The Edgbaston test started today as a new look England side win the toss and decide to bat first. Both captains appeared happy with the opportunity that they had come ball 1.
England’s top order set a good foundations with openers Cook and Jennings getting the home side off to a good start.
Ashwin got the break for India as he gave the ball plenty of flight, Cook obliged by playing all around it. This would of course bring the in form Joe Root to the crease.
Root (80) shared a fruitful partnership with both Jennings (42) and Bairstow (70) who’s batting oozed the class we have come to expect from him.
England showed patience against the moving ball and later, when Bairstow and Root were scoring at a steady pace, the home side were taking control at 215-3. England would have been very happy with they start they had and would have fully expected to reach at least a first innings score of 400. However in typical fashion it wasn’t to be.
Superb fielding from Virat Kohli as his turn and throw would run out the England captain for 80. This ultimately begin the collapse that would inevitably follow. As Bairstow dropped to his knees and the skipper made his way back to the stands, Kohli blew kisses to both batsmen, he then put his finger to his lips and mimicked the Joe Root mic drop.
England missed a massive opportunity on Day 1
Ashwin was the pick of the bowlers on the day for the traveling side, picking up 4-60 and capitalising on the middle order struggles that we have become a custom to.
England would stumble to the close of play with the biggest cheers reserved for fan favourite Jimmy Anderson. He would block his way to the last delivery and ensure than the Lions fight another day.
As the end of the day drew near It was clear that India are the happier of the two sides. They hold the advantage that is beyond doubt, but should the ball move early tomorrow morning the game could be anyones.
India are yet to take their turn but they will be happy with how they performed on the day. England opener Jennings Said “On one hand, it is a missed opportunity, but on the other you don’t know what a good score is until both sides have batted.”
Day 1 Stand out performances
Root (80)
Bairstow (70)
Ashwin 4-60Â
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