Cricket: England with 2:1 lead against India, 4th Test starts today

13/12/2012 no comments »
Cricket: England with 2:1 lead against India, 4th Test starts today

Saturday saw England record a resounding third test victory over India at Eden Gardens in which was a wonderful day of test cricket for English fans as they now lead the series.

After scoring a respectable 316 in their first innings India were unable to prevent the onslaught of Alastair Cook’s men who turned up the heat with a massive 523 all out. It was Cook himself, The English captain, who stole the show as he fell just short of a double century with an amazing 190 runs scored, before being run out after 377 attempts from the Indian bowlers leaving Cook with a score rate of 50.40. Although just being shy of a double century the first 100 scored meant that Cook set a new record for England test centuries by claiming his 23rd test one hundred, taking over current international team mate Kevin Pietersen (22 test centuries)

With the shellshock of England’s dominance India were then required 208 in order to force England to bat again in their second innings. Fortunately for the home fans their side came out fighting and batted through to lunch scoring 86 without losing a single wicket. Although causing plenty of concern amongst the England camp it was turning into more of a spectacle for the neutrals. However, once play resumed some clever bowling from swing-bowler Graeme Swan transformed the game turning it upside down. It seemed the interval was the turning point in the game and almost the warning needed for the England fielders who then went on to get India all out for 247, meaning only 40 was required from England’s last innings to win the test match.

However, typical of the English it turned out not to be as straight forward as it first appeared. The Indian bowlers did everything they could to cause a scare – and it looked to have paid off as they took a quick-fire three wickets leaving England just 14/3 including Cook the star of the first innings out for just 1. Eventually, England pulled it together and got the job done in just 12.1 overs to overturn the 1st test defeat by claiming a 2-1 lead going into the 4th test. It also brings them closer to achieving what would be a famous first series victory in India for 27 years. The 4th test begins today at Nagur.


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