09:28 AM
Good morning
It was a particularly fantastic opening day of the third Test yesterday. Realistically, it could not have gone any better for England. They could have bowled India out for under 50 and then reached 200 by close, but as far these things go this was a dream opening day for Joe Root’s men. Boy did they need it after a disastrous final day in the second Test at Lord’s which put them 1-0 down in the five-match series.
Who were the stars? Well, the evergreen James Anderson did much of the damage to India’s top order, taking 3-6 in his eight overs, including the prized wicket of Virat Kohli for seven. Just two Indian batters made it into double figures as they were dismissed for 78 after just 40.4 overs.
Anderson was ably assisted by the other pace bowlers. Craig Overton in his Test return took 3-14 in 10.4 overs, Ollie Robinson was excellent for his 2-16 from 10 and Sam Curran picked up a couple, too.
A good start with the ball after India won the toss and chose to bat was only part of the job, necessary though it was. The real bonus was that England made it through to the close of play without loss and with a 42-run lead. Rory Burns and Haseed Hameed formed a new opening partnership and made it to 120/0 at stumps. Hameed making an unbeaten 60 on his move up the order and Burns compiling a decent 52. There were few chances offered and few signs of danger for the openers, though Hameed was dropped in the slips in the 40s.
What is the target for England today? Simply to try and bat well and bat once. At 120/0 they will be looking to go on beyond 350 and approach a 200-run lead but today is a different day and it is not always that simple. Losing one or both Burns or Hameed early on can change the complexion of things. Still, even if they lose all their wickets for 100 runs today that is still a 150-run lead for England. It is a long way back for India from here.