even more and as a result it will deteriorate even more and help spinners more and could produce a little bit of reverse swing as well.. Rain gods won't interfere the whole day.. A wonderful test match day awaits us at the home of cricket.. Lord's..
Merv on July 21, 2014, 2:30 GMT
If India beat England at home, after their loss to SL, and whitewash against Australia, that will relegate them to the bottom of the pile. How things have changed so quickly. Bell's form has completely disappeared, as has Cooks and Priors. Time for more changes!
Dummy4 on July 21, 2014, 2:23 GMT
M Vijay and B Kumar are doing exceptionally well
Kuldeep on July 21, 2014, 1:57 GMT
i believe bhuvi, jadeja and ashwin can be tremendous all rounders we always needed and form the foundation of a strong lower middle order with dhoni at 6, jaddu at 7, ashwin at 8, bhuvi at 9
Dummy4 on July 21, 2014, 1:45 GMT
two of the most defensive teams out their on show,both reluctant to take bold decisions.The two captains are equally matched by their pathetic performance.Only difference between the two sides are the openers(vijay's performance is a significant factor) and Bhuvi with both bat and ball.Other than that their's not much to choose from.Irrespective of the results both teams need to improve their standards to match Aus and SA currently.Its an honest assessment and not to be taken in a negative way.Thanks
Dummy4 on July 21, 2014, 1:42 GMT
England have a tall batting order that actually goes till 11 ( agreed Stokes, Prior aren't having the best time either ) ...but still it's just 216 runs ...if Moeen and Joe can make it to lunch without loosing a wicket , I'd say England have a real chance here
P on July 21, 2014, 1:39 GMT
I am increasingly getting convinced that a team should contain majority of players under 30 years of age. These 30+ yo lads get unreliable yet keep their spots due to their past performances. Even if India wins, Kholi and Dhoni need to start performing or accept Grade B salary package. England needs to look beyond Anderson, Broad and Cook. If India wins this one then it is due to Vijay, Bhuvi and Jadaja. Bhuvi is the most valuable player in Indian team. He saved India the first test and may be a win in the second test.
hyrbie on July 21, 2014, 0:53 GMT
ishant sharma was brilliant , this was a great session of test cricket today , jadeja and kumar was great , like to see bell struggle so someone else will rise , moeen ali should just nick off when he comes back umpires saved him
Inam on July 21, 2014, 0:29 GMT
if England keep giving !50 + scores to 8-11 batsmen they have hard time beating any team. twice in this game they let India off the hook, Indian Late order is the difference in the series so far, If England Can bat first hour with out loosing wicket they have a chance, it is tough condition to bat, Sharma was bowling very good line, 60% chance India will win.
MOHAMMED on July 21, 2014, 0:23 GMT
England's worst is yet to come in the remaining 3 test. The present England team is worst to play test cricket even worst than bottom placed Bangladesh. This team dont have proper batsman, fielding is poor and bowling have become the Worst. This is the England team- New MINNOWS of test cricket. England already lost Lords test and will also lose remaining tests easily. India the new CHAMPION of test cricket.
Dummy4 on July 21, 2014, 0:11 GMT
it's 50-50 chances for both sides India must bowl to all out English team. Interestingly for both sides lower order bates men resisting the game very well in this situation Indian must bowl at thair best for complete victory
Tahir on July 20, 2014, 23:58 GMT
No doubt India should win from here on but there are six wickets left and lower order has been scoring prolifically which might go in England favor. Apart from Balance all three are walking wickets now otherwise Ishant does not seem to be taking a wicket. India have to take wickets as soon as possible utilizing the early morning moisture and England lower order has to be productive and someone has to be in hitting mode. Also, Dhoni should bring on jadeja early and not delay like cook did to Moeen.
Ashok on July 20, 2014, 23:44 GMT
Jadeja's masterful aggression carried India from a poor position to a strong position. His attacking innings of 68 put a damper on all England pace bowlers. But to top it all Bhuvi Kumar continued his newly found talent of being a batsmen with another 50, his third one in 4 innings. These 2 innings supplemented with Vijay's 95 carried India to safety at least for Day 4. Currently England are 105 for 4 & depending upon the pitch's behaviour the match is very much anybody's to take. Root is still at the crease with Ali. Dhoni unfortunately dropped Ali in the last but one over. Had he taken that catch India would have been favoured to win. Dhoni may now be regretting his blunders in the first 2 Tests of dropping Ashwin for Binny. At Lords Ashwin would have run through the England batting on Day 5. It was a "No brainer" with 6 England LH bats. India is well poised. Dhoni has to avoid his tactical blunders, for India to win.The first session on Day 5 will decide the issue. What a Test!
Kuldeep on July 20, 2014, 23:30 GMT
tremendous innings from jadeja, well done ! bhuvi again fantastic ! hope both of them together with ashwin develop further into even better all rounders which would give us a strong lower middle order !!
sam on July 20, 2014, 23:16 GMT
The match is still 50-50.Pitch,except for footholes o/s lefties off pole is playing absolutely fine.Ind seamers barely looked threatening.Except Bell,1 that stayed low all others got out to pretty poor strokes.Other wise would've been in better position.
bala on July 20, 2014, 23:13 GMT
Someone in the ECB higher-up said KP is never going to return and that English supporters should move on. If the English team continues to perform this way, the ECB management may have to change, paving the way for KP or any other suitable player to return to the national team.
commoner on July 20, 2014, 23:11 GMT
Dhoni captaincy looked like he was making sure Eng will win this test. Wonder why no one talks about Dhoni's performance as a player and as a captain. He even dropped Ballance, who made 100 and today dropped Moeen. He was not even average with batting overseas and his captaincy let down India in many tests like Lords, Durban, Wellington, Mumbai. Time for new keeper and a captain, otherwise we have to bear with what's been going for 4 years now.
Dummy4 on July 20, 2014, 23:04 GMT
Every team needs an attacking batter to win a match. Has Jadeja done enough?
Black on July 20, 2014, 22:46 GMT
Joe Root and Ali are still at the crease. We can still lose/draw this. 40% chance of winning, in my opinion. As long as Root is there, we won't win. We also have to wrap up the tail quickly. The pitch should assist the seamers and there will be some swing since there is a cloud cover on tomorrow, according to BBC Weather. There is plenty of assistance for spin and we CAN win this if we play our cards right. If we get them wrong and don't get a wicket before lunch tomorrow, all our hopes of a win are gone. However, the new ball will be available after lunch tomorrow, so let's see.
An interesting battle awaits, one which tilts towards England, given India's poor fifth day record. Still, trends can be broken and both teams will be out to right their wrongs. India have rebuilt spectacularly over two years and have done what their predecessors couldn't in style! Good luck guys!
Ray on July 20, 2014, 22:37 GMT
As @henrik leven succiently puts it: "England are in a pickle" Well played India. You're had the worse of the conditions, and the umpiring decisions but, are deservely on top and will almost certainly win tomorrow.
Well played also to the vast majority of Indian posters. Most comments have concentrated on the positive aspects of India's play, and there has been relatively little gloating about England's shortcomings. Of course, there are always exceptions e.g @Arun Bose: Can't you just follow suit? If you must gloat, then at least, have the decency to point to actual examples of English fans' boasting without adding your own ridiculous statements.
Dummy4 on July 20, 2014, 22:36 GMT
Joe root is a fighter and I don't expect him to give up easily tomorrow. Plus Indian bowling lacks the man who wants to go for the kill, so cleaning up the tail isn't going to be an easy task. My guess is that Indians will have to put up a strong fight if they were to win this match. I would love to be proven wrong though.
Jon on July 20, 2014, 22:30 GMT
cont.. in order for us to develop spin bowlers the ECB has got to do so much more to educate coaches, club captains etc on how to manage a young spinner, how to coach them and how not to coach them. They need to bowl more overs at club cricket so there are a lot to pick from at the county game. Increasing the pool of talent will obviously mean there is more competition for a spinner's spot and therefore they must be of a quality. Thirdly at the top level, England must get rid of Cook as captain. They shouldn't wait till the end of this series they need to do it right now. He is bringing this side to its knees and his batting is just unacceptable. He needs to be dropped and earn his spot back. Fourthly we should give the captaincy to a youngster and try and mould them like SA did with Smith. Root would be my personal choice. I imagine nothing will change and the fans will be subject to more of the same rubbish. Come on India I want you to win tomorrow so we can have a big overhaul.
S on July 20, 2014, 22:26 GMT
The test is far from won for India. Aside from the fact that Root and Ali are batsmen in decent form, the rest of the line-up is strong as well. Prior has 7 Test hundreds and 28 fifties; Stokes is new to Tests but has a Test century, 9 first-class hundreds and 15 fifties; Broad has a Test century and 10 fifties, and Anderson has a 81 from just the last Test. And even in their innings of this Test, as many as 39 runs were added for the last wicket.
However, a lot depends on how England fares in the first 10-15 overs of the match. If they survive that period and score 25-30 runs, things will look better for them. If India gets a wicket within that period, they will be on top.
Jon on July 20, 2014, 22:25 GMT
Pitiful display well summed up by Bumble who stated that England have lost their 'soul'. He is spot on, we are in the absolute mire and until drastic changes take place, I mean really drastic nothing will change. To start with we need to scrap the idea that academy cricket (from age 15 upwards) is better than club cricket. Wrong, we are producing kids who are over coached, lack any flair and don't have the ability to think for themselves as they are spoon fed everything from the age of 16. When the going gets tough and you need to think outside the box, these guys are just crumbling. Secondly, the club structure of cricket has got to change up and down the country. We need scouts to actually pick players for counties who are performing well in club cricket and create a means of making the grade once you get past the age of 17. Some players mature later and they shouldn't be ignored. There should be a standard format for all clubs and you should have to bowl 5 bowlers in a game.
David on July 20, 2014, 21:55 GMT
The idea that there is no viable alternative to Cook has become increasingly laughable. So there is no alternative to a bloke who doesn't score any runs, doesn't look like scoring any runs, and leads a team that always loses? It might as well be anyone, if that is the criteria! It couldn't get any worse than it is; and who knows, it may even get better. And if the guy who takes over proves to be a stinker, then replace him until you find the right combination. But to persist with Cook as captain is insane. It has got to the point where anyone is a better option than the current incumbent. Also, if Cook was able to make peace with Warne, why can't he also make peace with KP? Surely that would be of far greater consequence.
R on July 20, 2014, 21:48 GMT
The 2 main Eng bowlers have over 600 test wickets… it is the current coaching staff have them bowling injured, over bowled and banging it in on a green seamer… blame the conductor… The coaches (and obv Saker in particular) have overseen a terrible decline in Eng bowling over the last year … Broad and Anderson will not be around in 12 months at this rate , along with Finn & Jordan, and Eng will need all of them…
Steve on July 20, 2014, 21:42 GMT
Since Eng bat deep, I feel match is evenly posied. There are no demons in the pitch for batsmen willing to stay athe wkt. Both Root and Moeen have demonstrated they can bat long. Ind need couple of wkts within the 1st hour to have a chance at victory. In any case, much better cricket than the forgettable 1st test.
Dummy4 on July 20, 2014, 21:22 GMT
A salutary tale: I have always loved [and still do] the longer forms of cricket. I have 2 teenage boys who love their sports. We went to the last 2 T20 games at Old Trafford and they loved it, can't wait to go again. We went to the 4-day game at Liverpool, and they left after 1 hour, bored. They tell me they don't want to bother with their tickets for the O.T. Test. They say the player they know best is M.S. Dhoni "cos we've seen him on telly in the IPL". The England Test team is an irrelevance. Wake up ECB ... the writing is well and truly on the wall!!
ian on July 20, 2014, 21:16 GMT
See Nut's prev. post: when a fine side has distintegrated, a transition has to be managed so that (a) Eng remains competitive & (b) new players bed in with some senior players still about. Ballance & Ali & poss. Robson (I'm not convinced, though) seem to have bagged batting places; Plunkett (yes! I'm convinced), Stokes and Jordan (who must replace Broad at the Rose Bowl, as SB's not fit) are our new quicks. Who are the mentors? Cook is in his own House of Troubles, as is Prior. Bell, Jimmy and Root (now estab.) have that specific role to play. There are spaces abegging: THE spinner (though Ali is better than Cook thinks he is); a w/k, who shalt be Buttler say the Selectors (altho' he's nowhere near Test w/k class yet) & another bat. Australia would cast about - have a long list to find answers - Eng should do the same. Let's look widely; let's not be hung up on extreme youth (Chis Rogers). Many deserve a chance: Lyth, Bates, Riley, Dunn & Rashid spring to mind. Try 'em! Test them!
debarata on July 20, 2014, 21:16 GMT
It's cyclical of course, as a few other posters have said. For England, however it is the manner in which the season has changed is shocking; much ado bout nothing since they went to top of the rankings in 2011. The KP affair destroyed the soul of the team, claiming Strauss. Trotts departure, Swann's retirement, Finn getting the yips,Panesar's off field antics, coupled with an Ashes debacle......The talk of creation of a cricketing dynasty, and a fast bowling assembly line, now seem so far off it is as if it never happened. Andy Flower's legacy (what legacy you might ask) is a sorry state of affairs. Cook is left holding the baby, but maybe time Joe Root should be made captain. No time like the present.
Chris on July 20, 2014, 21:10 GMT
It is becoming painful to watch Cook's struggles with the bat. After this match I have changed my mind and don't think it is inevitable that he will regain form. I think the Australian pace attack worked him out a year ago, then they exploited it even more in the return series down under, but I thought that was only going to keep him down because of how good Harris and Johnson were with extreme pace tempting him outside off. But now it seems everyone knows, and the SL and India attacks are having equal success without express pace. And Cook looks even more clueless now, so I think he needs time away to work on this major flaw in his technique outside off stump.
Android on July 20, 2014, 21:01 GMT
Important day for both teams tomorrow . India surely had the upper hand if they were 100-5 at the end of the day but now the match can go either way .By lunch tomorrow we will be able to safely say whose game it would be from then on .It looks easier for england as all batsmen to come have scored a fifty/hundred. It must be said that India were the better team for much of the match .At least they are putting up some fight even though they are playing with 9 or 10 players as binny is nothing and kohli pujara dhawan have all scored less than bhuvi .In fact everyone except vijay has scored less than bhuvi and for the next match I would love to see the Ashwin come in or even a rohit .Rohit /Vijay /Dhawan cant do worse than binny .Though if its turning and eng dont have any major changes in the lineup I would prefer Ashwin over Rohit/Dhawan .
Purushotham on July 20, 2014, 20:29 GMT
What a performance from Jadeja- shades of Auckland Jan 14. India have already vastly improved upon their dismal 2011 performance in England. Back then they couldn't reach 300 in an innings until the very last test .Here they have done so in 3 of the 4 innings already and managed 295 in the remaining one. Back then they were only able to bowl England out 2 out of 6 times and didn't remotely look like they would be able to in the other 4 innings. Here they have bowled England out twice in their 2 innings and certainly look capable of doing so in the third. In the entire 2011 series Dravid was the sole centurion . India already have two so far in this one. In 2011 they couldn't win a single test nor were they within sniffing distance of doing so at any time. Here they have already competently drawn one and given themselves a decent chance of winning at Lord's. Would be simply wonderful if they succeeded - what a turnaround that would be from 2011. GO INDIA !!
vimalraj on July 20, 2014, 20:23 GMT
I used to enjoy captaining my school cricket team but watching Cook leading a talented group is painfull. I think Cook has failed in all aspects in the games of cricket expect fielding. His bowling changes are awfull and field placing are bad as his batting. Many learn from mistakes but ECB seems to be learning nothing. Even at school level I encouraged our team bowlers to ball full. Make the bastmen play. I used discuse the tactics every ball. Looking at this test both captains don't have this kind of attitude but Indian bowlers made batsman play more ball and got their noses in front. To be honest I think I can mange this England side far better than cook, moors or fabrace.
Cam on July 20, 2014, 20:20 GMT
@Henrik, cricket really isn't your game is it? Drop Bell? Did anyone notice his fifties this summer? Yeah he's had a few lean scores but surely Prior and Cook would go first given their very lengthy form slumps, hard to see England getting out of this one India could well have had both Ali and Root out. If India keep creating chances like they did today it won't take long.
Peter on July 20, 2014, 20:13 GMT
@JG2704. Even last season when we went there, throughout the tour down here & continuing on there this season, your bowlers are failing to shut out the lower end. Why do they continue to serve up easy pickings for the tail? Isn't anyone working with the bowling group on this? This isn't the same bowling group that took your team to the top as they usually wasted little times ending late order resistance. I am actually shocked at Prior's form having dipped so much. They haven't been outplayed in as much as they have self destructed, to date, at a greater rate than their rivals. Still, there might still be a final twist to this test yet.
Dummy4 on July 20, 2014, 20:13 GMT
Hard not to see past an Indian victory by 100+ runs I think. Will Cook stay? He's not the only senior player badly out of form, but it seems there are not many candidates waiting in the background.
Pritthijit on July 20, 2014, 20:12 GMT
. India truly have bowled and batted very well. They have talented players. England team is ragged and have batmen out of form like Cook, Bell and Prior. They struggle to bowl the resilient Indian tailenders. India is a much improved team, whilst England need changes as they are going to a bad patch following a discatrous Ashes and a loss to Sri Lanka. India will win the series and thet truly deserve it this time.
Dummy4 on July 20, 2014, 20:08 GMT
This stems back to the ECB's actions over the winter and their decisions to throw everything behind Cook. In going down that route they appointed two coaches who had for the most experienced more failure than success and lost our greatest player for a generation. That Cook remains is probably down to a lack of any other real alternative not just in Captaincy but in an opening batsmen. A lot can happen and England can still win but now the eyes of concern no mater what the result must equally look at Bell and lesser extent to Broad. All three are out of form and need to go away hopefully to come back stronger. The decision to give these guys two weeks of last month after the SL experience looks even more foolish but then look at the poor management we have.
Neil on July 20, 2014, 20:07 GMT
I would dearly love England to pull this out of bag, but a defeat might be best all around. Surely losing to a relatively weak India side would spell the end of Cooks captaincy, and hopefully the selectors would be forced to review Prior and Bell (especially Bell) dismal performances with either or both dropped. I'm sick of these two senior players failing hinge and time again and getting away with it. They're almost politician like. So defeat might bring a new dawn. Then again didn't Moores herald a new era and we're playing the most diabolical cricket in living memory.
Alan on July 20, 2014, 20:03 GMT
What a day of test cricket, England are a team full of self doubt and confidence, to play India on a green top in English conditions and to be on the back foot well its just un heard of and i got to say its fantastic bet you kp and swann are having a good laugh about it all, i know i am :) the urn is safe with us in Australia for many many yrs to come
Krishna on July 20, 2014, 19:51 GMT
Good to see india doing well till 4th day.....these day 5th day is a 50 50 with no teams having real match winners like a steyn to bowl or Glichrist to bat.... Sometimes its not the win count that matters...there is more to it....grow up fans.....who are after win counts....
John on July 20, 2014, 19:51 GMT
Re Cook - they'll stick by him as they have done with others until he comes back into form and then tell us they were right to do so - ignoring the matches/series lost in the meantime. Re the bowling - it's difficult. Is it the bowlers following poor plans or just not following order? It's frustrating as Broad and Anderson have both shown glimpses of what they can do but it's the same old story of nit being able to finish sides off when having them in trouble. Is it a mental thing? Complacency? or even the opposite?
I wonder if they may even need some psychological help?
Swann's a huge loss as I always said he would be and we've no obvious replacement which long term is very worrying as we need 2 spinners (one proven) when we next tour SC. Re pace/seam bowlers - I'm not sure we have anyone setting the world on fire at county level so it looks like we're stuck with the cards we're dealt. Onions would be ideal but is injured and would probably be ignored anyway
John on July 20, 2014, 19:38 GMT
Well played India. England's best chance probably went on day 1 when unable to capitalise on winning a good toss in bowler friendly conditions. Felt for Vijay whose resolute inns merrited a ton. Credit too to Jadeja who played with positive intent and Kumar who is surely a better batsman than his position in the order suggests. Bell was unlucky with one that kept low.
Can't see Eng getting through tomorrow esp with the uneven bounce so I say they should play their shots and see what happens rather than put too much emphasis on keeping their wickets as they are bound to get one with their name on it. After that I think they are going to have to make some difficult decisions.
This is out of the bow but I'd consider having Read relieve Prior or the gloves and Cook of the captaincy. He's a class keeper who has decent batting form this season and has a presence behind the stumps. Would also have Lythe in for Cook although Eng will not do anything so radical re either suggestion
Prahaan on July 20, 2014, 19:34 GMT
Hello and Greetings David, and Cricket fan! I am a die-hard England fan and supporter. This young Indian team is immensely talented, and have out bowled, out batted, out fielded, and most importantly have comprehensively out-thought England, and are going to win this series 0-3. English Cricket needs a major overhaul, in administration, team management and approach. Until this is done, England will continue to lose in all forms of cricket, at home and overseas. I will boldly predict that England will also lose the ODI series and the only T20 match against India. Australia, Sri Lanka, and now India! PS: You can blame it on Cook, but its what's in the pot that matters, and for now, there's a whole lot of yesteryear fungus, outdated ingredients and out of context recipes, that's spoiling a could be fantastic English Soup!
Dummy4 on July 20, 2014, 19:30 GMT
England really are in a pickle. Cook and Bell need to be dropped for the remainder of the series to regain confidence and form in the County game. Anderson and Broad need to be dropped for a game as a warning to lift their game. Sadly, Prior probably has played his last test unless there's a miracle tomorrow and Stokes is a walking wicket. So, no less than SIX new players are needed for the last three tests and they are Hales and Taylor of Notts, Jordan and Woakes, Foster of Essex and Tom Smith of Lancashire with Foster as captain by default. Forget about introducing a spinner at present, Englands problems are greater than that.
Prahaan on July 20, 2014, 19:30 GMT
Hello and Greetings. I am a die-hard England fan and supporter. This young Indian team is immensely talented, and have out bowled, out batted, out fielded, and most importantly have comprehensively out-thought England, and are going to win this series 0-3. English Cricket needs a major overhaul, in administration, team management and approach. Until this is done, England will continue to lose in all forms of cricket, at home and overseas. I will boldly predict that England will also lose the ODI series and the only T20 match against India. Australia, Sri Lanka, and now India! PS: You can blame it on Cook, but its what's in the pot that matters, and for now, there's a whole lot of yesteryear fungus, outdated ingredients and out of context recipes, spoiling a could be fantastic English Soup!
ian on July 20, 2014, 19:30 GMT
For England, this is the butt end of an era. The high-water mark of England's cricket in recent times was at Sydney, in Jan. 2011. A resounding thrashing of the Old Enemy, by an innings & 83, completing a 0-5 series. Of that all-conquering side, four survive: Cook, Bell, Anderson & Prior. Although Jimmy is still Test standard, he is not the bowler he was. And he has been fearfully overused. Bell seems to have lost his mojo - and questions are starting to be asked about him. Cook & Prior have travails of their own - all discussed at painful length.The famous & thoroughly deserved victory that India will secure sometime tomorrow will formalise England's return to honest reality. Eng is now an ordinary side and India, further on in their replenishing cycle, significantly better & with far more self-belief. England is in late winter/v early spring; India seems to be just about to come into summer: exciting times for these charismatic Indians! I am a fan already. Let's celebrate cycles!
Muhammad on July 20, 2014, 19:23 GMT
It seems India will win. Although it does not mean that India is the better side of the 2 rather it means that England is the worst side between the two. This English side is getting used to loosing. The major cause being " Post KP Syndrome".
LOVE on July 20, 2014, 19:18 GMT
According to me India should keep their calm, pitch the ball in right areas leave it to the pitch to do the rest. I think some twist is remaning in this match
Paulo on July 20, 2014, 19:03 GMT
I was playing club cricket today so didn't get to watch much of the game.
It looks like India will win comfortably. I predicted they'd win, for the simple reason that their lower order can bat, and England can't bowl to any tail, and they've outplayed us this test.
The issue of dismissing the tail is too much of a problem. As is the issue of dropping catches.
Cook and Bell failing once again. How many more chances will they get? It's so frustrating.
But well played India. You are deserved winners.
Perhaps this defeat will be the kick up the backside we need. But then again it's unrealistic to expect England to change the team mid-series.
Apparently Ali had some lucky decisions batting. But apparently he was also dropped by Dhoni. Therefore India can't complain too much, even if they have had more than their fair share of bad decisions.
Prakash on July 20, 2014, 19:02 GMT
I think England still has much better chance with Prior, Stokes and Broad yet to come and come on how can you forget Plunkett and Anderson. One good partnership and they will win this match. I still feel England will win this test and the 1st overseas victory for India is still very far. May be in a year or two. With such sub-standard players what else can you expect ??? Dream on Indian supporters as much as you can for tonight. Tomorrow you will be disappointed. India will loose this series 0-4. That is for sure.
Rajan on July 20, 2014, 19:01 GMT
The result of the match will determine which of the two captains is the more culpable. Cook has scored more runs, and taken three catches. Dhoni has less than half the runs his opposite number has made, has taken more catches (behind the stumps) but has dropped two. If he had taken the first, the match would have been over. The result of the second drop will be known in less than 24 hours. As a result of his largesse, however, all three results are still possible, at least notionally. The most likely will be an india win, if they bowl and field with more consistent discipline than on show till now; but if this feckless batting side should stiffen a spine that the side should still possess, a draw is eminently possible, keeping in mind the ability of this Indian side to snatch a draw, or worse, defeat, for the open jaws of victory. For England, a draw would count almost as much as a win. For India, only a win would avoid heartbreak. Expect a win, but only with the second new ball.
Robert on July 20, 2014, 19:01 GMT
Don't count any chickens Indaia fans! In every innings thus far the bowlers have had the batsmen on the rack only for the middle order and tail to set a competitive total. With Joe and Moeen at the crease there is no reason that England can't make their target. 214 in 90 overs with 6 wickets in hand looks very 'gettable'. Caveat - I won't be putting any money on an England win!
Arvind on July 20, 2014, 19:01 GMT
England will wrap this up by tea tomorrow. Indians have only 200-odd more runs to defend, not 500. When they get ahead in the game, "sympathy" for the opposition kicks in. Rather than go for kill and win by as big a margin as possible, they would rather let the opposition escape or even win. We saw them nearly lose defending 458 in SA (and they were saved only by time), and then let NZ escape after enforcing follow on.
Android on July 20, 2014, 18:58 GMT
I think the English media have over reacted to cook s poor run ... take the example of India alone with an excruciating fan expectations - rohit sharma went through the entire year of 2012 with an average of around 12 ... ishant has played 57 and odd tests with a bowling average that befits a no.7 batsmen in most test teams .... dhoni himself has hardly planted his case amongst the best test wicket keeper batsmen despite a star studded record in ODIs ... such poor patches occur and if people want talented batsmen like cook dropped then I wonder how many innings they would tolerate for a ballance / root / moeen Ali
Dummy4 on July 20, 2014, 18:41 GMT
OMG, Moeen survived two bad lbw decisions and a catch.
Android on July 20, 2014, 18:35 GMT
@Middlestump-Which lbw appeal you're talking abt? Jadeja's off Anderson? Well, if it is that then you didn't saw the hotspot I guess, It showed a fine inside edge onto his left thigh pad..No umpire would give that out, Not even the holy DRS!
Android on July 20, 2014, 18:34 GMT
Root Can makes it for England
Dummy4 on July 20, 2014, 18:33 GMT
Iam begining to think Ishant Sharma's long hair looks good !! He is bowling superbly, very tight line and brings in variation. Kumar and Shami bowl full and wait for swing.
This match belongs to Jadeja for sure, I can already see him collecting man of the match award..
All of India waiting for this moment. Go India and win this game. Good luck.
Sammy on July 20, 2014, 18:25 GMT
So, Dhoni drops another sitter! In the first innings, he let go a simple chance of Ballance who then made India pay. Now, I guess it's Ali's turn to make India pay in the second innings.
Dummy on July 20, 2014, 18:23 GMT
Jadeja bowled good but he might have bowled his best if he bowled slow as he was dangerous
Dummy on July 20, 2014, 18:18 GMT
After all the missed edges and catches off Jadeja's spin bowling, the umpires let us down again in the match!! A dismal decision from umpire Dharmasena for Moeen Ali's LBW shout! Umpire denied because ball pitched marginally outside off-stump! Such fine detail was evidently missed when Rahane was given out in the second innings for a ball comming off his elbow pad! A lot of things are working against India in this series for which they cannot blame themselves, which is completely unfair!
Dummy4 on July 20, 2014, 18:17 GMT
India need to be cautious and not repeat their NZ mistakes and let somebody score big because I do not think they are safe yet.
Keepit on July 20, 2014, 18:15 GMT
Too many smiles already on the faces of many Indian team players. Body language shows they are too relaxed already. They have to remind themselves of the far too many matches that slipped away very recently in SA and NZ.
Android on July 20, 2014, 18:12 GMT
i think india will win this comfortably but i think that dhawan and binny are unable to prove them selves so gambhir and ashwin should play due to ashwin our bolling will become more strong
V on July 20, 2014, 18:10 GMT
After watching cricket for five decades I thought I had seen everything. But I have never seen a keeper (Dhoni) standing far behind to a spinner. And I have never seen an lbw appeal turned down when the ball was hitting the centre of middle stump. It is not just the two captains but also the two umpires who don't belong in the middle.
Dummy4 on July 20, 2014, 18:03 GMT
After watching todays overall play, want to make strong point about Rahane. Why Rahane didnt show any sign to umpire about his armguard catch immediately ? Tiday Jadeja immediately showed his bat after strong lbw appeal. Even Dharmasena changed his decision of giving six ti four after concern from a boundry person. No point in smiling and showing armguard to nonstriker Vijay. If Rahane should have shown his armguard immediately to umpire, the Rahane might have survived. Cse after watching Rahanes reaction umpire may have concerned with squareleg umpire and they might refer third umpire. But Rahane didnt react. Now about Binny. I think Rohit Sharma should be included in third test. No point in keeping Rohit for so long time, as after test series ODI series is there and there after all important Aussie tour. As a batsman Binny must have realised difference between domastik & international level. When Vijay, Pujara stayed there for 500 deliveries, Binnys T20 dismissal is not worth atall.
Manthiswaran on July 20, 2014, 17:57 GMT
India is inching to the glory and I think it's been 3 years that we won Test match in outside subcontinent and this may be coming at the important cricket venue. I still feel lot of cricket is there to play and we can't simply avoid this duo in stumps and tomorrow we required the special bowling attack to get the victory.
Murali Vijay's contribution was great and may be remebers it for long time. Jaddu and Bhuvi was simply great and i would give credit to MSD as well for his importand partnership with Vijay, bad luck for him to not get the test hundred at Lords but he showed us how to play Test cricket when your team needed. Simply patience man.
Dummy4 on July 20, 2014, 17:57 GMT
We can win this, 2 more quick wickets tomorrow morning and then we have to fight through the tail of ENG. When that time comes MSD has to be more aggressive. Disappointed at the Umpires, couple bad devisions, Ali should of been out against both Jadeja and Dhawan.
Hamish on July 20, 2014, 17:55 GMT
This test could still go either way, but going into the last day India definitely have the upper hand; just like Australia at Headingly in 1981? Mick Hunt should be given a bonus for his work on this pitch; fantastic! Even Sir Ian praised it and wasn't calling for the heavy plough; result Mick! Whichever team wins this test, cricket will be the overall winner despite Dhoni-gate.
Android on July 20, 2014, 17:54 GMT
Many ppl around the globe wanted India to lose and not just lose, lose badly..They all gonna be humbled tomorrow when India wins this historic test match at Lord's of all places.. I know criticism won't stop, They would still nibble on something but they will be forced to chew those words back which they constantly chirped on like India won't even win one match, Gonna lose by 5-0!, Cook's gonna score two-three double centuries and a triple century as well, Bell gonna be MoM, Anderson gonna be MoS et cetera. As none of those phenomenon transpired in real life as it transpired frequently in dreams of India bashers.. Feeling really good today and would feel ecstatic tomorrow.. History in the making!
shahid on July 20, 2014, 17:50 GMT
Cook's captaincy and batting form are a big concern for England. Moeen Ali got 7 wickets in these two tests with a strike rate of 60 which is much better than all other bowlers but he is still being used as a part timer. Taking in to consideration that its India, he is bowling to who are the best team aginst spin bowling, Moeen's performance with the ball are much better than expected. Cook needs to bowl him as you would bowl a first choice spinner. Its time for Bell and Prior to be rested. Specially Bell is putting a huge pressure on lower order Batsmen.
David on July 20, 2014, 17:42 GMT
England are in a deep leaderless malaise that will not be resolved by Cook toughing it out. He needs to go and there are a few options - Root, Anderson, Broad, Bell (in spite of current form). The irony is that Cook made KP the scapegoat for England's problems and now he is likely to suffer the same fate. It's maddening that the England management have given Cook so much trust when his own form was so poor. They were over-confident of easy victories against weak SL and Indian teams - these would be just the tonic to get Cook back on track they, must've believed. Cook probably believed it too. They need to make the change now, before the rot in Cook's form becomes permanent. He's too good a batsman to be wasted on the captaincy.
Samir on July 20, 2014, 17:39 GMT
How to spoil easy thing to worst you can learn from England cricket team at this moment!! No fire, no attitude, keep on defensive, Ganguly is right that batman should come forward and push the ball in a gap!! England have advantage of home pitch, home crowed, what more they are asking, is it too luxurious life or too much party??? England forget to do hard work and effort, specially their all senior players. My suggestion is that look at young players like moin ali or joe root fighting!! or why can't call for young blood inside!!
Dummy4 on July 20, 2014, 17:37 GMT
English fans should rise and force the removal Cook. He is dismantling the English Team mentally and Psychologically. Ian Bell, Matt Prior should go along with Cook.
Dummy4 on July 20, 2014, 17:20 GMT
Cook & Kohli now tasting how it feels being the top batsman of your side as opposition analysis your technique comprehensively & each & every shot of yours is scrutinized. Opposition doesn't spare any micro weakness in your stroke-play & exploits it to the fullest. Sachin has survived this challenge all his 22 year career & evolved every moment to remain one step ahead of his cruel opposition. That is the evidence of his greatness.
Android on July 20, 2014, 16:51 GMT
@Retour. I think this series is the turning point. If India do not win this series then Dhoni should be dropped from the side. Saha is a phenominal WK bat. Superb technique and skilled keeper. One good change is India is finally playing with the additional bowler. I think Virat should be made Captain and given a long rope.
Android on July 20, 2014, 16:50 GMT
more likely one result possible now. england have lost their chance even on gree wicket which they wanted. they have to ask some serious questions for carrying extra bagage. cook, bell and prior are just doing nothing apart from filling space.
Android on July 20, 2014, 16:47 GMT
@Vivkr. I think Dhoni wanted to keep Bhuvi and Shami fresh for tomorrow morning session. Bhuvi spent a lot of time batting and especially running quick singles with Jadeja. Do not forget the 5th day is a long day.
Android on July 20, 2014, 16:45 GMT
I think India has finally got it right with Ishant Sharma. Keep him out of T20 and ODI so that he is hungry and fresh for Test cricket. In all fairness I dont think Yadav or Aaron can bowl those long spells that Ishant can bowl. India traditionally playing with only 4 specialist bowlers cannot do with out the services of a workhorse like Ishant Sharma.
Android on July 20, 2014, 16:40 GMT
This is why Ishant Sharma is still playing Test cricket for India. Every now and then, when you least expect it, he will produce something that will stay in your memory. Ishant is that guy, who is there is every group, the guy every body likes to pick on and døesnt mind it but still considered part of the group.
Sarang on July 20, 2014, 16:39 GMT
Looks like apart from bowling lessons from Bhuvneshwar to Anderson and Broad, it is time for some "ball leaving" lessons from Indian batsmen to Cook and Ballance for fishing outside off when the match is at stake.
Neil on July 20, 2014, 16:39 GMT
Cook and a Root at the crease - the scorers might as well get 40 winks in. At the start of this innings there were plenty of overs for England to go for victory, however it looks like Cook & co were set on defending from the off. So negative, they're nit even rotating the strike and by doing so, increasing the bowlers chances. What bowler wouldn't like to send down 6 to the same batsman every over?
Neil on July 20, 2014, 16:34 GMT
Bell gone yet again for a low score when he had to stick around. It's pathetic. The selectors can't close their eyes to Bells constant failures.
R on July 20, 2014, 16:33 GMT
Bell again shows he is not a/ the man for a crisis and b/ not the future and must be dropped again, this time for good…. AGAIN he has let his captain down with gormless batting… the time is well well well overdue to look elsewhere to replace bell… And to think people even thought he cd be captain material!!!!! Enough said…
Dummy4 on July 20, 2014, 16:25 GMT
Isahanth is bowling beautifully for a change
Android on July 20, 2014, 16:23 GMT
Thanks to Jadeja and Bhuvi India have the advantage now. It should make an interesting days cricket tomorrow. Hopefully Indian bowlers well pile on the pressure on the English batsmen and complete a historic Lords win.
raj on July 20, 2014, 16:18 GMT
WHY WHY WHY does DHONI keep persevering with ISHANT!!! I remember when the Indian fans had had a gut-full - Only then did Dhoni, under severe scrutiny drop Ishant. The suddenly after all the sort formats he has quietly snuck Ishant back into the team! Ishant's record after so many Tests is laughable! Any other candidates (Yadav, Aaron, Pankaj or Pandey) would have a better record if given so many opportunities and experience. Case in point, both Shami and Bhuvi have by-passed Ishant, well and truly. Not only does Ishant not take wickets but he looks unlikely to take one! idf he takes a wicket, it is not because of constant threat but it is more a surprise. There is so much more I want to write but I cant be bothered. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE DROP ISHANT. Bring in a school kid in his place, if you have to, Mr DHONI.
Android on July 20, 2014, 15:58 GMT
dhoni should have played ashwin in place of binny
Vivek on July 20, 2014, 15:35 GMT
What is Dhoni thinking? Overcast conditions, new hard ball, a batsman who has struggled against seam, and he lets part-time spinners bowl to England. Ridiculous! He's trying to make Cook's captaincy look intelligent here.
Vicky on July 20, 2014, 15:30 GMT
Long story short - England is finishing this match with flying colours before tomorrow tea. When Bhuvi can bat since morning till afternoon and smash 50 serious questions to ask Kohli & Dhoni & other senior players. In batsmen Gambhir is MUST.
Anshuman on July 20, 2014, 15:01 GMT
Irrespective of how things go on from here, India would need to reflect on the following: a) Is Dhoni a weak link in India's batting overseas? Would someone like Saha be more useful in such conditions?, b) Playing someone like Gambhir at 6 in place of Binny, and c) Playing Pankaj or/and Ishwar.
Dummy4 on July 20, 2014, 14:59 GMT
Match nicely setup for India at tea on day 4. Remaining sessions will prove if the bowling unit has the killer instinct to finish the job! If they can't win from here then hard to imagine a win anywhere but the subcontinent.
san on July 20, 2014, 14:40 GMT
Ishanth is not making cook play at all.. all balls are easily left alone... no pace no swing... bowling at 80.5 miles per hour.. at least bowl it straight enough to get lbw into the play..
san on July 20, 2014, 14:35 GMT
Almost typed - too much experimentation... Ishant showed nothing good.. Jadeja got the man first up.. good signs... However I would still bowl Bhuvi with the new ball... especially for cook...
Dummy4 on July 20, 2014, 14:35 GMT
What's the highest 4th innings chase at Lord's?
Neil on July 20, 2014, 14:30 GMT
The scene is set for Cook to smash 150, silence the critics and set up an emphatic and famous England victory. Then again...
san on July 20, 2014, 14:30 GMT
Ishant has no swing or no pace so far... Shami showed some pace... You will need to feed good swing bowling to cook early in the innings....
Dummy4 on July 20, 2014, 14:25 GMT
India are favorites to win this match, Jadeja and Bhuvi will be key bowlers to bowl out India. England batsman are struggling to score runs. Cook is walking wicket, Bell and Prior are out of form and the rest are new to international cricket and cannot handle pressure of chase. So India are well placed to win this test match. There is only one result possible now and that is INDIA's victory.
san on July 20, 2014, 14:25 GMT
Bhuvi is losing it here a bit.... he bowling a tad short than normal and also little away... first innings in his first spell. he made the batsmen play 95% of his balls... this time they are able to leave a lot....
Needs to tighten line and length...
ESPN on July 20, 2014, 14:22 GMT
Well.. I don't see England winning this test match now. But.. The Indian bowlers will be under huge pressure to perform and bowl England out in the 4th innings to win their first Test match overseas in quite a while. So if Kumar doesn't fire again with the ball. I think India will struggle to bowl England out.
Cricinfouser on July 20, 2014, 14:21 GMT
Ashwin should open in next match as he has made 100 for Tamil nadu opening the inning. My team for next match is Ashwin,Vijay,pujara,Kohli,Rahane,rohit,dhoni Jadeja Bhuvi shami pankaj
Android on July 20, 2014, 14:18 GMT
This may be the second time I'm saying this but Bhuvneshwar Kumar is India's fast bowling all rounder. A fifer on a lifeless Trent Bridge wicket, to go with 2 fifties in the match, and now 88 runs with the bat, more importantly 90+ partnerships in both innings, and already 6 wickets.... What more could any team ask of their all rounder?? Forget Binny, next match, if it offers bounce, bring in Aaron, or if it is like Trent Bridge, bring in Ashwin. Bhuvneshwar should bat at No.7.
MOHAMMED on July 20, 2014, 14:17 GMT
CONGRATS India for victory. England cannot chase this target even in the dreams. England cannot even think of chasing this target. The match is sealed and the winner is one and only India. Bhuvi or Jadeja will be MoM. Congrats Dhoni and team India. The rise of the new power in International cricket, hail this new young Indian side. Congrats India once again
Black on July 20, 2014, 14:09 GMT
We've lost the toss, been inserted on a green pitch, bowled on a less helpful pitch, batted and bowled ourselves out of tough positions and I'm very proud to say that this new team has done a nation proud! Well done boys. The rebuilding is nearly complete. I don't think India can defend 319 on this pitch with 4 sessions, honestly. 30% chance of winning this, in my opinion. But I'll just sit back and watch. Because those boys have fought. All the best Team India!
Dummy4 on July 20, 2014, 14:08 GMT
Well this is going to be a fascinating chase. It's all about putting enough balls in the right area for India.
Terrific batting from the Indian allrounders, also a couple of terrific catches from Cook, I wonder if that will boost him as he comes out to bat?
I feel like this is going to be close... 10-20 runs or a one or two wicket win.
Vinod on July 20, 2014, 14:07 GMT
I hope people realize how lucky Binny has been to play in all-whites. He is a horrible test player, his N'gham 50 notwithstanding. Several players scored there. Get rid of him. We have an all-rounder in B Kumar. Why play him? We should either play Ashwin or R Sharma in his place.
Aside, don't count ENG out yet. This is not easy for IND. Cook may finally play a career-saving innings today.
Dummy4 on July 20, 2014, 14:07 GMT
We have the power to win this, Bhuvi definitely a great batsmen, Jaddu done what he needed to do for his team, just hit the ball around the park, counter attack, which in my opinion Dhoni should of done. Vijay deserved a century for his patience he is definitely going to prove he can be the new wall. Again for Dhoni i hope he works on his technique to make it more defensive and also be counterattacking at times.
Cric on July 20, 2014, 14:05 GMT
Jadeja played well but failed to control himself. Test cricket is not purely and entertainment. India needed his wisdom for at least 30-40 runs. But the Indian bowlers may well do he job.
san on July 20, 2014, 14:02 GMT
England needs exactly 319 - as many as they scored in the first innings... except the pitch is possibly little better to bat... but the pressure of 4th innings..... exciting test cricket ahead....
san on July 20, 2014, 14:00 GMT
TEST match hanging in balance... both sides have equal chance... History is what India have on their side... not many teams have chased 300+ that easily......
Much depends on how Ishant bowls..... and if Jadeja can hold up one end and get some turn... Bhuvi must be really really tired... but he has big job at hand....
Ashwin on July 20, 2014, 13:59 GMT
@ Nexttoimpossible Ashwin better than Jadeja who scored 2 triple hundreds in first class cricket,is this a joke?
Nicholas on July 20, 2014, 13:59 GMT
So England need exactly the same score they limped to in the first innings! How ironic. Anyone see the interesting tweets from KP / Piers Morgan?
Neil on July 20, 2014, 13:57 GMT
The scene is set for Cook to smash 150, silence the critics and set up an emphatic and famous England victory. Then again...
Android on July 20, 2014, 13:55 GMT
since 4 day iam watching this match but my feelings English team without captain
Android on July 20, 2014, 13:48 GMT
jadeja will come into play..... May be 4 wickets from him
Rahul on July 20, 2014, 13:48 GMT
When SirJadeja is batting, even the fielders will push the ball to the ropes.
Roderick on July 20, 2014, 13:45 GMT
@Sasidharan Chandrasekar: "Life is very unfair"? Get real, he has the privilege of playing test cricket for a living. Besides, the only time a century is deserved is when it's already in the scorebook.
Nish on July 20, 2014, 13:38 GMT
AS MSD struggles in his Test batting overseas due to not having the best technique, maybe he needs to consider batting aggressively like Jaddu is doing today. Maybe it is best to take the attack to the opposition - no point scratching around for a mere 15 or 20 runs & then getting out!
Khub on July 20, 2014, 13:35 GMT
Do you know why Sir Ravindra Jadeja sometimes not batted well nd goes out of form? *Answer: Bcz so that u can understand his such important innings' importance like today!
Dummy4 on July 20, 2014, 13:35 GMT
What a fine innings from Mural Vijay and such solid support from Ravindra Jadeja . Bhuvneshwar Kumar is indeed proving hiso all around worth.
Seems like Cooks Goose will be well cooked if England loses this game.
Android on July 20, 2014, 13:30 GMT
I bet India will win this..... For sure 90%
Dummy4 on July 20, 2014, 13:23 GMT
This team is really perfect and balanced fo r India, but i need few changes in the next test to make it more interesting. Replace dhawan with Gambir as dhawan is not promising, replace Binny with Ashwin as ashwin can bat and can bowl some useful overs than Binny, replace Isharma with Pankaj Singh as sharma has no quality in bowling and no consistency in good length wasting too much of deliveries for no cause. But other than these we need some responsible batting from kohli else we need to find an replacement for him also, as he is ending up his wicket without scoring runs and very cheaply. Rishi Dhawan should have given a chance in this series.
Cricinfouser on July 20, 2014, 13:21 GMT
Ashwin is better batsman than Jadeja,dhoni,&binny.Ashwin has always batted at no. 8 where you have to bat with tailenders most of the time.Harm of batting with tailenders is that you could not able to complete your innings after getting set.Remember that scores of 0,0,100 gives better average than 0,0,40not out because 100/3 is 33.33 and 40/2 is just 20.Even after batting at no. ashwin has average of 40 and that too with a strike rate of 65. His strike rate says it all, he know his team mates will not last long therefore he has to go for quick runs since there is no meaning behind building a inning
Neil on July 20, 2014, 13:15 GMT
So much for this pitch being a minefield.
Dummy4 on July 20, 2014, 13:11 GMT
Well played Jaddu. Binny is a passenger in this team. I know i may sound strange to some of Indian cricket followers but Dhawal Kulkarni is the guy we can develop as an all-rounder who bowls good out swings and can bat lower down as well. Similarly we need to develop Rishi Dhawan for similar role.
Rahul on July 20, 2014, 13:10 GMT
Wonderful counter attack by Sir.
Nicholas on July 20, 2014, 13:09 GMT
And people wonder/question why the England bowlers have averages the wrong side of 30... This is insane! I'm saying match-winning knock from Jadeja there and now. Back to the drawing board for England next game.
Dummy4 on July 20, 2014, 13:05 GMT
Life is very unfair for Vijay, He deserved a Century after being the only player who have faced so many balls this test match, mark my words no player can face more balls than him this test- a Amazing stretch of patience and foritude
Peter on July 20, 2014, 12:59 GMT
More solid evidence of the lack of teeth in this English bowling attack. Backing up the poor performance on a first-day green top they can not get the tail out.
Lalith on July 20, 2014, 12:51 GMT
India please declare now. This is more than enough. I can go to work tomorrow afternoon.
Dummy4 on July 20, 2014, 12:46 GMT
Waiting for an exciting finish , if india manage to score 300 it will be tough for England to chase ..
Khub on July 20, 2014, 12:44 GMT
Oh Cook! What u hav done? "Great talented" Stwart Binny accually tried to send that ball from London to my home! If u didnt catch that surely i could hav found it on my roof..
Lin on July 20, 2014, 12:43 GMT
Again poor bowling by anderson and braod, i am really not sure why commentators and many other experts are praising this type of bowling. they bowled too many short pitched and wide deliveries which gave them not a single wicket but gave away lots of runs. if bhuvi, sami and ishanth were bowling today morning session they would have got all the wickets for about 80 runs or not.
very poor bowling, these bowlers need to know these bombarding with short pitch and very wide deliveries is not working anymore against indians, it would have worked against the previous generation indian batsmen, but not against these ones. this line and length did not work in SA or NZ too and indians were constantly having upper hand because such useless bowling.
S on July 20, 2014, 22:26 GMT
The test is far from won for India. Aside from the fact that Root and Ali are batsmen in decent form, the rest of the line-up is strong as well. Prior has 7 Test hundreds and 28 fifties; Stokes is new to Tests but has a Test century, 9 first-class hundreds and 15 fifties; Broad has a Test century and 10 fifties, and Anderson has a 81 from just the last Test. And even in their innings of this Test, as many as 39 runs were added for the last wicket.
However, a lot depends on how England fares in the first 10-15 overs of the match. If they survive that period and score 25-30 runs, things will look better for them. If India gets a wicket within that period, they will be on top.
Lin on July 20, 2014, 12:43 GMT
Again poor bowling by anderson and braod, i am really not sure why commentators and many other experts are praising this type of bowling. they bowled too many short pitched and wide deliveries which gave them not a single wicket but gave away lots of runs. if bhuvi, sami and ishanth were bowling today morning session they would have got all the wickets for about 80 runs or not.
very poor bowling, these bowlers need to know these bombarding with short pitch and very wide deliveries is not working anymore against indians, it would have worked against the previous generation indian batsmen, but not against these ones. this line and length did not work in SA or NZ too and indians were constantly having upper hand because such useless bowling.
Khub on July 20, 2014, 12:44 GMT
Oh Cook! What u hav done? "Great talented" Stwart Binny accually tried to send that ball from London to my home! If u didnt catch that surely i could hav found it on my roof..
Dummy4 on July 20, 2014, 12:46 GMT
Waiting for an exciting finish , if india manage to score 300 it will be tough for England to chase ..
Lalith on July 20, 2014, 12:51 GMT
India please declare now. This is more than enough. I can go to work tomorrow afternoon.
Peter on July 20, 2014, 12:59 GMT
More solid evidence of the lack of teeth in this English bowling attack. Backing up the poor performance on a first-day green top they can not get the tail out.
Dummy4 on July 20, 2014, 13:05 GMT
Life is very unfair for Vijay, He deserved a Century after being the only player who have faced so many balls this test match, mark my words no player can face more balls than him this test- a Amazing stretch of patience and foritude
Nicholas on July 20, 2014, 13:09 GMT
And people wonder/question why the England bowlers have averages the wrong side of 30... This is insane! I'm saying match-winning knock from Jadeja there and now. Back to the drawing board for England next game.
Rahul on July 20, 2014, 13:10 GMT
Wonderful counter attack by Sir.
Dummy4 on July 20, 2014, 13:11 GMT
Well played Jaddu. Binny is a passenger in this team. I know i may sound strange to some of Indian cricket followers but Dhawal Kulkarni is the guy we can develop as an all-rounder who bowls good out swings and can bat lower down as well. Similarly we need to develop Rishi Dhawan for similar role.
Neil on July 20, 2014, 13:15 GMT
So much for this pitch being a minefield.