Long before the Test series got underway, Sunil Gavaskar had predicted a 4-0 scoreline in India’s favour. The legend’s optimism stemmed from England’s brittle batting, which had been exposed during their two-Test series against New Zealand, and the Indian pacers’ ability to run through any line-up.

Having learnt their lessons from the World Test Championship final, the Indians didn’t risk playing two spinners at Trent Bridge and went in with a four-pronged seam attack in this first Test. The grass on the wicket and the forecast of rain played their roles too.

Ishant Sharma was left out because of fitness issues as the experienced Mohammed Shami and Jasprit Bumrah had Mohammed Siraj and Shardul Thakur for company. Predictably England’s batting frailties against a challenging attack showed up once again, as they folded up for 183 after winning the toss. At stumps, India were 21/0.

Bumrah (4/46) removed Rory Burns with the fifth ball of the match and Zak Crawley survived some anxious moments before nicking behind off Siraj. Shami (3/28) had been unlucky for most of the morning session but was amply rewarded for his craft with two wickets in the afternoon session.

Joe Root and Jonny Bairstow tried to repair the damage, but Shami had Bairstow trapped in front of the wicket after tea following a review.

A little later, Thakur removed Root with one that angled into his middle and leg, a reward for the pacer’s diligent efforts. England lost their last seven wickets for 45 runs.

It seemed England had only one batsman in Root (64) and the others were made to look like novices. With the Dukes ball aiding swing till after 50 overs, Shami and Bumrah’s probing length and precision proved too much to handle.