Ahmedabad, Feb 25: India were bowled out for 145 in their first innings on the second day of the Pink Ball Test against England as Joe Root (5/8) picked up his first ever fifer, here on Thursday.
After wrapping up England’s innings at 112 and ending the opening day at 99 for 3, India resumed with Rohit Sharma and Ajinkya Rahane and the crowd at Motera expected the hosts to put up a good score on the board.
But things didn’t go according to plan for India as England spinners Joe Root and Jack Leach orchestrated a well laid collapse for the hosts. Jack Leach, England’s only recognised spinner in the playing XI, sent back Rahane and Rohit to nullify India’s advantage.
However, India still had a long tail and the dangerous Rishabh Pant still to fire. But, things changed drastically when England captain Joe Root introduced himself in the bowling attack.
Root on his first delivery sent back the dangerous Pant. He then dismissed Washington Sundar and Axar Patel in quick succession to bring England right back in the match.
Ravichandran Ashwin showed some fight to score 17 runs to extend India’s lead past the 20-run mark but got out to Root while trying to do counter-attack.
Ishant Sharma hit a big six off the bowling of Jack Leach to take the lead beyond 30 runs. But, Root picked up the last wicket of Jasprit Bumrah to claim his maiden five-for in Test cricket.
India were bowled out for 145 at the end of the first session and had a first innings lead of mere 33 runs.
Brief Scores: England 1st Innings: 112 all out India 1st Innings: 145 all out in 53.2 overs (Rohit Sharma 66, Virat Kohli 27; Jack Leach 4/54, Joe Root 5/8).
(UNI)
