England succumb to 10-wicket defeat after day of chaos and humiliation in Ahmedabad
It is going to be an agonising few days for England. The shortening of this Test has given them six days in their Covid bubble to stew over a defeat that could leave lasting damage.
At 1-1 in the series, England twice had a grip on this game only to lose by 10 wickets in their first two-day Test for more than 20 years and the quickest match in terms of balls bowled since 1935 with 17 wickets falling on Thursday.
When England won the toss they were gifted the best batting conditions and reached 74 for two but were 112 all out; their techniques not good enough when the pitch was playable. That was chance No 1.
Joe Root’s five for eight, the first five-wicket haul by an England captain since Bob Willis in 1983, saw India crumble from 114 for three to 145 all out, just a 33-run lead. That was chance No 2.
But if Root, a bowler with an average of 47, can take 5-8 what would high-quality spinners such as Axar Patel and Ravichandran Ashwin do? Wreak havoc and leave English confidence facing spin destroyed was the answer, as England were bowled out for 81, their lowest total in India and a match aggregate of only 193. What would Willis the commentator have made of it? I think we know.
England have now been dismissed five times in a row for under 200, only the third time that has happened since 1904, with 44 of 50 wickets falling to spinners. Their state of mind can be summed up by so many beaten by straight balls, the psychological damage done by the big turners.
Set 49, India skipped to victory in 7.4 overs, Rohit Sharma whacking Root for six for the winning runs. Patel was man of the match for his 11 wickets, Ashwin took his 400th to add to Indian joy.
Somehow England must rally themselves. “We have to make sure there are no scars,” said Root. They have to remember they can still draw the series, a result they would have taken at the start. Perhaps they can chalk this Test up as a freak, a game of chance they lost on the turn of a couple of bad cards. But it is harder to ignore the sharp decline from making 578 to scores of 178, 134, 164, 112 and 81. There was also a hangover from the second Test in England’s first innings so they have to change whatever mental approach they took into this game.
They can blame the pitch which deteriorated and served its purpose for India but made a joke of Test cricket. But really they had opportunities and let them slide, picking the wrong team with four seamers in a game when 28 of 30 wickets fell to spinners, India’s sharing 19 for 145.
Root is equal with Michael Vaughan for wins as captain but he has never landed a defining series victory. This was his chance. He gave himself a lifeline with his own bowling, taking five wickets with accurate off spin that allowed the pitch to do the rest.
But soon he was walking off again shouting in anguish, lbw for 19 off 45 balls to become Axar’s 10th wicket with England 56 for five, just 23 ahead.
Root’s decision to pick four seamers will haunt him. He knew it would turn but did not trust Dom Bess enough in what was always likely to be a low-scoring game. Even his own five-fer should not disguise the errors made in selection.
What now? India have to avoid defeat in the last Test to reach the World Test Championship final. Expect a road next week. It could be a gruelling five days in stifling heat.
India have not lost a series on their own turf since 2012. They wear you down on the pitch, Australians do it on and off the field. How Root rallies England will go a long way to showing if they are resilient enough for an Ashes tilt. It is nine months away. There is time.
Time sped up on this craziest of days. Wickets fell quicker than scorers could swap their coloured pens.
Jack Leach started it by removing Rohit and Ajinkya Rahane before Root brought himself on. Root dismissed Rishabh Pant caught behind off his first ball and had three for none after bowling Washington Sundar with an “absolute pearler” according to Graeme Swann that turned and hit off stump, before Axar drove his second ball to cover. Ashwin holed out and Root had his five-wicket haul when Jasprit Bumrah played the shot of a No 11.
The drama had barely started. The hard pink ball came on quickly and combined with the extravagant turn along with bowlers who never missed their line or length - England were soon sinking.
With the first ball of the innings Patel bowled Zak Crawley, his feet nowhere, turning a half-volley into a jaffa. Axar, who took the last wicket to fall in the first innings, was on a hat-trick. He thought he had done it when Jonny Bairstow played a sweep and missed to be given out lbw. He overturned the call but it did not matter - he was bowled through the gate next ball for a pair.
England were nought for two, a stunned Root walking to the middle. Dom Sibley nicked an ugly sweep, Stokes tried to be proactive, reverse sweeping Ashwin for four. An inspired fifty from one of these two and England could have a chance. It did not happen. Root survived the closest of lbws, the TV umpire he criticised the day before giving him the benefit of bat first.
Stokes top edged a sweep that landed safe but soon Ashwin pushed through a straighter ball for an lbw. Another non-turner from Axar removed Root. Ollie Pope was bowled playing down the wrong line to Ashwin for the second time in the match and the rest came and went without leaving a mark.
England were all out in a session when Washington Sundar bowled for the first time in the Test and took the last wicket within four balls. England knew it was over, the rare chance of a series win in India gone in the blink of an eye.
03:20 PMJoe Root's post-mortem
Joe Root's post-mortem
On the nature of the defeat…
“We need to reflect and learn from today, it’s been a tough week and we’ve got to try and harness these feelings and take them into the last Test.”
On what it means for the side…
“You don’t become a bad side overnight. We’re very realistic about where we’re at and if we are going to improve there will always be bumps in the road.”
On whether England should have picked more spinners…
“Looking at how the pink ball performed in practice we felt the three fron-tline seamers was the way to go but hindsight is a wonderful thing.”
On biggest regret of the match…
“My biggest regret is that we were 70-odd for 2 and didn’t make it count. Had we got over 200 we’d have been in a great position.”
On the pitch…
“It was tricky for both sides. It was tough to start your innings, more so in the second innings, rather than the first. If you get in on those pitches you have to make it count.”
On his five-wicket haul…
“It showed where the wicket was at - if I am getting five wickets on there then it is obviously giving quite a lot of help to spin. I enjoyed it, on that wicket you need to keep the stumps in play."
On the result…
“Credit to India, they’ve outplayed us.”
02:57 PMVirat Kohli adds salt to England's wounds
Virat Kohli adds salt to England's wounds
The India captain says 'it was a good pitch to bat on...'
“To be honest, I don’t think the quality of batting was up to standard for both teams…there was a lack of application from both sides. It was a very good pitch to bat on, especially first up. The ball was coming on nicely. Our bowlers were more effective and that’s why we got the result. I feel batsmen need to trust their defence more than they are at the moment…maybe they’re not applying themselves enough. The spinners were outstanding. A lot of guys didn’t get into the game, it was a bizarre Test match.”
02:34 PMRavi Ashwin speaks
Ravi Ashwin speaks
On reaching the 400-wicket mark…
“It feels amazing, it’s great it happened in a wining cause. At one time it felt we didn’t have enough runs on the board but we did well to set ourselves a [low total to chase].”
On the hard yards he’s put in…
“All the effort I put in during the lockdown is now paying dividends. I worked a lot on my fitness, from [the tour in] Australia onwards things have looked good for me.”
On going 2-1 up in the series…
“Having lost the first Test has made these past two wins even more special”
A word of warning for batsmen around the world…
“I am always looking to improve.”
02:28 PMThat was ultimately a comprehensive win for India
That was ultimately a comprehensive win for India
The hosts won by 10 wickets but it was closer than that, at least until the last 90 minutes.
But the truth is that over their past five innings it's been clear that England do struggle against spin.
02:25 PMOver inside two days
Shortest Tests in post-war era ending in a result (balls)
842 Ind v Eng Ahmedabad 2020/21 *
872 Aus v NZ Wellington 1945/46
883 Eng v SA Centurion 1999/00 +
893 Aus v Pak Sharjah 2002/03
* winner denoted first
+ two innings forfeited #INDvENG
— Deepu Narayanan (@deeputalks) February 25, 2021
02:22 PMIndia win by 10 wickets!
Over inside two days
Shortest Tests in post-war era ending in a result (balls)
— Deepu Narayanan (@deeputalks) February 25, 2021
842 Ind v Eng Ahmedabad 2020/21 *
872 Aus v NZ Wellington 1945/46
883 Eng v SA Centurion 1999/00 +
893 Aus v Pak Sharjah 2002/03
* winner denoted first
+ two innings forfeited #INDvENG
02:22 PMIndia win by 10 wickets!
India win by 10 wickets!
Rohit opens up his arms and hits Root for two magnificent fours - the first to the midwicket boundary the second through extra cover.
He then uses his feet to win it with a six - emphatic.
02:19 PMOVER 7: IND 35/0 (Rohit 11* Gill 15*)
OVER 7: IND 35/0 (Rohit 11* Gill 15*)
That’s a Jack Leach maiden! Hurrah, something to celebrate for England…
02:17 PMOVER 6: IND 35/0 (Rohit 11* Gill 15*)
OVER 6: IND 35/0 (Rohit 11* Gill 15*)
Graeme Swann - obviously a big fan of turning pitches - says on commentary that this is day four pitch…
Root appeals for lbw - it’s not given and England review. Gill doesn’t offer a shot, but the replay shows the ball going over the wicket.
That’s a lesson for England batsman - use your feet and if you don’t get to the pitch of the ball it’s unlikely you’ll be out lbw…(easier typed than done, I admit...)
02:13 PMOVER 5: IND 32/0 (Rohit 10* Gill 13*)
OVER 5: IND 32/0 (Rohit 10* Gill 13*)
Sharma gets in on the act by coming down the pitch to Leach and smacking the ball for four down the ground - the hosts aren’t messing around here.
02:10 PMOVER 4: IND 28/0 (Rohit 6* Gill 13*)
OVER 4: IND 28/0 (Rohit 6* Gill 13*)
A leg-bye (which Foakes optimistically appealed for), four byes (the ball pitched outside leg and spun away to the boundary) and a big six down the ground from Gill off that Root over.
02:07 PMOVER 3: IND 17/0 (Rohit 6* Gill 7*)
OVER 3: IND 17/0 (Rohit 6* Gill 7*)
The session starts with an elegant short-armed jabbed pull for four from Gill off a short-pitched Leach delivery - not an ideal start for the tourists. Leach is then unlucky as he gets one to turn square, Gill edges and it goes through the vacant second slip area (in need of wickets, shouldn’t there be at least two slips?!).
02:03 PMPlay is about to restart
Play is about to restart
How long will it take India to knock off these 38 runs?
02:00 PMFancy a one-word summary of the day so far?
Fancy a one-word summary of the day so far?
Yep? Well, here you go...
Chaos
— Kevin Pietersen🦏 (@KP24) February 25, 2021
01:45 PMRemember when...
Remember when...
...there was talk before the match of the pitch being a green seamer? When Jimmy Anderson and Co. were, in theory, licking their lips in anticipation of bowling under the lights in Ahmedabad?
It all seems a long time ago...
01:39 PMDo you need a lie down?
Do you need a lie down?
Don't worry if you do, I'm sure you're not the only one.
Not quite sure what to make of what we've seen, 17 wickets have fallen in the first two sessions and this match will be over inside two days.
Stats probably say more than words coming from me so...
If India score the 49 they need in under 12.4 overs (including the two already bowled), this will be the shortest completed Test since the Second World War.
Here's a list of the shortest completed Tests: https://t.co/PYGWJ1VePZ #INDvENG— Andy Zaltzman (@ZaltzCricket) February 25, 2021
And...
England's lowest Test scores in India (all out):
81 (Ahmedabad, 2021)
102 (Mumbai, 1981)
112 (Ahmedabad 2021)
134 (Chennai, 2021)
England's highest all out score in India was the 578 they made in the first innings of this series.#INDvENG— The CricViz Analyst (@cricvizanalyst) February 25, 2021
As well as...
193 is England's sixth lowest match aggregate (counting Tests in which they've been bowled out twice).
It's their second lowest since 1904 - they were out for 82 and 93 in Christchurch in 1983-84.
List of England's lowest match aggregates: https://t.co/PFIzOLxCoV https://t.co/7BilPgRxuL— Andy Zaltzman (@ZaltzCricket) February 25, 2021
Much will be/is being made of the pitch. As Sir Straussy has said on Channel 4, the tone for the day was set when Joe Root took 5-8 in just over 6 overs. The argument being that if Root is looking like Muttiah Muralitharan then there's a very good chance full-time spinners (Ashwin and Axar) will be even more of a threat. That is how it turned out and India now just have 38 runs to get after the break to take a 2-1 lead in the four-match series.
01:28 PMA spinning shocker?
If we are going to see these pitches ... I have an answer to how it could work ... Give the Teams 3 innings !!! 😜😜 #INDvENG
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) February 25, 2021
01:27 PMLunch/tea (depending on where you are...)
A spinning shocker?
If we are going to see these pitches ... I have an answer to how it could work ... Give the Teams 3 innings !!! 😜😜 #INDvENG
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) February 25, 2021
01:27 PMLunch/tea (depending on where you are...)
Lunch/tea (depending on where you are...)
Ten wickets fell in that session, all of them England's.
India now need just 38 runs to win - not even the most optimistic England fan can believe Joe Root and Co can pull this rabbit out of the hat...
01:25 PMOVER 2: IND 11/0 (Rohit 6* Gill 1*)
OVER 2: IND 11/0 (Rohit 6* Gill 1*)
Root goes around the wicket, two singles come off his first four balls. Then four byes come off the penultimate delivery and the 49 target comes ever closer into view for the hosts.
That will be lunch/tea.
01:21 PMOVER 1: IND 5/0 (Rohit 5* Gill 0*)
OVER 1: IND 5/0 (Rohit 5* Gill 0*)
Leach beats the bat of Rohit second ball - that was close. The opener then drive uppishly, Anderson misfields and India are off the mark. A full toss is then hit for three.
To state the obvious, England cannot be giving away easy runs…
01:18 PMLunch is not taken...
Lunch is not taken...
... as expected and Leach will bowl the first over...
01:15 PMEngland's unwanted stat
193 is England's sixth lowest match aggregate (counting Tests in which they've been bowled out twice).
It's their second lowest since 1904 - they were out for 82 and 93 in Christchurch in 1983-84.
List of England's lowest match aggregates: https://t.co/PFIzOLxCoV https://t.co/7BilPgRxuL
— Andy Zaltzman (@ZaltzCricket) February 25, 2021
01:12 PMIndia have 49 runs to win the third Test...
England's unwanted stat
193 is England's sixth lowest match aggregate (counting Tests in which they've been bowled out twice).
— Andy Zaltzman (@ZaltzCricket) February 25, 2021
It's their second lowest since 1904 - they were out for 82 and 93 in Christchurch in 1983-84.
List of England's lowest match aggregates: https://t.co/PFIzOLxCoV https://t.co/7BilPgRxuL
01:12 PMIndia have 49 runs to win the third Test...
India have 49 runs to win the third Test...
That was England lowest total in India and equals their second lowest total in Asia.
They knew it wasn't going to be easy, but that was below par, the pitch was tough, but was it that tough?
The answer to that one is 'yes' according to Cook in the Channel 4 studio. He's not surprised England were bowled out for 81, the pitch being so spinner friendly as to make it an unfair contest between bat and ball.
01:08 PMWICKET! Anderson c Pant b Sundar 0
WICKET! Anderson c Pant b Sundar 0
Washington Sundar is on for what is clearly a sympathy spell. It’s the first bowling change of the innings. He has Anderson caught sweeping for a duck.
England are all out for 81.
India have 49 runs to get for victory.
01:03 PMOVER 30: ENG 80/9 (Broad 0* Anderson 0*)
OVER 30: ENG 80/9 (Broad 0* Anderson 0*)
In the Channel 4 studio Sirs Cook and Strauss are talking up the idea that England could possibly make life tough for India in their run chase…hopeful, but England need a bit of optimism.
01:01 PMWICKET! Leach c Rahane b Ashwin 9
WICKET! Leach c Rahane b Ashwin 9
Leach goes for a drive and edges to Rahane in the slips.
The end of this awful innings is in sight. FOW: 80/9
12:59 PMOVER 29: ENG 80/8 (Leach 8* Broad 0*)
OVER 29: ENG 80/8 (Leach 8* Broad 0*)
That’s 11 wickets in the match for Axar now - what a first two Test matches he’s had, his third consecutive five-fer…
England just somehow need to get the lead close to 100, even then, you suspect, it won’t be nearly enough.
12:56 PMWICKET! Foakes lbw Axar 8
WICKET! Foakes lbw Axar 8
It's another Axar straight one. Foakes reviews but to no avail.
FOW - 80/8
England lead by 47
12:53 PMHow's stat?!
Fewest Tests to 400 wickets
72 M Muralitharan
77 R ASHWIN
80 R Hadlee/ D Steyn
84 R Herath
85 A Kumble#INDvENG
— Deepu Narayanan (@deeputalks) February 25, 2021
12:52 PMOVER 28: ENG 79/7 ( Foakes 8* Leach 8*)
How's stat?!
Fewest Tests to 400 wickets
— Deepu Narayanan (@deeputalks) February 25, 2021
72 M Muralitharan
77 R ASHWIN
80 R Hadlee/ D Steyn
84 R Herath
85 A Kumble#INDvENG
12:52 PMOVER 28: ENG 79/7 ( Foakes 8* Leach 8*)
OVER 28: ENG 79/7 ( Foakes 8* Leach 8*)
Another Ashwin over. This one see Foakes use his feet (England batsmen would do well to remember this is a decent tactic) to get to the pitch and scamper a single. Leach is then tested for four balls, doing well to survive and even get a single of his own.
12:49 PMOVER 27: ENG 77/7 ( Foakes 7* Leach 7*)
OVER 27: ENG 77/7 ( Foakes 7* Leach 7*)
Axar bowls one that keeps low and Foakes does well to keep it out. That was an example of something the England batsmen haven’t done at all today - defend well. Two from the over.
12:46 PMAce Ashwin
400 wickets for Ravichandran Ashwin. Only Muralitharan reached the landmark in fewer Tests, and the Sri Lankan is the only spinner with 400 wickets and a better average than the Indian.
Ashwin - a genius.#INDvENG
— The CricViz Analyst (@cricvizanalyst) February 25, 2021
12:45 PMOVER 26: ENG 75/7 ( Foakes 6* Leach 6*)
Ace Ashwin
400 wickets for Ravichandran Ashwin. Only Muralitharan reached the landmark in fewer Tests, and the Sri Lankan is the only spinner with 400 wickets and a better average than the Indian.
— The CricViz Analyst (@cricvizanalyst) February 25, 2021
Ashwin - a genius.#INDvENG
12:45 PMOVER 26: ENG 75/7 ( Foakes 6* Leach 6*)
OVER 26: ENG 75/7 ( Foakes 6* Leach 6*)
Wow - a relatively quiet over…an Ashwin maiden.
12:43 PMOVER 25: ENG 75/7 ( Foakes 6* Leach 6*)
OVER 25: ENG 75/7 ( Foakes 6* Leach 6*)
Leach hits a six, I repeat, Leach hits a six. He decides that attack was most definitely the best form of defence and hits Axar over his head for a maximum.
Seven from the over.
12:40 PMOVER 24: ENG 68/7 ( Foakes 5* Leach 0*)
OVER 24: ENG 68/7 ( Foakes 5* Leach 0*)
Ashwin is the second fastest man to reach the 400 Test mark, he did it in 77 matches - exceptional. Leach is next man in, he defends and survives the rest of the over.
12:37 PMWICKET! Archer lbw Ashwin 0
WICKET! Archer lbw Ashwin 0
Archer swipes sweeps, it misses the bat and hits him in front. He reviews but the infield decision stays and Ashwin has his 400th Test scalp.
England are now 68/7
12:34 PMOVER 23: ENG 68/6 ( Foakes 5* Archer 0*)
OVER 23: ENG 68/6 ( Foakes 5* Archer 0*)
Axar bowls a beauty to Foakes and the England man is beaten all ends up, it just misses off stump. He’s mixed his pace well. Foakes takes two from the over.
12:32 PMOVER 22: ENG 66/6 ( Foakes 3* Archer 0*)
OVER 22: ENG 66/6 ( Foakes 3* Archer 0*)
The lead is just 33 and it’s safe to say, even on this pitch, that won’t be enough. What can England’s tail serve up?
12:30 PMWICKET! Pope b Ashwin 12
WICKET! Pope b Ashwin 12
For the second time this match Pope plays down the wrong line and is clean bowled.
FOW 66/6
12:26 PMOVER 21: ENG 61/5 (Pope 8* Foakes 2*)
OVER 21: ENG 61/5 (Pope 8* Foakes 2*)
Axar has done exactly what he needed to do - put the ball on a spot and let the pitch do the rest. No frills but hugely effective.
Foakes takes a quick single, there’s a but of excitement, but both batsmen make it easily.
12:24 PMOVER 20: ENG 60/5 (Pope 8* Foakes 1*)
OVER 20: ENG 60/5 (Pope 8* Foakes 1*)
Pope gets three runs, a two and a single, and Foakes is on strike. He has looked the most solid, bar Root, of the English batsmen in defence. England need him to stay in and somehow help the side to get over a 100-run lead which looks far off at the moment.
12:21 PMOVER 19: ENG 56/5 (Pope5* Foakes 0*)
OVER 19: ENG 56/5 (Pope5* Foakes 0*)
Root was looking as settled as you can on this pitch and in these circumstance BUT that was crucial. Axar gets another and has a ten-wicket haul in only his second Test…it’s easy this Test malarkey, isn’t it?!
12:18 PMWICKET! Root lbw Axar 19
WICKET! Root lbw Axar 19
Again Axar produces the dangerous ball of the Test, the one that goes straight on. Root is plumb and doesn't even consider the review.
FOW Eng 56/5
12:14 PMOVER 18: ENG 54/4 (Root 18* Pope 4*)
OVER 18: ENG 54/4 (Root 18* Pope 4*)
Entertaining, isn’t it?
Pope’s first three balls all ask questions of the Surrey batsman. He then, bravely, produces a reverse sweep and is off the mark with a four.
Replays of the Stokes dismissal show he was right to not review - it was hitting the top of leg
Every ball is an event at the moment.
12:10 PMDRINKS!
DRINKS!
The chaos continues. England were doing nicely but that wicket has undone the partnership.
I now hand you over to Greg Wilcox for the rest of the day.
What a morning of cricket we have had.
12:08 PMWICKET! Stokes lbw Ashwin 25
WICKET! Stokes lbw Ashwin 25
Stokes is given out lbw. Ashwin slides one past Stokes' bat and he is given out. Stokes tries to review it but after the 15 seconds is up! More chaos. That looked like it could have slide down leg.
12:06 PMOVER 17: ENG 50/3 (Root 18* Stokes 25*)
OVER 17: ENG 50/3 (Root 18* Stokes 25*)
Axar continues, his first ball worked for one by Root. Stokes sweeps from wide of off stump, handing back the strike. 50 up for England!
An inside edge saves Root again as Axar almost slips it past his bat once more.
12:04 PMOVER 16: ENG 48/3 (Root 17* Stokes 24*)
OVER 16: ENG 48/3 (Root 17* Stokes 24*)
Stokes takes one from the second ball of Ashwin's over. Root pulls out the reverse sweep to keep the strike.
There is debate about the wicket being overturned. It looks as if the first spike was from the front pad and the second spike was the back pad... either way it was overturned in England's favour.
12:01 PMOVER 15: ENG 46/3 (Root 16* Stokes 23*)
OVER 15: ENG 46/3 (Root 16* Stokes 23*)
Axar draws a play and miss from Root as the over continues. He survives the over... by the barest of margins.
11:59 AMWICKET OVERTURNED!
WICKET OVERTURNED!
And the same thing happens, but this time Root was further across his stumps. He is given out! The straight-on-er strikes again!
JOE ROOT REVIEWS! Did he get an inside edge on it? Root took a while to review it... It looks like there is a tiny inside edge. This is close... there are two spikes but it looks like there is a tiny gap between bat and pad. This is a tough one!
NOT OUT! The decision is overturned due to the spike! Huge moment in this game. India are furious.
11:56 AMOVER 15: ENG 46/3 (Root 16* Stokes 23*)
OVER 15: ENG 46/3 (Root 16* Stokes 23*)
This is the partnership that India need to break. Root flicks Axar for a couple of runs to start the over.
A big lbw appeal goes up from the next ball. The decision is not out and no review comes... that looked close but was probably sliding down.
11:53 AMOVER 14: ENG 44/3 (Root 14* Stokes 23*)
OVER 14: ENG 44/3 (Root 14* Stokes 23*)
Ashwin starts too short to Stokes who punches him off the back foot for four. Perfect timing. He then reverse sweeps the next ball for four. Top quality batting. Ashwin comes back well with a play and miss.
An outside edge short of the slips brings another two run for England. Ashwin changes his angle, drawing another play and miss. Back and forth who is in on top between these too!
11:50 AMOVER 13: ENG 34/3 (Root 14* Stokes 13*)
OVER 13: ENG 34/3 (Root 14* Stokes 13*)
Axar continues. Three dot balls are followed by a single. Scores are now level!
Stokes sweeps again, just for one on this occasion... England are in the lead.
11:48 AMOVER 12: ENG 32/3 (Root 13* Stokes 12*)
OVER 12: ENG 32/3 (Root 13* Stokes 12*)
The Ashwin-Stokes battle continues. Stokes changes plan, going aggressive. He nails one sweep to the boundary before spooning one in the air that just lands safe.
Six from the over.
11:45 AMJoe Root has found the answer to England's spin bowling problem - himself
Root is not about to become a bona fida all-rounder, but his off spin has now claimed 37 Test wickets at a very respectable 41.2 apiece. Given the likelihood that Ben Stokes will bowl less in the future, Root could go some way to helping England make-up for some of Stokes’s overs.
Joe Root has found the answer to England's spin bowling problem - himself
Root is not about to become a bona fida all-rounder, but his off spin has now claimed 37 Test wickets at a very respectable 41.2 apiece. Given the likelihood that Ben Stokes will bowl less in the future, Root could go some way to helping England make-up for some of Stokes’s overs.
Read Tim Wigmore's full analysis here
11:45 AMOVER 11: ENG 26/3 (Root 13* Stokes 6*)
OVER 11: ENG 26/3 (Root 13* Stokes 6*)
Root takes a single from the first ball of Axar's over. Stokes plays out for dot balls before hitting a short ball away for one to retain the strike.
11:42 AMOVER 10: ENG 24/3 (Root 12* Stokes 5*)
OVER 10: ENG 24/3 (Root 12* Stokes 5*)
Ashwin vs Stokes. The spinner has been on top of Stokes this series.
Stokes flicks an easy two through mid-wicket. He then attempts a sweep and gets nothing on it. Ashwin fires in a quicker one which stays low and Stokes does well to keep it out. Stokes then edges the next ball but it falls just short of Kohli at second slip.
A big lbw appeal goes up - not out and no review taken! It was way too high. Good contest.
England trail by nine.
11:39 AMOVER 9: ENG 22/3 (Root 12* Stokes 3*)
OVER 9: ENG 22/3 (Root 12* Stokes 3*)
Out strides Ben Stokes. England really need one of his special knocks. England's two best batsmen are at the crease. He flicks his first ball off his hips for two before keeping the strike with a single.
11:36 AMWICKET! Sibley c Pant b Axar 7
WICKET! Sibley c Pant b Axar 7
Sibley attempts a big sweep shot off Axar. He is given out caught behind but reviews straight away. Did he get a tickle on it?
Yes, yes he did. He is out. Terrible shot, terrible review.
11:32 AMOVER 8: ENG 19/2 (Root 12* Sibley 7*)
OVER 8: ENG 19/2 (Root 12* Sibley 7*)
Ashwin continues. Root greets his over by punching him for two through the offside. He survives the rest of the over with Ashwin starting to get some big turn from around the wicket.
11:30 AMOVER 7: ENG 17/2 (Root 10* Sibley 7*)
OVER 7: ENG 17/2 (Root 10* Sibley 7*)
Root works another single of Axar. England are being proactive, as they need to be. Sibley drives nicely for no run.
One from the over.
11:27 AMOVER 6: ENG 16/2 (Root 9* Sibley 7*)
OVER 6: ENG 16/2 (Root 9* Sibley 7*)
Root inside edges the first ball of Ashwin's third over, the ball flying past Gill at short leg.
Sibley then pushes a single through mid-wicket, plenty of ones on offer with this in-out field. Then comes the famous Root sweep, nailed for one run.
11:24 AMOVER 5: ENG 13/2 (Root 7* Sibley 6*)
OVER 5: ENG 13/2 (Root 7* Sibley 6*)
Axar delivers an unplayable ball to start his over. Turn and bounce. No chance for Root. He pushes a single out to deep cover from the next delivery.
The batsmen exchange singles - they are starting to look a little more comfortable on this interesting day two surface.
11:20 AMOVER 4: ENG 10/2 (Root 5* Sibley 5*)
OVER 4: ENG 10/2 (Root 5* Sibley 5*)
Sibley then edges the next ball but it lands just short of Rahane at slip. He then works a single into the legside.
Root will keep the strike after taking a single from the last ball of the over.
11:18 AMLBW REVIEW!
LBW REVIEW!
Ashwin slides one past Sibley's bat from around the wicket. It is given not out on the field but eventually Kohli's reviews. It looked a bit high...
There is no bat involved, but the ball is bouncing way over the stumps. NOT OUT! Review lost.
11:17 AMOVER 4: ENG 8/2 (Root 4* Sibley 4*)
OVER 4: ENG 8/2 (Root 4* Sibley 4*)
Sibley is down the track again, he gets an inside edge on it, the ball just going past Pujara at leg slip. Two runs gained.
A huge lbw appeal follows...
11:16 AMOVER 3: ENG 6/2 (Root 4* Sibley 2*)
OVER 3: ENG 6/2 (Root 4* Sibley 2*)
Sibley uses his feet well to Axar, coming down the pitch and stroking the ball out to deep mid-wicket for one.
Axar almost slips one past Root's inside edge before drawing a play and miss. Superb bowling.
11:13 AMOVER 2: ENG 5/2 (Root 4* Sibley 1*)
OVER 2: ENG 5/2 (Root 4* Sibley 1*)
Ashwin opens from the other end. Root comes down the track and pushes it for two. Positive stuff from the England skipper. He then flicks a full toss for a single.
Sibley gets off the mark with a flick into the leg side. England trail by 28.
11:09 AMOVER 1: ENG 1/2 (Root 1* Sibley 0*)
OVER 1: ENG 1/2 (Root 1* Sibley 0*)
Out comes the England captain. Hero with the ball, can he be the hero with the bat too?
Play and miss starts his innings. Root then pushes one into the offside, sneaking a quick single. England are off the mark.
Sibley survives his first deliveries - chaos in the first over!
11:06 AMWICKET! Bairstow b Axar 0
WICKET! Bairstow b Axar 0
This innings. Wicket, wicket overturned, wicket.
Bairstow tries to block a straight one but the ball skids on through the gate and bowls Bairstow.
This could not be much worse for England.
11:05 AMWICKET OVERTURNED!
WICKET OVERTURNED!
And there is a wicket second ball of the innings too! Bairstow tries to sweep, misses it and is given out. Bairstow reviews but that looked out... but I am wrong! The ball was bouncing over the stumps! NOT OUT!
11:01 AMWICKET! Crawley b Axar 0
WICKET! Crawley b Axar 0
The first ball of the innings is a wicket! Axar slides one past the bat of Crawley who played down the wrong line.
Horrible start for England.
10:59 AMThe players are back onto the pitch
The players are back onto the pitch
Here we go... Huge session ahead.
10:58 AMHow will England bat?
How will England bat?
The pitch is turning and England have struggled against spin. I hope England play with some aggression - they cannot afford to be sitting ducks. Crawley took risks and was England's best batsman in the first innings.
It would make sense if Crawley and Stokes are given a license to play with aggression while the others play their natural game.
Let's see what happens.
10:51 AMWe are in the morning/tea break
We are in the morning/tea break
The session ended early due to the change of innings.
10:50 AMIndia do still lead by 33 runs...
India do still lead by 33 runs...
Not a big lead but it should not be sniffed at given the two low totals registered.
10:42 AMHistoric spell from Joe Root!
Cheapest five-wkt haul in Tests (Spinners)
5/8 Joe Root v Ind Ahmedabad 2020/21 *
5/9 Tim May v WI Adelaide 1992/93
6/9 Michael Clarke v Ind Mumbai WS 2004/05#INDvENG
— Deepu Narayanan (@deeputalks) February 25, 2021
10:41 AMINDIA ALL OUT FOR 145 - they lead by 33
Historic spell from Joe Root!
Cheapest five-wkt haul in Tests (Spinners)
— Deepu Narayanan (@deeputalks) February 25, 2021
5/8 Joe Root v Ind Ahmedabad 2020/21 *
5/9 Tim May v WI Adelaide 1992/93
6/9 Michael Clarke v Ind Mumbai WS 2004/05#INDvENG
10:41 AMINDIA ALL OUT FOR 145 - they lead by 33
INDIA ALL OUT FOR 145 - they lead by 33
England have done exactly what they needed this morning! It started with Leach and was finished off by Root. Leading from the front!
10:40 AMWICKET! Bumrah lbw Root 1
WICKET! Bumrah lbw Root 1
Bumrah attempts a big slog over the leg side. He misses the ball and is given out lbw. Bumrah's reviews but it is still out!
ROOT HAS FIVE WICKETS! What a spell from England's captain when they needed it most. 5-8 from 6.2 overs!
10:39 AMOVER 54: IND 145/9 (Bumrah 1* Ishant 10*)
OVER 54: IND 145/9 (Bumrah 1* Ishant 10*)
England have pushed the field back to Ishant, wanting to bowl at Bumrah. He swings hard to Root, getting a single. He wanted a second but Bumrah sent him back. Root cannot take the throw into the stumps, allowing Ishant to get home. Run out chance missed!
10:35 AMOVER 53: IND 144/9 (Bumrah 1* Ishant 9*)
OVER 53: IND 144/9 (Bumrah 1* Ishant 9*)
Bumrah, just, survives the over.
10:35 AMWICKET OVERTURNED
WICKET OVERTURNED
Leach bowls the most dangerous ball in this Test - the one that does not turn. It hits Bumrah's pad and he is given out. He immediately reviews and there was a massive inside edge. No wicket!
10:34 AMOVER 53: IND 144/9 (Bumrah 1* Ishant 9*)
OVER 53: IND 144/9 (Bumrah 1* Ishant 9*)
Leach, also on four wickets, is bowling to Bumrah. The No 11 tries a sweep, edging it to Stokes who almost takes a one handed stunner over his head! Unlucky.
Bumrah then plays and misses, Foakes whips off the bails - knocking an entire stump out of the ground - and they are going upstairs. Sharp work, but Bumrah's foot was always grounded.
10:30 AMWhat a spell from the skipper!
The 26 balls that Joe Root took to take his four wickets is the shortest time - in balls bowled - for an England spinner to take four since Graeme Swann took 25 balls, v SL in May 2011. #INDvENG
— The CricViz Analyst (@cricvizanalyst) February 25, 2021
10:28 AMOVER 52: IND 144/9 (Bumrah 1* Ishant 9*)
What a spell from the skipper!
The 26 balls that Joe Root took to take his four wickets is the shortest time - in balls bowled - for an England spinner to take four since Graeme Swann took 25 balls, v SL in May 2011. #INDvENG
— The CricViz Analyst (@cricvizanalyst) February 25, 2021
10:28 AMOVER 52: IND 144/9 (Bumrah 1* Ishant 9*)
OVER 52: IND 144/9 (Bumrah 1* Ishant 9*)
Bumrah is on strike and he prods to Root, almost edging the ball to short leg. He then swings hard for no run. Another inside edge follows, evading Pope at short leg once more. This time he picks up one.
Ishant blocks the final ball of the over.
10:26 AMOVER 51: IND 143/9 (Bumrah 0* Ishant 9*)
OVER 51: IND 143/9 (Bumrah 0* Ishant 9*)
Ishant comes down the track and plants Leach back over his head for six! Where did that come from?
He tries it again, this time getting an inside edge that squirts away for two.
10:21 AMOVER 50: IND 135/9 (Bumrah 0* Ishant 1*)
OVER 50: IND 135/9 (Bumrah 0* Ishant 1*)
Root is one wicket way from a five-wicket haul. Ishant dances down the pitch, hitting a single out to deep mid-wicket to keep the strike.
10:18 AMWICKET! Ashwin c Crawley b Root 17
WICKET! Ashwin c Crawley b Root 17
Ashwin goes for the big slog sweep but gets underneath it and Crawley takes an easy catch at deep square leg. Root has four wickets this morning!
10:15 AMOVER 49: IND 134/8 (Ashwin 17* Ishant 0*)
OVER 49: IND 134/8 (Ashwin 17* Ishant 0*)
Ashwin comes down the pitch to Leach, deciding to block instead of playing a big shot. He then attempt a sweep, the ball glancing his leg and running away for two. Ashwin goes for a big shot, inside edging it for one.
Ishant has one ball to face. He edges it but it lands well short of the slips.
10:12 AMOVER 48: IND 131/8 (Ashwin 16* Ishant 0*)
OVER 48: IND 131/8 (Ashwin 16* Ishant 0*)
Ashwin nails a sweep of Root which races away to the boundary. He looks in great form, understandably... Ashwin cleverly pinches a single from the last ball of the over, moving in the crease to make room for a fine cut.
10:07 AMOVER 47: IND 126/8 (Ashwin 11* Ishant 0*)
OVER 47: IND 126/8 (Ashwin 11* Ishant 0*)
Leach continues from the other end. Ashwin takes a single, leaving Ishant with four balls to negotiate.
Ishant leaves unconvincingly but survives the first three. Can Leach make him play? He cannot, another leave follows.
10:03 AMOVER 46: IND 125/8 (Ashwin 10* Ishant 0*)
OVER 46: IND 125/8 (Ashwin 10* Ishant 0*)
Ishant survives the rest of the over from Root. India lead by just 13 runs...
09:59 AMWICKET! Axar c Sibley b Root 0
WICKET! Axar c Sibley b Root 0
Axar dances down the track second ball and nails it straight to Sibley at short extra-cover who takes a smart catch. What is happening out there!
09:56 AMDRINKS!
DRINKS!
It has been a special start to the morning by England. Four wickets already taken. Somehow, it is game on!
09:56 AMWICKET! Sundar b Root 0
WICKET! Sundar b Root 0
Root has produced an absolute beauty. He lands it on middle and off, turning past the outside edge and clipping the top of off. A stunning delviery.
What a fight back by England this morning!
09:54 AMOVER 45: IND 125/6 (Ashwin 10* Sundar 0*)
OVER 45: IND 125/6 (Ashwin 10* Sundar 0*)
Four dot balls from Leach are followed by a cut to the boundary by Ashwin. That was just a tad too short.
Another dot ball concludes the over.
09:51 AMJoe Root: left hander expert...
Joe Root bowling average:
v RHB - 67.40 (15 wickets)
v LHB - 28.00 (18 wickets)#INDvENG
— The CricViz Analyst (@cricvizanalyst) February 25, 2021
09:51 AMOVER 44: IND 121/6 (Ashwin 6* Sundar 0*)
Joe Root: left hander expert...
Joe Root bowling average:
— The CricViz Analyst (@cricvizanalyst) February 25, 2021
v RHB - 67.40 (15 wickets)
v LHB - 28.00 (18 wickets)#INDvENG
09:51 AMOVER 44: IND 121/6 (Ashwin 6* Sundar 0*)
OVER 44: IND 121/6 (Ashwin 6* Sundar 0*)
Root begins his second over with a play and miss. Plenty of turn for the part-timer. The second ball goes straight on, drawing an inside edge that falls just short of short leg.
Maiden.
09:48 AMOVER 43: IND 121/6 (Ashwin 6* Sundar 0*)
OVER 43: IND 121/6 (Ashwin 6* Sundar 0*)
Ashwin dances down the track to Leach, lofting the ball over the head of Archer at mid-on for four. Shot!
Leach then draws a play and miss with one that turns and bounces. Decent contest.
09:45 AMOVER 42: IND 117/6 (Ashwin 2* Sundar 0*)
OVER 42: IND 117/6 (Ashwin 2* Sundar 0*)
Sundar, another left hander, joins Ashwin at the crease. The England captain starts on the money. Sundar survives.
09:41 AMWICKET! Pant c Foakes b Root 1
WICKET! Pant c Foakes b Root 1
The first ball of Root's spell draws a tiny nick from Pant's bat and Foakes takes a fine catch. The keeper does not review.
It is well and truly game on!
09:40 AMOVER 42: IND 117/5 (Ashwin 2* Pant 1*)
OVER 42: IND 117/5 (Ashwin 2* Pant 1*)
Root must be reading this somehow... he is indeed bringing himself on.
09:39 AMIs the comeback on?
Before the dismissal of Virat Kohli last night, England's WinViz was at 3%. Now, it stands at 11%. #INDvENG
— The CricViz Analyst (@cricvizanalyst) February 25, 2021
09:39 AMOVER 41: IND 117/5 (Ashwin 2* Pant 1*)
Is the comeback on?
Before the dismissal of Virat Kohli last night, England's WinViz was at 3%. Now, it stands at 11%. #INDvENG
— The CricViz Analyst (@cricvizanalyst) February 25, 2021
09:39 AMOVER 41: IND 117/5 (Ashwin 2* Pant 1*)
OVER 41: IND 117/5 (Ashwin 2* Pant 1*)
England are well and truly back in the game thanks to Jack Leach! Ashwin, the centurion in the last match, joins Pant at the crease.
Leach's first ball to Ashwin is short and is cut away for two. Crawley does well to stop it going for four. Ashwin blocks out the rest of the over.
09:35 AMWICKET! Rohit lbw Leach 66
WICKET! Rohit lbw Leach 66
Rohit attempts a sweep but misses it completely. He is given out on the field but reviews!
There is no bat involved, the impact is umpire's call and it is hitting the stumps! He is out! The big wicket falls.
09:32 AMOVER 40: IND 115/4 (Rohit 66* Pant 1*)
OVER 40: IND 115/4 (Rohit 66* Pant 1*)
Spin is looking far more dangerous than seam - maybe Root should give himself a bowl? He has been delivering them nicely this series.
Anderson continues, around the wicket to Pant. He draws a play and miss from the first ball of the over. England have a man catching at short extra-cover, hoping to lure Pant into an uppish drive. Anderson drops short but Pant cannot put the ball past Sibley at backward point.
Maiden.
09:27 AMOVER 39: IND 115/4 (Rohit 66* Pant 1*)
OVER 39: IND 115/4 (Rohit 66* Pant 1*)
Here comes Pant - will he go after Leach or play sensibly? I think we all know the answer.
Pant works a single out to a fielder at long on from his first delivery.
09:23 AMWICKET! Rahane lbw Leach 7
WICKET! Rahane lbw Leach 7
Rahane goes to cut the ball, it does not turn and it hits Rahane in front of the stumps on the back foot. He does not review.
The breakthrough England needed!
09:22 AMOVER 39: IND 114/3 (Rohit 66* Rahane 7*)
OVER 39: IND 114/3 (Rohit 66* Rahane 7*)
The pitch is playing up again, a hole getting deeper and deeper on the crease. The groundsman is out to do some work.
09:20 AMOVER 38: IND 114/3 (Rohit 66* Rahane 7*)
OVER 38: IND 114/3 (Rohit 66* Rahane 7*)
India have now surpassed England's score, just three wickets down. Joe Root's face is already starting to look rather forlorn.
Anderson continues to plug away outside off stump, Rahane cautiously defending. Rahane punches one off the back foot, Rohit wanted two and started off for the second before being sent back. Fortunately for him the ball was thrown to the other end by Broad.
One from the over.
09:16 AMOVER 37: IND 113/3 (Rohit 66* Rahane 6*)
OVER 37: IND 113/3 (Rohit 66* Rahane 6*)
Leach continues. Rahane blocks unconvincingly, the ball almost rolling back onto his stumps. He then tries a sweep, the ball just falling short of Stokes at slip! Rahane is not looking comfortable at all.
Rahane sweeps again, this time with a gentle paddle and it runs away for four. He then whips one into the leg side for a single.
09:12 AMOVER 36: IND 108/3 (Rohit 66* Rahane 1*)
OVER 36: IND 108/3 (Rohit 66* Rahane 1*)
Anderson drops a little too short and Rohit does not miss out. Rocking onto the back foot and punching through the covers all the way to the boundary. And repeat - but this time with even more flair!
Good over for India.
09:07 AMOVER 35: IND 100/3 (Rohit 58* Rahane 1*)
OVER 35: IND 100/3 (Rohit 58* Rahane 1*)
Leach will start from the other end. He starts by drawing a play and miss from Rohit - the ball turned sharply past the outside edge. Rohit then pinches a quick single. 100 up!
Rahane inside edges the next delivery onto his pad. The ball flies into the air but there is no short leg to take a catch! A play and miss follows. Rahane attempts an expansive pull shot but misses it completely.
Excellent over from Leach - England probably wish they had another spinner...
09:03 AMOVER 34: IND 99/3 (Rohit 57* Rahane 1*)
OVER 34: IND 99/3 (Rohit 57* Rahane 1*)
It will be Anderson to start the day for England. He starts full, just outside off stump. Rahane plants his front foot and blocks the ball back to the bowler. Anderson continues on the money, however there is no discernible lateral movement as of yet.
Anderson pushes one back into Rahane who is cannot be tempted by the full length. Maiden to start the day.
08:57 AMThe players are back out onto the pitch
The players are back out onto the pitch
A huge, series-defining day of Test cricket awaits.
08:48 AMRohit Sharma is the key wicket today
Rohit Sharma is the key wicket today
With Che Pujara and Virat Kolhi already dismissed, Rohit Sharma is the main man to remove from England's point of view. He took the game away from England in the second Test and was scoring at a good rate again yesterday.
Rohit was compulsively hooking Archer last night - so perhaps a spell of short stuff at one end and Leach from the other could be a good approach to start the day...
08:28 AMAccording to the good people at CricViz... things are not looking good for England
According to the good people at CricViz... things are not looking good for England
Ahead of day two, they give India a 94 per cent chance of winning this Test, putting England at six per cent with a draw out of the question.
Sadly for England fans, that feels about right. England are in a hole and only a top quality session from bowlers and fielders alike can get them out of it.
Without wanting to be overly dramatic, it feels like the series is on the line in the first session of today's action.
08:19 AMEngland desperately need early wickets in the first session
England desperately need early wickets in the first session
Given England scored just 112, they cannot afford to let India to get over 200. At the very most, a lead of 100 potentially allows England to fight their way back into the game. Anything more than that and Joe Root's side will be in trouble.
As the game will resume in the middle of the day, without the assistance of the lights, Jack Leach will be the key man. England's only spinner in this Test bowled well yesterday and has improved as the series has gone on.
08:10 AMBen Stokes has lost a sense of who he is – in his shell with the bat, barely bowling, and dropping catches
Stokes in the course of this series has been converting from an all-rounder, with the licence to bat as he likes, into a specialist batsman who has to bat as the team needs. A different game altogether. England demand responsibility from their number five. Andrew Flintoff and Sir Ian Botham could throw the bat at number six.
Ben Stokes has lost a sense of who he is – in his shell with the bat, barely bowling, and dropping catches
Stokes in the course of this series has been converting from an all-rounder, with the licence to bat as he likes, into a specialist batsman who has to bat as the team needs. A different game altogether. England demand responsibility from their number five. Andrew Flintoff and Sir Ian Botham could throw the bat at number six.
Read Scyld Berry's full analysis of Ben Stokes here
08:02 AMDay two preview: Will England fight back?
Day two preview: Will England fight back?
England were left frustrated by their own poor performance with the bat and fuming about perceived inconsistency from the umpires yesterday as India took complete control of the day-night third Test in Ahmedabad.
If England go on to lose the match it will be because their top order queued to misjudge the spin of Axar Patel and Ravichandran Ashwin, who shared nine wickets as the tourists flopped for 112 all out having won the toss.
And while there is no shying away from that fact - India's response of 99 for three only cast it in a clearer light - England left the field aggrieved about the manner in which decisions were being reached on the field.
TV umpire Chettithody Shamshuddin was at the centre, upholding Jack Leach's dismissal after meticulously checking a low catch, only to later reprieve Shubman Gill in hasty fashion when Ben Stokes claimed a similarly disputed take.
Shamshuddin, who was at the centre of a row during England's 2016-17 tour of India and eventually stood down from the final Twenty20 after several dubious decisions, then waved away a tight stumping appeal against Rohit Sharma. This time, it took him only a few seconds and a couple of replays to resolve what seemed a very close call in India's favour.
Root was overheard on the stump microphones telling the on-field officials 'all we want is consistency' and continued his remonstrations at the close of play.
An ECB spokesman said: "The England captain and head coach spoke with the match referee after play.
"The captain and head coach acknowledged the challenges the umpires faced and asked respectfully that in making any decisions there was consistency in the process.
"The match referee said the captain was asking the right questions of the umpires."
So, can England launch a remarkable fightback on day two? Follow all the action here to find out...