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England will resume on 67 for one, needing a further 332 runs to take an absurd 2-0 lead in the series. The last time India were 2-0 down at home was against Shane Warne, Glenn McGrath and chums in 2004-05. It surely won’t come to that. All logic says they will win comfortably, probably by around 162 runs, especially as Joe Root has a badly injured finger. But Bazball has an injunction against logic.
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important events
18 overs: England 82-1 (Crawley 34, Rehan 19) Rehan charges Axar and sends the ball to the cow corner for four. It was an ugly stroke but very effective, and he followed it up with four more great cover drives. India has already signed Rehan, but he is certainly too defensive at this stage.
“Good morning Rob!” Martin Wright calls out. “Everyone has bright eyes and bushy tails, right? Me too. Either way, it’s over for today, right?”
Oh, it probably depends on the tea.
17 overs: England 73-1 (Crawley 34, Rehan 10) Crowley gets hit twice by Bumrah. The first was a slightly slower stroke, and the second was a long, snorting kick. Bumrah gets off to a perfect start, getting closer and closer to the off-stump and Crawley’s outside edge. After 11 dot balls, Crowley scored his first bat with a powerful drive to the left of mid-off for four. nice stroke.
“Hello from the airport (the only reason I’m awake at such an unholy hour)” says Eva Marten. “I’m completely amazed how England managed to make this series, which just fell under my radar, so exciting. I probably didn’t expect much. I’m sure I’m not the only one, but it’s been fascinating so far and I’m looking forward to another exciting chase and close finish.”
16 overs: England 69-1 (Crawley 30, Rehan 10) With two right-handed pitchers standing in the crease, Axar Patel starts from the opposite side. Rehan Ahmed declared his anarchic intent by swiping the first ball just short of mid-on, dragging a huge wave on his pads.
15 overs: England 67-1 (Crawley 29, Rehan 9) Bumrah starts giving his virginity to Crawley and Crawley leaves after each of the last five deliveries. One has a slightly shaped back. The rest passed harmlessly outside the stumps. Bumrah progresses outside her stumps as the spell progresses.
Update: Shubman Gill injured his right index finger while fielding on the second day. I won’t be participating today.#TeamIndia | #INDVENG | @IDFCFIRSTBank
— BCCI (@BCCI) February 5, 2024
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The players are out on the field and Jasprit Bumrah is ready to bowl.
Win with 399? Please give it a try.
Mood Music (3:55am)
Today is a day for people with strong hearts. A great day awaits. India needs to capitalize on the early moves that have been noticeable so far. India should win this, but their body language will reflect their beliefs.
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) February 5, 2024
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Today is a day for people with strong hearts. A great day awaits. India needs to capitalize on the early moves that have been noticeable so far. India should win this, but their body language will reflect their beliefs.
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) February 5, 2024
Mood Music (3:41am)
at the end of last night’s play, Shubman Gill said that the match was around 70/30 in India’s favor, but this was a desperate comment that exposed India’s state of mind. Even the most hopeful (and sane) England fan would never guess he has a 30% chance of that happening. India know they should win this game and almost certainly will, but they are a bit intimidated by England’s escapists. The life of the heart, yes.
Gil’s wariness is understandable. He is one of three players in the squad who watched England chase 378 points at Edgbaston in 2022. (The other players were Shreyas Iyer and Jasprit Bumrah, but yes, I was also surprised that there were only three. Even England, he is the only one to survive from that game. Life is very It goes fast…)
Highlights of yesterday’s matchIt was a fascinating century from Shubman Gill, a love affair with Ben Stokes’ genius in this field. Tanya Aldred writes as Gilbat with unparalleled grace and grace, making this one well worth reading.
preamble
All things being equal, England will lose today’s Test match. Still, they head into the fourth and final day in Vizag with optimism that they can create history by chasing a strong target of 399. Even England supporters who have spent their entire adult lives fearing hope are filled with joy.
England restart at 67 for 1 but need another 332 runs to take an absurd 2-0 lead in the series. The last time India lost 2-0 at home was in 2004-05 against Shane Warne, Glenn McGrath and Chums. I’m sure that won’t happen. Logically they would probably win easily by around 162 runs, especially since Joe Root has a serious finger injury. But Buzzball has an injunction against logic.
