(Cricket news) India started their 2nd innings on day 4 trailing by 27 runs. They lost 3 quick wickets but a 100 run partnership between Ajinkya Rahane and Cheteshwar Pujara kept India in the game. Rishabh Pant still on the crease as India ended day 4 at 181 for 6 and a lead of 154 runs.
After a successful partnership in the first innings, KL Rahul and Rohit Sharma walked in to bat to try and give India a good start. Mark Wood had other plans as he got rid of both the openers in the span of 3 overs. The Indian middle order trio who were already under a lot of pressure walked into bat when India were in a precarious position.
Virat Kohli got off to a good start playing some beautiful drives on the off side but failed to convert after edging Sam Curran's wayward ball. Pujara and Rahane used all their experience to build a partnership. The runs were ticking at a very slow rate but survival time was much more important. Rahane got himself a much needed half century while Pujara was dismissed 45 courtesy of a wonderful delivery by Mark Wood.
Joe Root brought Moeen Ali into the attack and the pitch offered some turn. There was a big puff of dust from the pitch in Moeen's first over itself. The off spinner got two quick wickets after dismissing Ajinkya Rahane and Ravindra Jadeja. Ishant Sharma and Rishabh Pant negotiated the final overs before the play was called off early due to bad light.
Also read: Anything over 220 won't be easy won't be easy to chase says Moeen
England are still on top as India has a very long tail which has already been exposed. Having said that, the only reason that India cannot be counted out is if Rishabh Pant gets down to business and gets India to a lead of around 250, they could still salvage a draw or may even go on to win the match.
James Anderson bowled a long 9 over opening spell to keep things tight and allowed Mark Wood to attack on the other end. Sam Curran got his first wicket of the series by picking up the Indian captain. Wood might not be able to bowl on day 5 after injuring his shoulder while fielding. England is likely to take the second new ball from the very first over tomorrow and Jimmy Anderson will get a chance to clean up the tail.
Player of the day: Mark Wood
Wood had the big shoes of Stuart Broad to fill and he did the job in the second innings. He was brought into the attack in the 6th over to make things happen. The seamer was charging in hitting the 145 Kmph speed barrier consistently. His short balls got rid of Rohit Sharma and Cheteshwar Pujara and caused a lot of trouble to Ajinkya Rahane. Mark Wood may have secured his place for the rest of the series provided he recovers from his shoulder injury.
