That's a big confidence boost to our spinners with the turn he got from the wicket there. We need to keep breaking partnerships and don't let any of them settle because they have batsman capable of making big scores all the way down to 8.
Thats what i thought, big wicket, but it looks like they are going to give this a dart rather than blocking it out. Should be a great day tomorrow.
I thought a draw was the most likely result throughout most of this match. India are putting themselves in a position to win this, now. So it will go one or the other tomorrow.
Wonder if it's worth crowding the bat when the spinners are bowling, just to get in their faces slightly
I'd probably hold on for that now with the quality of these batsmen that are in. They'd not be fazed and would score quickly through all the gaps that bringing the fielders in would leave, it would also give them a highly risk free option of going over the top of the infield.
We hold all the cards really. We can be quite fluid depending on how the innings is going, we can attack and apply pressure from all angles when necessary but if India do look like going for it we can spread the field to almost guarantee a draw. No restrictions in Tests in terms of fielders in a circle or a certain amount of short balls, get more leniency on wides etc There's only one way India can really win this and it's having the greatest 'chaser' in world Cricket, Kolhi can do it but it will be a monumental ask.
Fascinating last day on the cards, due as much to our confusion, as well as their brilliance, we look the team under pressure , unbelievable Jeff as someone once said, or should that be Joff.
Into the bowlers already, India will do well to still be batting at lunch, and some people still say Jimmy Anderson can only bowl on a green top or in overcast conditions. Hope he can stay fit for the Ashes.
In terms of consistency and endurance, he's the best fast bowler ever. Simple as that. By the time he's done, it likely won't even be close.
There was so much complaining on Twitter from people saying we should've declared earlier or declared in the first innings (etc.) I thought in my head that I probably would've declared earlier but I've never captained anyone better than an under 18s side and we never played anything longer than 40 over matches!! My head also told me that Joe Root is a fantastic batsman and captain and he knew what he was doing. As a bowler (which I was in my younger days) you have to have faither that the captain knows his stuff. As a captain, you must have the confidence that your bowlers will get the job done. They did! Captained superbly and bowled and batted the game perfectly. Not to forget this is India's equivalent of "the Gabba". Great win - onto the next one on Friday!!
Woke up bloody 10 mins after it all finished. Recording the highlights as I dont get own tv until gone 9.00pm due to 3 kids and a wife. Great result and performance.
My personal hero of this test is Leach.. He took such a pounding in the first innings, but stayed strong and was a massive part of the victory in the end.
We are the two best teams in world cricket at the moment and we've just hammered them in their own back yard. Huge statement! This is going to be a cracking series now because India won't take this lying down and we'll see their fantastic batsmen come to the fore soon enough. Great chance for our spin bowlers to cement their place as our number 1 spin bowler. Leach was great today, really disciplined with his line and length and generated a good bit of spin.
When your on a roll in sport anything is possible and England are certainly on a roll, well done lads.
