With rain playing spoilsport on Day 5 of the test match between India and England, the first has ended in a draw. After the first match, the series is level at 0-0. If the game had happened, India was a firm favorite to take the lead in the series. The 4th innings target set by the Englishmen was 209. India was on its way to a successful chase with the scoreboard reading 52-1 after Day 4. But the rain came in to spoil India’s party as the game of day 5 was abandoned without a single ball being bowled. However, India has definitely taken the honors and a truckload of confidence. Here are key takeaways from the game: –
A balanced opening pair: –
With KL Rahul showing glimpses of top-notch form and Rohit always getting steady starts, India’s opening combination looks set. KL Rahul scored a well-fought 84 of 214 balls while Rohit in the first innings perished while playing his trademark pull shot! Rohit, although just scored 36 of 108 balls but was middling them well. But with Rohit and his prowess and with Rahul and his grace the opening pair conundrum seems sorted for a while now.
Shami and Bumrah showing ryhthm: –
Shami was a beast in the first innings of the match. Each over bowled by Shami was eventful. He was beating the Englishmen’s outside edge very frequently. Bumrah on the other hand was equally or rather more lethal! Shami claimed 3 wickets in the first innings, those of Sibley, Lawrence, and Bairstow. Bumrah was spitting fire from the other end. He claimed 4 wickets in the first innings. His set-up wicket of Rory Burns was a treat to the eye. In the second England innings that is the third innings of the game, Bumrah claimed a fifer. Although the pitch was deteriorating, it didn’t bother him and his rhythm. Shami looked a bit off-color in the third innings but picked his tune by the end of the inning.
Ravindra “3-D” Jadeja: –
After scoring a quickfire 56 in the first innings of the match, Sir Ravindra Jadeja more than justified his selection on the team. For the past 3 years, he has had the highest average for an Indian batsman outside of Asia. Though his contribution with the ball is minimum, he is electric on the field and has a never-say-die attitude. He never backs away from getting into a conversation on the pitch! His sword celebration is definitely eye candy as well!
Lower order contribution: –
For the past 5 years for the first time, the lower order contributed with the bat. The last 3 wickets stitched partnerships for contributing 73 runs! Jasprit Bumrah scored 28 of 34 by throwing his bat around and Siraj and Shami held their wicket. Shardul didn’t continue his Gabba heroics but a better inning is definitely round the corner!