England tour of India

[sussexpob]

England desperately need to break this stand soon. Pant just starting to swing the game to India.

Weird match so far. As soon as a bat gets settled the pitch looks flat, when the batsman arent settled it looks very tricky.

[Red Devil]

Been a lot of commentator talk today about Dom Bess suddenly looking tentative. Karthik just said then that he looked pretty good 1st test, and all of a sudden he isnt letting it go well and just slipping in bad balls.

Who would have thought averaging 21 in SL, returning better figures than all the Indian in the first test, then being dumped out the squad for two raging bunsens because your captain and coach come out to say your rubbish, would destroy a young lads confidence.

Couldn't agree more - I've been astonished at how badly Eng have dealt with Bess. I can see why they might have preferred Moeen but no need to keep talking about how badly Bess is bowling

[mikesiva]

Not many fans at this Test match.

[backfootpunch]

Been a lot of commentator talk today about Dom Bess suddenly looking tentative. Karthik just said then that he looked pretty good 1st test, and all of a sudden he isnt letting it go well and just slipping in bad balls.

Who would have thought averaging 21 in SL, returning better figures than all the Indian in the first test, then being dumped out the squad for two raging bunsens because your captain and coach come out to say your rubbish, would destroy a young lads confidence.

Couldn't agree more - I've been astonished at how badly Eng have dealt with Bess. I can see why they might have preferred Moeen but no need to keep talking about how badly Bess is bowling

Moeen wasn't any better if not worse

The selection has been woeful since the first match

[sussexpob]

The selection has been woeful since the first match

The selection/resting is one thing, but I think with Bess it was the comments made about him needing to improve made in the press that just seemed very unconstructive. The player could have easily been told with everyone being rested and Moeen replacing him, that he was going to be rotated like everyone has, and that Moeen was going home after the test and therefore they wanted to use him before.

Now Bess is basically out there knowing his management dont have confidence in his ability, and that is clearly putting pressure on him. His captain pulling off after every couple of overs and bowling himself wont help either.

I guess people have different ideas on it, but from my perspective as Bess was always going to play again in the series, the player management didnt make sense to me at all. Such comments can really get under the skin, and hes a young lad.

[backfootpunch]

This session is crucial

The runs are flowing and the game is drifting heavily towards India with every passing over

[sussexpob]

This session is crucial

The runs are flowing and the game is drifting heavily towards India with every passing over

Going to jinx them, but Sundar and Pant are getting behind the ball well, and the field is leaving way too many options to rotate the strike.

I would like to see Root pull the field in close, and if Sundar or Pant want to take it on and whack it out the park, then by my guest.

[sussexpob]

I thought that looked a decent shout, but not much of an appeal, and no review. Like to see the replay on that.

Replay comes.... pretty high, but the commentator is saying the same. Looked a good shout

[backfootpunch]

This session is crucial

The runs are flowing and the game is drifting heavily towards India with every passing over

Going to jinx them, but Sundar and Pant are getting behind the ball well, and the field is leaving way too many options to rotate the strike.

I would like to see Root pull the field in close, and if Sundar or Pant want to take it on and whack it out the park, then by my guest.

Why we have so many fielders back when sundar is on strike i have no idea

[sussexpob]

Been a great innings in the circumstances from Pant. Solid 50. India would like to see him there at the end, England really need to get him out

[sussexpob]

ATM the new ball looks like it might be key to England. Due in 5 overs, going to be around parity by then

[Red Devil]

Surprised to see Stokes bowling with the old ball so close to the new ball being available

[sussexpob]

Surprised to see Stokes bowling with the old ball so close to the new ball being available

Yep. But then he produces the edge from Pant, but it flies over the slips outstretched hand on the way to the boundary. Close

[sussexpob]

Pant looking to accelerate a bit now. India in the lead. Poor Stokes looks knackered

Lucky siding with India. Pant wildly top edges, but its flown to the boundary again.

[sussexpob]

That looked out to me in real time, going to be interesting if they review. Maybe sliding down.

Not even close Who wants to be an umpire ay...