He only got away with it last time because of dreadful Indian lower order batting in both innings and the brilliance of Root. Time perhaps to die by the sword and pass the job to Brook
Brook just out after 302 run stand with Smith who's about to overtake Alex Stewart as the highest score by an England wicketkeeper. Edit:- it took a while but Smith is now on 174, ahead of the 173 of Stewart.
Basically India have outbatted and outbowled us comprehensively. Can Bethell play as an opener? Time to stop the Crawley machine which only fires sporadically, and every time I think Pope is finished he scores a century to prolong the agony. Even Root must be teetering but I can't see him being dropped/rested just yet. Edit:- and time to stop this ridiculous win the toss and ask opponents to bat. If India had won the toss in either of the games so far not a chance they would not have batted first.
Good afternoon session, then we lose Pope and Brook early in evening session. Root and Stokes at the wicket. Need a good stand now
Stokes on 99 with a groyne strain, ladybird or ant swarm at the end. Pant (?) off with finger injury Reasonable day's play, funny old pitch
Beautiful start to the Test match this morning. It's Red day in memory of Ruth Strauss, late wife of Andrew. If you can, support this brilliant charity. Note. Root completes his 100,off 1st ball.
