Crucial late wickets keep the Vizag Test hanging in the balance
Zak Crawley notched up his second fifty of the match, propelling England to an impressive start in the chase.
However, India made a strong comeback late in the first session, leaving the game delicately poised.
England amassed 127 runs, but India managed to secure five crucial wickets during the session.
The day commenced with Rehan Ahmed, the overnight batsman, attacking freely.
Despite Rohit Sharma persisting with Axar Patel, Ahmed’s aggressive approach ended with a 45-run partnership, as he was trapped LBW by one that slid on and kept low.
True to their promise, England continued their aggressive approach, with Ollie Pope making a brisk start.
Crawley remained the most composed among the batters, utilizing his reach effectively and playing calculated shots to maintain pressure on the opposition.
R Ashwin, operating from round the wicket, found some drift and loop, challenging both edges of the right-handers.
He dismissed Pope, caught sharply at slip by Rohit, and deceived an attacking Joe Root in flight, having him caught as well.
Crawley and Bairstow countered with a rapid 40-run partnership, altering the course of the game.
However, India regained control with two close LBW decisions in their favor.
First, Kuldeep beat Crawley with a skidder, securing an LBW on review.
Bumrah then brought one sharply back to Bairstow, trapping him LBW on umpire’s call after a sequence of away-going deliveries.
At the conclusion of the first session, England required 205 more runs, but with only four wickets in hand, including that of skipper Ben Stokes.
The game hung in the balance, promising an intriguing continuation.
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