Day 2 of India’s first Test against England saw the hosts set themselves up for a clear victory after reaching 421/7 by stumps at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad.
Rohit Sharma and Co. trailed England’s 246 by 127 runs at the close of the first day of play, but the deficit was quickly reversed. Although the visitors managed to pick up a few wickets here and there, it was one-way traffic throughout the three sessions as India feasted on some sloppy bowling.
Let’s highlight three key observations from the second day of the initial India vs England Test match.
1. Ben Stokes’ captaincy blunders
Ben Stokes’ captaincy was called into doubt even on the first day, when he started the assault with Tom Hartley and refused to remove the left-arm spinner despite being hauled over the pitch. On Day 2, things became even more perplexing.
Ben Stokes looked to prefer Hartley and Rehan Ahmed above Jack Leach and Joe Root, England’s finest spinners. The inexperienced combination leaked runs throughout their stints and were unable to create any pressure. Furthermore, even when Leach and Root were introduced, they were swiftly removed and never permitted to remain for lengthy periods.
Stokes also underbowled Mark Wood, who only bowled 13 overs out of the 110 India batted. The England captain’s tactical tactics aided the hosts throughout Day 2.
2. KL Rahul’s middle-order masterclass
Following his Centurion epic in India’s last series, KL Rahul provided another vital middle-order contribution in Hyderabad. With an early respite, the seasoned hitter was class personified after entering at No. 4.
Rahul didn’t let the English bowlers rest, feasting on anything in his arc. He wasn’t afraid to go the aerial route and batted with a newfound determination that reflected recent changes in his game. The 31-year-old hit eight fours and two sixes in his 123-ball spell, which yielded 86 runs.
Rahul was finally dismissed because to a badly executed shot, but his beautiful knock was one of the key reasons India seized control of the game. It remains to be seen whether he can repeat it in the upcoming tests.
3. India’s execution of attack left a lot to be desired
India, naturally, chose to take their swings as the pitch became unpredictable. Yet, some of their strategy and implementation could use improvement.
England’s bowlers were given wickets all day. Yashasvi Jaiswal delivered a straightforward return catch to Root in the opening over of the day, while Shreyas Iyer hit the sole fielder on the midwicket boundary to perfection.
Rahul’s pull was unavoidable given Hartley’s lengthy hop, but the execution was completely incorrect, resulting in a straightforward catch in the deep. Shubman Gill, on the other hand, was caught off guard when he spooned a sitter to short midwicket.
Attacking was the appropriate strategy, but India failed to establish the proper balance on Day 2. Fortunately for them, they are in a commanding position despite this, but they will be aware that they might have won the Test entirely had they been just more cautious.
