England lose third test to India by ten wickets
By Sam Broad
Similarly, to the second test, a dry pitch favoured the spin bowlers. With 28 of the 30 wickets taken by the spinners. Batsmen on both sides failed to apply the proper technique needed to repel the spin onslaught. England were caught out numerous times, expecting a turning ball, when in fact the ball travelled straight, catching them on the pad or hitting the wicket.
England were bowled all out for 112 on the first day, before prompting an India collapse, which saw 99-3 turn into 145 all out. After an inspired bowling performance, England looked like they might steal the game in the second innings.
However, England were two wickets down before scoring a run, with Zac Crawley and Jonny Bairstow dismissed within the first three balls.
Joe Root and Ben Stokes formed a minor partnership that gave England a glimmer of hope. Stokes played his best shots of the innings in a proactive manner, using good footwork to aggressively counteract the spinners. A glimpse of the batting style England must use if they are to have a chance of winning the fourth test.
However, India’s relentless spin bowlers, Axar Patel and Ravichandran Ashwin caused a second batting collapse, with England bowled out for 81. India’s opening batsmen, Shubman Gill and Rohit Sharma comfortably reached the target of 49 runs within eight overs, winning India the third test match by ten wickets.
The positives England can take from the third test defeat to India.
Although Joe Root’s team selection only included one spin bowler on a pitch conditioned for spin. Root stepped up as a part-time spin bowler, taking five wickets for eight runs in the first innings.
Jack Leach was relied upon as England’s sole spin bowler. Leach’s four wickets contributed to India’s collapse in the first innings. However, before long, Leach was back in the crease with the bat after England’s top order collapse. Leach showed initiative to attack the ball, resulting in a cracking six, arguably the highlight of England’s batting display in the second innings.
Ben Foakes is fast becoming recognised as England’s purest wicketkeeper, with another commanding performance behind the wicket.
Zac Crawley returned to the England test side to score a half century. Crawley played intently, hitting ten boundaries, before being bowled out for 53. Unfortunately, the batsman couldn’t repeat the performance when he was bowled first ball in the second innings. However, Crawley’s presence reassured England in the first innings, allowing the batting line-up to get off to a steady start. Crawley’s ability will be relied upon heavily if England are to get a result in the fourth test.