India’s lower order, yet again, put up resistance and denied England easy wickets. This time it was Shardul Thakur who led the charge with a brisk 36-ball 57 as he put up a 63-runs stand with Umesh Yadav to take India’s score to 190 runs. 

Thakur’s knock included an arrow-straight drive, a powerful pull shot and many lofted strokes. The bowler reached his 50 in 32 balls, which is the fastest in an India vs England Test match. In fact, Thakur has scored the second fastest Test fifty for India. The fastest was scored by Kapil Dev which came in 31 balls.

At one point – 127/7 – India’s innings seemed to be in trouble. Shardul Thakur and Umesh Yadav were on strike. But then the former started counter-attacking and playing shots with freedom, just like Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami did at Lord’s in the second Test. During his 36-ball stay, Thakur hit seven boundaries and three maximums. 

Also read: India vs England: Virat Kohli breaks Sachin Tendulkar’s world record in 4th Test

The pitch offered both seam and swing. Taking advantage of the favourable conditions, the English pacers took wickets at regular intervals. Rohit Sharma (11) and KL Rahul (17) got starts, but were nipped out pretty early. Pujara also edged a delivery to the wicketkeeper. Kohli was dismissed by Ollie Robinson after he scored his 27th Test fifty. Rahane, Pant and Jadeja couldn’t make much of a difference. 

  Also read: CPL 2021: Kieron Pollard protests against umpire’s decision over wide call

It was Shardul Thakur’s aggressive approach that brought India back into the game.

The Indian bowlers, especially the pacers, will now have a daunting task to keep the in-form English batting line-up in check.