Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul blunted the England attack for almost the whole of first session during a 97-run opening partnership. But by the time rain and bad light conspired to abandon the second day’s play, the visitors were reduced to 125 for four.
More than half of England’s first innings total had been wiped off by the openers and James Anderson, despite bowling a fuller length, hardly looked threatening. Stuart Broad was erratic in his first spell and only Sam Curran’s left-arm round-the-wicket deliveries could have brought England some luck.
Both the openers showed the right temperament to counter the swinging delivery and were in no hurry to accelerate. There were a few nicks that fell short of the fielders.
India were on course to reaching their second 100-run opening stand in England since 2016, but with three balls remaining for lunch, Ollie Robinson provided the breakthrough. Rohit couldn’t control the pull, more an impulse action than a thought-out response, as it landed straight into fine leg’s hands.
Not the first time that Rohit (36) paid the price for his profligacy after having done the hard work. But what followed after lunch was an excellent show of controlled swing bowling by Anderson. With the threat of rain looming, the 39-year-old Anderson proved why he is still considered a master at his craft.
Cheteshwar Pujara’s intent was a big talking point going into this Test and the No.3 batsman lasted just 16 deliveries. Having survived after the third umpire overturned an lbw decision, Pujara nicked Anderson’s outswinger to Jos Buttler.
The pacer returned to haunt Virat Kohli next ball. The captain fell for a golden duck in almost similar fashion to Pujara. Kohli had perhaps played for the inswinger, but the ball held its line. More was to follow as Ajinkya Rahane paid the price for his hasty running.
Anderson was back to his lethal best and could have picked up his third had Dom Sibley not floored Rahul’s low chance at second slip. The batsman was on 52 then.
