Trent Bridge Test Evenly Poised

The dead pitch at Trent Bridge, Nottingham, allowed England to save an imminent defeat, as Joe Root and James Anderson set a world record for the last wicket. They added 198 runs to deny India any chance to take control of the game. It can be recalled that Indian pair of Mohammed Shami and Bhuvneshwar Kumar had added 111 runs for the last wicket in the first innings.

England finally bowled out for 496 in reply to India’s first innings total of 457. Root remained unbeaten on 154, while Anderson scored 81. For India, Bhuvneshwar Kumar got his maiden five-wicket haul. Ishant Sharma took three wickets, while Shami took two wickets. India conceded 294 runs to get the last three English wickets, which marred their chances of victory.

After losing Dhawan for 29, Murli Vijay (52) and Pujara (55) added 91 runs for the second wicket. They departed in quick succession towards the end of 4th day’s play. However, Rahane and Kohli played off the remaining overs. India finished Day 4 at 167/3, with a lead of 128 runs.

A lot will depend on how Indian batsmen respond in the first two hours tomorrow. If they extend the lead to around 250 and declare the innings soon after Lunch, the match still can see a result. Or else, it will end in a tame draw.