IND vs ENG 1st Test: 5 big positives for Virat Kohli & Co from drawn 1st Test in Nottingham: While India were on the cusp of winning the first (opening) Test against England overseas after 35 long years, destiny offered different plans as the rain-marred first contest concluded in a draw. No doubt, Virat Kohli and co. well addressed the loopholes that they were inadvertently given some room for improvements after the World Test Championship Final against New Zealand in Southampton in June.
InsideSport takes a look at 5 positives from the drawn Test that Virat Kohli & Co will carry on to the 2nd Test at the Lord’s.
Also Read: IND vs ENG 1st Test: India forced to draw 1st Test as rain robs Virat Kohli & Co a chance to win
KL Rahul sorts opening conundrum
KL Rahul well encashed the opportunity offered to him in the absence of Mayank Agarwal, who was ruled out with a concussion. With a promising performance showcased by KL Rahul, who amassed 110 runs in the two innings and returned with a crucial fifty, Mayank has little chance to fit him as an opener. The ease of playing that Rahul showed on English conditions facing the England speedsters is another reason to back him up in the upcoming contests.
Jasprit Bumrah gets his form
India’s quick- Jasprit Bumrah made an impeccable comeback following his disappointing performance in the WTC Final against New Zealand in Southampton where he went wicketless in two innings combined. In the opening contest against England in Nottingham, Jasprit Bumrah returned with brilliant figures of 9 wickets including a five-wicket haul in the 2nd innings. It was his bowling that saw Joe Root & Co only set a 209-run target for Team India.
Ravindra Jadeja’s blitz
IND vs ENG 1st Test: India’s ace allrounder Ravindra Jadeja zipped all mouth who questioned his selection over Ravichandran Ashwin during the start of the first Test. He continued his hot form of the practice match (75 & 51 against County XI) and smashed a crucial fifty during India’s first innings. He will be India’s first choice on England’s comparatively quick turfs. With Virat Kohli declaring that four seamers would likely continue, Ashwin’s place is now in danger.
Tail-enders contribution with the willow
Picture this- 145/5 to 278/10 speaks a lot of India’s impetus contribution that changed the scheme of colours for India after the middle-order collapse during the first innings. India’s designated bowlers scored 48 crucial runs that saw India stretch the lead to 95 runs. It is a moment to cherish for India to see their tail-enders contributing with the bat, something that had been India’s long gauged weakness.
Indian seamers doing the trick
India’s pace battery collectively bowled exceptionally well especially during England’s first innings where the seamers bundled them for just 183 runs. It was only the 2nd time in India’s history that pacers scalped all the wickets with only spinner Ravindra Jadeja returning empty-handed. The entire pace unit was impressive who not just bowled economically but also kept chipping wickets at regular intervals.
IND vs ENG 1st Test: 5 big positives for Virat Kohli and co. to draw from opening first Test in Nottingham
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