India did the first right thing on Day 2 when they skittle out the hosts on 287. Thus, England was able to add only two runs to their overnight score. Mohammed Shami was able to produce the edge of Sam Curran that was safely taken this time around by Dinesh Karthik.
Indian openers, Shikhar Dhawan and Murali Vijay started the innings on a positive note. The right-hand and left-handed pair were able to put a 50-run partnership as they got off to a cautious start. Both the batsmen played some delightful shots in their innings.
It was England’s session.
However, Murali Vijay was trapped in front of the wickets when Sam Curran got one to nip back. Joe Root decided to take the review when Aleem Dar decided to rule the batsman ‘not out’. It was all three red on the review and the decision was overturned.
KL Rahul who was given the opportunity in place of Cheteshwar Pujara played a loose shot away from the body to chop the ball on the stumps. Curran was once again delighted as he was gifted a wicket by KL Rahul.
Shikhar Dhawan got a perfect out-swinger from the 20-year old Sam Curran and Dawid Malan was able to take a good low catch. Meanwhile, England’s old horse James Anderson bowled an extended spell. However, Anderson wickets column was empty.
Thus, the onus was on skipper Virat Kohli and his deputy Ajinkya Rahane to take India to Lunch without any further damage. The experienced pair didn’t disappoint as they took India to lunch with 76 for 3.
It was England’s session as they took three imperative wickets.
Brief Scores:
England: 287-all out, Joe Root 80, Jonny Bairstow 70.
Ravichandran Ashwin 4-62, Mohammed Shami 3-64
India: 76-3, Shikhar Dhawan 26.
Sam Curran 3-23.