Written by Joe Man, edited by Joe Murphy
For much of the fourth test we were treated to a fantastic, even battle, but when India launched their final attack, England had nothing to offer. There is no doubt England could have and possibly should have won this test. It is in fact easy to forget that India were 127/7 in their first innings with their middle order failing once again. Very much on the ropes.
Enter Shardul Thakur who made his first of two half centuries in this match. Although it only took them to a first innings score of 191 it made a big difference.
Englands first innings response started badly and at 62/5 you felt the match was already slipping away. However, Ollie Pope played beautifully on his return, registering an impressive 81 before being bowled by that man Thakur. Pope received some good support from Barstow and with the assistance of Ali and Woakes, took England to a 99 run lead.
Englands descent to defeat in many ways began at this halfway point of the game. The pitch lost all its life and became a batsman’s paradise. India’s top order made a fantastic start with Rohit Sharma going on to make a “man of the match” calibre score of 127. Decent contributions from Kohli, Rahul and a half century from Cheteshwar Pujara and India were well and truly flexing their muscles. England rallied briefly taking the wickets of Jadeja and Pant before Thakur responded by adding 60. England yet again seemed unsure what to do once under attack from the Indian tail. It was this innings right here which ultimately decided the game.
With England left 368 to win the result had the inevitability of their footballing counter parts in a penalty shoot out! The hosts started well, however, with another opening stand of 100 runs between Hameed and Burns. The pitch looked flat and batting looked easy. No sooner had Burns celebrated his 50, he was gone very next ball. Was it a lapse in concentration? It was a very good ball in fairness so maybe that’s an unfair judgement.
It was a big wicket for India, Thakur to the rescue again!
The biggest question I had whilst watching this day was; what was England’s plan?
It really looked like they had absolutely no plan at all. This is, however, professional sport and they would have discussed the day at length. It just didn’t come across when watching on the screen.
If the plan was to try to win the game then they didn’t show much urgency to make the required runs. In fairness, Burns and Hameed played well and had good balance but other than this it was inconsistent at best and downright poor at worst.
After Burns’ dismissal, there is a period of defence which gave the impression that just seeing out the day was the plan. No sooner you think you’ve worked out England’s tactics, Malan is run out trying to take a quick single! Why would you do that trying to see out a game? Root was reverse slog sweeping, Hameed was dropped trying to slog Jadeja for 6 and Woakes skied a bizarre shot to get caught. India did bowl fantastically with Bumrah lethal and Jadeja ripping it out of the rough. Once again, India have proved what a good side they are. They never say die and come back harder every time. They are simply better than England, at the moment.
With 150 needed, how I wished it was Ben Stokes walking out on the last day!
There is plenty of talent in this English side but someone has to put a hardened streak into them. However, that tends to come from winning, something which isn’t happening too regularly at the moment.
There is no doubt in my mind if it had have been India in the same situation they would have dead batted every ball like it was their last.
The man of the match award went to Rohit Sharma for his stylish century. I would have given the honour to Sharkul Thakur. He got Pope in the first innings, just as he was taking the game away. He got Burns and Root in the second innings. All that, plus the vital 110 runs contribution with the bat. He won the big moments.
England now head into the final test with some headaches. Anderson will be desperate to play at Old Trafford (his home ground) but he looked very tired. With only 3 days rest, at 39 years old, its a big ask. Mark Wood will surely come in instead of Overton unless Anderson can’t play. If Jos Butler comes back, what do they do with Johnny Barstow? Neither of them are making enough runs so it will be a tricky call.
India also have concerns. Primarily, over Rahane’s lack of runs but with it being the final test I can’t see them changing their line up.
England need some magic from somewhere. Can the Old Trafford faithful roar them to victory?
I for one will be on the couch glued!
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