England top-order batsmen produced a brilliant effort led by Alastair Cook on the morning session of day four of the fifth Test against India at the Oval.
Meanwhile, Cook and Joe Root, who has been below par so far, finally showed their class to extend the lead for the hosts. Starting with 154 runs ahead, the overnight batsmen dominated the Indian bowlers, who have so far done an outstanding job with the ball.
The veteran southpaw looked in superb touch in the very last Test innings of his career. He brought his half-century in style to become the second batsmen to score 50+ runs in both the innings of his debut and last Tests. Root also looked in excellent touch as England marched towards a huge lead.
Furthermore, to hurt India’s chances, Ishant Sharma suffered a slight niggle on his toe and walked off the field. To add to it, Ajinya Rahane let go a tough chance as the ball was flying from the bat. In the meantime, Joe Root brought his 42nd Test fifty and extend the lead over 200 runs.
Alastair Cook, who went past Kumar Sangakkara to become the highest run-scorer among left-handers in Tests, brought his century in style. The noise levels at The Oval reach the maximum in jubilation as they celebrate a wonderful achievement from a humble, great cricketer.
Meanwhile, England went to lunch at 243 for the loss of two wickets with a lead of 284 runs.
Here is how the Twitter reacted on the morning session of day four of the fifth Test between England and India at the Oval:
https://twitter.com/JawadReal_/status/1039120547492323328
https://twitter.com/iamkhurrum12/status/1039120566198984704
Fifty for Joe Root. Hope he gets a long overdue hundred. #ENGvIND
— All Hail Queen Zelina (@bainalan05) September 10, 2018
But boats back to India have already been booked for day after.#TimelessTest #ENGvIND https://t.co/5tWYiYODT8
— Suneer (@suneerchowdhary) September 10, 2018
This partnership between Cook and Root is everything that's great about test cricket. #ENGvIND
— Stephen Brennan (@Acting_Steve) September 10, 2018
Only a miracle can save #TeamIndia @BCCI in this test match! @RaviShastriOfc ????greatest overseas team – Yeah Right! Another series in ??????? another pathetic performance! Time for total revamp of the coaching team- Appoint #dravid #ENGvIND
— MeddyZ (@MeddySmz) September 10, 2018
https://twitter.com/dream11_newbie/status/1039107450467753986
https://twitter.com/S4saheb/status/1039107437679136769
Where r those not who said Eng team is weak. Root Cook were not in form. Plus deadly middle order #ENGvIND
— Piyush Rijhwani (@RijhwaniPiyush) September 10, 2018
https://twitter.com/Sur_casm/status/1039110698947633152
Indian Cricket Team mood right now! #EngvInd #ENGvsIND #ENGvsIND #INDvsENG #INDvENG #Cricket pic.twitter.com/oUJq72RJct
— Rajiv Pal Satirism (@coolrajivpal) September 10, 2018