For the first time in a decade, India have conceded over 500 runs in an innings during an overseas Test. In the ongoing fourth Test in Manchester, England crossed the 500-run mark in their first innings. The previous instance of India allowing 500+ runs abroad came during the fourth Test against Australia in Sydney back in 2015.
In that match, Australia posted a massive 572/7 declared, with centuries from David Warner (101) and Steve Smith (117). Significant contributions also came from Chris Rogers (95), Shane Watson (81), Shaun Marsh (73), and Joe Burns (58). India’s bowlers struggled, though Mohammad Shami stood out with a five-wicket haul.
In reply, India managed 475, with centuries from KL Rahul and Virat Kohli. Chasing a target of 349 in the second innings, Virat Kohli and his team reached 252/7 before the match ended in a draw. Since that 2015 encounter, India had not allowed an opposition to score over 500 runs in an innings in an overseas Test—until the ongoing fourth Test against England in Manchester.
England in Command As Root And Stokes Frustrate India On Day 3
In the ongoing Test against England, India posted 358 in their first innings. However, the hosts responded assertively, capitalizing on a wayward bowling attack that failed to maintain consistent pressure on the batters. Joe Root and skipper Ben Stokes led the charge on Day 3, forging a century-plus stand that tested the visitors’ bowlers.
Stokes was forced to retire hurt on 66 off 116 deliveries due to cramps. Root continued his dominance, notching up his 38th Test century, his 12th against India and ninth at home. During the innings, he overtook Jacques Kallis and Ricky Ponting to become the second-highest run-scorer in Test history, now trailing only Sachin Tendulkar.
Root eventually fell for a masterful 150 off 248 balls, laced with 14 boundaries. Despite claiming seven wickets so far, India’s bowling unit has looked uninspired. Notably, Stokes returned to the crease following the fall of the seventh wicket.
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