India scored 300 for 6 at the end of day one at the Chepauk which welcomed back fans for the second Test. This happened after Virat Kohli won the toss and opted to bat first. Rohit Sharma scored his seventh Test ton and Ajinkya Rahane his 23rd Test fifty as they helped India recover from the early setback in the first session. The pitch showed signs of turn and bounce right from the first session as spinners had an impact on the day’s play. More about the report in detail below.
Both teams ringed in several changes in this all-important Test match at the Chepauk. The curators promised a pitch with more turn, bounce and carry than what was on offer in the first Test. Shubman Gill’s wicket in the second over the day’s play made the players believe that the pitch was different. However, as the day went on spinners dictated the proceedings.
Rohit Sharma (161) and Cheteshwar Pujara (21) added 85 together before Jack Leach removed Pujara getting him caught at slips. Virat Kohli was dismissed by Moeen Ali for a duck with a delivery that had sharp turn and bounce. Kohli unbelievably stood at the wicket wondering how he was dismissed. Rahane then joined Rohit at the wicket as both were ready for the long haul. Both scored at a brisk pace and took the Indian score to 106/3 at lunch.
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Rohit-Rahane Stand Makes It India’s Day
The duo consolidated in the second session as Rohit and Rahane got to their respective landmarks. Meanwhile, the England bowlers were getting frustrated not being able to break the partnership which went from a century to a 150-run stand. It was a wicketless session for the England bowlers while India added 83 runs in the session.
England bounced back in the final session taking three wickets. It was the spinners doing the job again. It was Jack Leach who broke the 162-run partnership by dismissing Rohit. Moeen Ali came back to dismiss Rahane as England took two wickets in a space of two runs. A DRS decision went in favor of the Indian Test vice-captain just before the ball he was dismissed. England skipper Joe Root then dismissed Ravichandran Ashwin as India lost three quick wickets. With Pant batting at the other end, India scored 42 runs in the last 10 overs as they ended being the happier of the two teams despite losing six wickets.
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The England bowlers bowled with immaculate discipline. They did not give any extras and bowled on a consistent channel. Olly Stone playing only his second game was praised for his consistent pace and bounce while Leach was hailed for his consistency as well. Moeen Ali though expensive picked up the prized wicket of Virat Kohli.
India 300 for 6 (Rohit Sharma 161, Rahane 67, Leach 2/78) vs England