Former India Cricketer VVS Laxman feels that India is “in the driver’s seat” after the conclusion of Day three’s play of the first test match against England at Trent Bridge.
The Indian team scored 278 runs and took a healthy 97 run-lead in the first innings. Opening batsman KL Rahul made a fine comeback to the side with 214-ball 81 run knock. He held the Indian innings from one end, as the wickets kept tumbling from the other. All-rounder Ravindra Jadeja also scored 56 runs off 86 deliveries. Earlier India bowled England out for 183 runs.
That's about it on Day 3⃣ of the first #ENGvIND Test at Trent Bridge!
Rain has cut short the day's play, with England moving to 2⃣5⃣/0⃣ – trailing #TeamIndia by 7⃣0⃣ runs.
Scorecard 👉 https://t.co/TrX6JMzP9A pic.twitter.com/vNIfN11KqP
— BCCI (@BCCI) August 6, 2021
In an interaction with Espncricinfo, VVS Laxman stated that the Indian team needs to get Joe Root quickly, as he is the only person who can save the English side from losing the test.
“India is definitely in the driver’s seat. There’s no doubt about that. The reason why I say this is that 95 runs is a substantial lead and when England won the toss and batted first and they ended up getting only 183, you can understand how important that is from India’s point of view. But it’s all about those early wickets and getting Joe Root to the crease as soon as possible. If anyone can save England from losing this Test match, it’s Joe Root.”
“He’s the only one to look in total control. The other batsmen looked very susceptible against the moving delivery and India have got four quality fast bowlers and all look in good form,” Laxman further added.
India will need at least 90-100 overs to bowl England out: VVS Laxman
VVS Laxman also said that given the conditions on offer, the Indian team will need at least 90-100 overs to bowl England out. He added that there will be phases where the bowlers need to be patient to get wickets.
“Well, seeing how the wicket has behaved in the second innings, I’ll say at least 90-100 overs. It won’t be realistic to bowl them out in probably 60-70 overs like the first day. 90-100 overs will be what India will look at because there will be times when batsmen of the skillset of Sibley and Burns will love to occupy the crease and you’ll have to show patience and then there will be a spell where India get 2-3 wickets just like how India got the breakthroughs before lunch on the first day for India and then Jimmy Anderson did yesterday,” VVS Laxman concluded.
