India has taken the charge on the first day of the second test at Visakhapatnam against England as centuries from Virat Kohli and Cheteshwar Pujara has seen the team in a commendable position at the end of day’s play.
India finished the day at 317/4 at the end of Day 1 as they are on course to post a massive total which could be trickier for England in the coming days.
Here we look at five talking points from the game after the first day.
#1. Gautam Gambhir’s Exclusion
One of the major talking point at the start of second test is the exclusion of experiences Gautam Gambhir who has looked impressive but failed to make a huge impact in the last two tests. The southpaw had to make way to KL Rahul who has gone in the very first over which added pressure on the team.
#2. England spinners’ ineffectiveness
The English spinners have looked far more dominant than their Indian counterparts in the first test at Rajkot. However, they were put at bay by the Indian batsmen especially by Virat Kohli and Cheteshwar Pujara who has taken the charge to them throughout the day which had not helped them to settle. Little assistance from the pitch meant they remained largely ineffective throughout the day.
#3. Pujara- The New Dependable player?
Despite coming to the crease in the very first over of the game, Cheteshwar Pujara has shown the temperament that a No.3 should have as he was able to reconstruct Indian innings along with Virat Kohli as the openers were dismissed for just 26 within 6 overs.
The right-hander has scored his third century in last three tests and have made a brilliant double century stand with Virat Kohli before he was dismissed for 119.
#4. James Anderson spell
The veteran bowler has been ruled off over his effectiveness over Indian pitches with his recent dip of form. But the 34-year old has been at his best in the day’s play as he created problems for all the players on regular basis.
He has managed to pick up three wickets out of four wickets that fell in the day’s play. He was used in short spells by Cook and has been effective in his spells throughout the day.
#5. Virat Kohli’s brilliance
The Indian skipper is slowly becoming more and more reliable in the longest format as well as he has finished the day at 151* and has looked very confident in the middle. The 28-year old has formed a brilliant partnership with Pujara which has put the Indian innings back on track.
Kohli could reach his third double century this year if he manages to keep his cool head going when the day resumes tomorrow.