261-2 with two overs left in the day. Root cramping up quite badly in the heat and humidity. If we don't lose another wicket today it will have been a magnificent first day for England. Root and Sibley batting superbly.
And he is out. That's frustrating, although it was a good delivery. Still a good day and sensational again from Root. 263-3 at the close.
Brilliant from both skip and sibley.....shame about getting out in last over but still a good day...... I'd say that we need to bat all day tomorrow to get as near to 600 as possible......last time England played on this ground that posted 450+ in first innings and still lost by an innings as India racked up 750+ in reply..... gives some idea of what's required....
Great day for England. Hats off to Root not only for chalking up 100 tests but also his unbeaten 128. This is going to be a very entertaining series with both teams having good form in recent weeks.
Another brilliant session for England, getting to lunch on 355 for 3. Root sails serenely on, whilst Stokes, under a bit of pressure as the pitch starts to misbehave a little outside the left-hander's off stump, responds as he does best - by attacking. He's needed a little bit of luck once or twice, but his 63 not out is ominous for India with Pope and Buttler still to come.
Going along nicely 454/4 at tea.... skip posts another double, he's in great form... Still think we should bat into tomorrow and get them in on a 3rd day pitch....
Bat as long as possible, apparently the pitch is breaking up but let’s be honest Bess and Leach aren’t top class spinners and it’s a long slog for Archer, Anderson and Stokes. Unless India collapse like they did in the first test against the Aussies, which is highly unlikely, a draw is definitely on the cards here. Good test cricket, enjoying it.
It's a great watch and free on Channel 4. I think the match will end up drawn, but it has been exciting innings thus far from England.
555/8 at close...... if we can squeeze another 45 runs to get to 600 that would be a nice cushion and give us 2 and a bit days to bowl them out twice on a deteriorating pitch.... Also encouraging to see reverse swing....Sharma bowled 2 absolute beauties to get buttler and archer, hopefully Jimmy will see that and say yep that suits me perfectly.....
The Channel 4 coverage leaves a little to be desired, but test cricket should always be free to view imo.
Probably more to do with the host broadcaster than channel 4...... but great to be able to watch free to air....
No, I meant the bloke in the studio, who is a terrible presenter and Alistair Cook who is an awful pundit (all be it a very knowledgeable one). England have batted themselves into a great position. Draw is favourite for me, but you never know if the pitch continues to deteriorate.
They aren’t putting much money into it beyond buying the coverage are they? But at least we get to see it, though it was gone 8.30 when I remembered it was on this morning. User error......
England bang in charge. Huge wicket for Bess getting Kohli and now Root takes a sensational catch. 73-4.