Indian openers Gautam Gambhir and Murali Vijay gave India a good start. Indian batsmen were playing cautiously and crossed the score of 50 without any loss. India were 63 for no loss at stumps.
The England batting finally folded after posting 537 runs in the first innings. As India continued to spill catches, the English batsmen made full use of the opportunities provided to them and went on to score big runs. Ben Stokes went on to score a century before he was dismissed by Umesh Yadav for 128 runs. Zafar Ansari was the last man to depart. He made a useful contribution of 32 runs before he was trapped leg before wicket by Amit Mishra. Jadeja struck in the first over after Lunch sending Woakes back to the pavilion for just 4 runs. Jadeja struck again as he dismissed Adil Rashid for 5 runs. England were 465/8.
England batsmen consolidated their position in the first innings as they came out to bat on Day 2. From their overnight score of 311/4, England were well placed at 450/6 with useful contributions from the middle-order. Moeen Ali, who was not out on 99 at the end of first day’s play, went on to score his first ton overseas and fourth overall. Ali was clean bowled by Mohammed Shami on 117 as India got their first wicket on Day 2. Ben Stokes went on to build on his overnight score of 19 runs and is playing at 84. Jonny Bairstow supported Stokes with his valuable 46 before he, too, was dismissed by Shami as Saha managed to hold on to this one.
It was expected of the Indian spin attack that they would trouble the England batsmen. However, it was not the case as the English batsmen played big shots at will against Ashwin and company. The spin trio of Ashwin, Jadeja and Amit Mishra couldn’t contain the batsmen and gave away 351 runs between them in 99.3 overs. Indian pacer Umesh Yadav was unfortunate as four catches were dropped on his bowling.
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