Barring skipper Virat Kohli, Indian batsmen once again struggle as visitors end Day Three on 110-5, still needing 84 runs to become the first Asian team to win at England's fortress
England players celebrate the dismissal of India's Murali Vijay (centre) on the third day of the first Test at Edgbaston yesterday. Pic:AP/PTI
Sam Curran continued to be India's nemesis for the second consecutive day as the second Test of the Pataudi Trophy series hangs in the balance after three engrossing days of cricket.
India's attempt to become the first Asian team to win at Edgbaston depends on Virat Kohli. The Indian captain was unbeaten on 43 while Dinesh Karthik was batting on 18 at stumps with India 110-5, requiring 84 runs to win the Test.
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India's bowlers performed superbly through the first session yesterday as they picked up five wickets in the morning session to tilt the match in their favour.
Ishant Sharma was the star of the day with figures of 5-51 from his 13 overs. For the first couple of overs, Ishant had toiled away, hitting a length that has seen the ball fly over the stumps. But then, he suddenly produced a spell that raised the hopes as he dislodged four England batsmen in space of 17 deliveries to swing the momentum in India's favour.
Ishant started his magic against David Malan by angling one in from around the wicket, squaring up the left-hander and finding an edge that was pouched by Ajinkya Rahane at gully. He then exposed Jonny Bairstow's technique by forcing him to nibble at a delivery that jagged back into him. Two balls later, he dragged Ben Stokes forward with the ideal length and induced an edge to third slip. After lunch, he had Jos Buttler edging one behind to leave England in tatters at 87-7.
However, Curran showcased his capabilities with the willow with a counter-attacking knock of 63 from 65 balls. Ravichandran Ashwin had snared Keaton Jennings and Joe Root earlier in the day, but he was the major recipient of Curran's attack, as the he smashed the Indian off-spinner for three handsome boundaries and one towering six.
The tail was finally polished off by Ishant and Umesh Yadav. Unfortunately for India, the batsmen once again showed their ineptness against the swinging ball.
Also Read: IND vs ENG: Virat Kohli Reckons 149-Run Knock Second To Adelaide's 141
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