The fourth Test against England is the biggest in Kohli’s captaincy, with the series on the line at 1-2 with a game left. But the Day 3 Ageas Bowl pitch was dry, played considerably slow as the sun beat down and England batsmen showed great application to take a firm grip on the Test.
England batsmen buckled down to build the lead as threat of seam and swing evaporated an hour into the morning, taking a leaf out of Cheteshwar Pujara’s obdurate batting the previous day for a superb 132 not out. At stumps, England had reached 260/8 in the second innings. The 233-run lead meant India will have to bat out of their skins in the fourth innings if they are to draw level in the series as there is no weather guarantee in this country.
The biggest letdown was Ashwin, who toiled for 35 overs on a pitch thought to be tailormade for him, not taking a wicket until well after tea. Bowling his entire spell from the opposite end, he pushed through deliveries and tried variations but could not exploit the rough at the pavilion end.
India had won the third Test at Trent Bridge by 203 runs.
Prasanta Patnaik