U.K. Nottingham: India were 125 for 4 in their first innings at stumps after rain effectively washed out the entire evening session on day two of the first Test against England in Nottingham on Thursday. Only 33.4 overs were possible in the day with the majority of them coming in the morning session. KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant were on the crease on 57 and 7 when play was called off. For England, James Anderson took two wickets, while Ollie Robinson picked one.
Solid start
Indian openers began the innings with a very cautious start. Both Rahul and Rohit were leaving balls outside the off stump, occasionally driving and pushing whenever they got the opportunity. Rahul was particularly solid in his technique and temperament. His straight drives and cover drives were a treat to watch. Rohit was curbing his natural instinct and was very restrained to play any lofted shots. It was 97 for no loss and India looked to dominate the proceedings but a lapse of concentration by Rohit Sharma caused his downfall. A short ball from tall Robinson was hooked by Rohit and was caught in the deep fine-leg for 36. It was at the stroke of the lunch.
Hara-kiri
The wicket of Rohit suddenly opened up the floodgates for India. Cheteshwar Pujara nicked James Anderson to the wicketkeeper before successfully taking a review against lbw decision. That brought Indian captain Virat Kohli to the crease. Kohli played the first ball which should have been left and was out caught behind. It was the golden duck for him. He was playing the ball which was on the sixth stump. His perennial problem of fishing outside the off-stump is now open to see. Ajinkya Rahane was run out from the direct throw of Bairstow. From 97 without loss, India slumped to 112 for 4. It was an abject surrender as far as the top-order batsmen were concerned. Top-order batsmen simply squandered the solid foundation provided by the openers in the morning session.
Also read: Indian Pacers Rule The Roost, England Innings Collapses At 183
It all depends on how Rahul and Rishab Pant play on the third day. The duo had 202 runs partnership at the Oval in the previous tour of India in England. They both at that time scored a century each.
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