Nah I don’t agree there. They’ve been chirruping all series and today the umpires intervened - the umpires seemed to say a lot to the Indian players and barely a word to Root for his part. It takes a lot to rile Root, based on a heck of a lot of previous evidence, so whilst I don’t fear for Root’s ability to stand up for himself I really don’t think he’s culpable for the ill feeling. They’re even worse than they were under Virat Kohli. I like a bit of spice on-field, it makes for a better spectacle, but the likes of Siraj all series, and especially Deep and Krishna today - have gone too far and with very little on field prowess to back up their mouth. I just hope they are put to the sword today.
I dont mind Siraj and Deep sniping, thats just part of hostile bowling.. but there was something very very off about Krishna to Root. The Umpire was quite clearly angry at him and so was Root. I suspect he'll be in trouble for whatever he said.
It’s doing plenty here; India getting it in the right areas but plenty of help from the pitch and the sky. Game on here. The two openers out to aggressive shots (and fair enough given the start they’d got), but the three LBWs to Siraj have been really well bowled balls, excellent cricket.
Root’s very similar; and the Bethell ball would have got many a left hander out too. He trapped himself a bit and couldn’t get the bat down but it was almost Yorker length and late swing back. Lovely delivery. Not sure Smith’s played a sensible shot there but Overton looks in front of all three, just being reviewed. One innings game it seems. Wouldn’t mind a bowl today to be fair.
Well bowled India. Put these England players under pressure and they'll get themselves out. Duckett and Crawley bat as a pair. The rest go into their shells.
Bethell has a long long way to go to be a test batsman. He'd just charged the bowler and there was obviously going to be a response and he was not at all ready for it. He's a 1 day player they are trying to shoehorn into the side. Never scored a 1st class hundred. Ahmed has 4 in his last 5 innings and is a year younger than him.
Woakes needs to bat with one arm if Brooks still in the middle. Could go a long way to winning this match this innings. Woakes won't be going down under.
Did we expect anything else from this series? Its just been enthralling, great advert for the Test game - the best form of cricket!
Spot on. We're in trouble. Two gorgeous sunshine days forecast. Hanging on last day unless we get a minor miracle tonight.