India’s wicketkeeper-batter KS Bharat fell short of a well-deserved half-century in the IND vs ENG 1st Test at Hyderabad. Playing the role of an anchor while Jadeja accelerated, the keeper was trapped for an LBW by Joe Root, brining the curtains down on his innings.
IND vs ENG: KS Bharat falls short of fifty
Bharat played an instrumental part in building a good partnership with Jadeja. He played 81 deliveries, including three boundaries before he became Root’s victim. Meanwhile, Jadeja carried on with his onslaught as India extended their lead against the visitors.
With the Indian selectors backing Bharat to keep wickets for the side for the five-match series, each inning is also important as a batter as well. The keeper was picked over an in-form Rajat Patidar for the 1st Test. Having missed an opportunity in the 1st innings, Bharat will eye to bounce back strong in the 2nd innings, in an attempt to please the selectors.
England, on the other hand, have their work cut out. Their bowlers struggled to contain the Indian batsmen, and their fielding also lacked sharpness. They now need a monumental effort with the bat in the second innings to get back into the game.