Spinners day out once again as India gain control of last Test

For the first time since their victorious outing in the first Test, England managed to cross the 200 mark. But that was the only solace for them on a day Indian bowlers, spinners in particular, proved their class on a surface that did not have any demons in it.

Having won the toss, England survived the first 25 minutes or so but the uneasiness in the body language of the visitors was palpable. 

Introduction of Axar Patel ensured that the uneasiness made way for the first wicket on the day when Dom Sibley failed to negotiate a straighter one.

Two more wickets before lunch, including one of skipper Joe Root who was removed by Mohammed Siraj pushed England on the back foot.

However, Ben Stokes and Jonny Bairstow did put up a fight for a while before Siraj caught him in front to break a solid partnership. Stokes’s 55 and Dan Lawrence 46 were the bright spots for England but the two batters failed to capitalize on the starts.

From the Indian side, it was once again local lad Axar Patel who ran through the England batting, bagging four wickets. Ashwin scalped three while Washington Sundar got a wicket, once again making it a pleasant outing for the spinners.

In response, India lost Shubhman Gill to James Anderson on a marginal call that went England’s way. Rohit Sharma and Cheteshwar Pujara managed to see through the day to cut down the lead by 24 runs.

On day 2, India will once again start from an advantageous position, bearing in mind the lighting that struck them in the last game when they were in a similar position.