England vs India | 4th Test | Southampton | August 30-September 3, 2018 | Day 1 Thread

[BlackShadow]

8 straight overs for Bumrah, not wise.

[Sam99]

And the SA and English series are mock tests for him? These aren't real tests but first class matches for him?

Conditions have been more favorable to him than batsman i feel. He will have to be injury free with that action to last long. Will have to see how Bcci manages him in such busy schedule where he plays all formats + IPL. He is very quick learner but issue will be fitness and too much of cricket for him.

[MoJoJoJo]

England need a big partnership here. Otherwise another 150/180 AO on the cards..

[MP2011]

Shami comes in..

[MP2011]

So this is the first time in 38 tests that Virat is playing same XI in consecutive tests.

[Sanzcool]

Kallis finally

[MP2011]

Pandya gets Cook.

[the_outsider]

Cook gone! 4 down

[Nikhil_cric]

Cook gone. India truly on top now.

[wrongun]

Big toss to win with a flat pitch.

Expect Root & Co to pile on the runs, and put pressure on India for the rest of the game. India don't have the bowlers to run through England without any assistance from the pitch.

oh boy

[freelance_cricketer]

4 down

India has England down on the mat on a good batting surface.

Great job

[BlackShadow]

A fully fit Indian squad would have whitewashed these jokers 5-0, even if they lost every single toss.

[Indiafan]

This is wonderful bowling from Bumrah! Shows what we were missing for first 2 tests and during ODI series.

And the injury he got was so unfortunate, got injured on the last ball of the T20 against Ireland! Can it get more unfortunate?

We are still missing Bhuvi who would have run riots on these wickets

[MP2011]

Yeah, that's correct. But one hardly ever gets a fully fit XI these days.

[topspin]

Another slap in the face to all of the Pandya's haters out there!

[Ab Fan]

England is such a terrible team. Should stop playing cricket. Get all your interest towards soccer.

[cricketindiafan]

What a morning it has been for us.

Pandya with an invaluable contribution with ball again.

[Zahid87]

Terrific chance for India...but Shami and Pandya bowling is just a waste of time.

Shami either to straight or too wide, and Pandya also inconsistent. Lucky to get that wicket of Cook.

Get Ashwin on whilst these two are getting set.

[Ab Fan]

Buttler(ABDV 2.0) to replicate ABDV of Capetown.

[Oligochaetes]

Good Going Buttler

[mkyawar]

It is safe to say irrespective of what happens after 5 tests , india is the better team . Do you guys think England would have had india 50-4 on a turner pitch . This England team is absolutely pathetic .

[Zahid87]

oh boy

To be fair, I think I underestimated the incompetence of England's batsmen, rather than underestimate the Indian bowlers.

[cricketindiafan]

Time for Shami and Ashwin to step up and ensure England do not recover from here.

[Varun]

Won't be the best time for a 175 run partnership from these two again.

[Rightarmfast]

To be fair, I think I underestimated the incompetence of England's batsmen, rather than underestimate the Indian bowlers.

Trying hard to keep the chin up, are we?

[RamLakhan]

oh boy

Now the case will be reversed! India were lucky to lose the toss, so that their bowlers could exploit the fresh wicket what otherwise would be a flat wicket for the rest of the match! Indians will always be luck with such things, while Pakistanis will always be unlucky

[cricketindiafan]

Tough chance missed by Pant. Hope it does not prove very costly.

[Ab Fan]

Stokes and Buttler should hit hundreds and get England past 300 total in first inning.

[the_outsider]

To be fair, I think I underestimated the incompetence of England's batsmen, rather than underestimate the Indian bowlers.

Lol. You're trying too hard, mate.

[jnaveen1980]

Now the case will be reversed! India were lucky to lose the toss, so that their bowlers could exploit the fresh wicket what otherwise would be a flat wicket for the rest of the match! Indians will always be luck with such things, while Pakistanis will always be unlucky

Exactly lol Even though England won the toss and elected to field first and even the commies justified why he did that. Our non-Indian fans were offering free opinions in hindsight lol

[Nikhil_cric]

Terrific chance for India...but Shami and Pandya bowling is just a waste of time.

Shami either to straight or too wide, and Pandya also inconsistent. Lucky to get that wicket of Cook.

Get Ashwin on whilst these two are getting set.

True . We need atleast Shami to consistently bowl a consistent line and length. Has had a poor series overall.

[GLORY OF '92]

Credit to India but Buttler is a bad one to drop.

England need to get 250 to stay in the game.

[cricketindiafan]

Pandya has clocked 145 kmph in this test! Got Cook off 141 kmph delivery. A pacer bowling 140+ who is a better batsman than bowler, we have to ensure Pandya can fulfill his potential and have a stellar career.

[the_outsider]

Credit to India but Buttler is a bad one to drop.

Bit harsh to call that a drop.

[cricketindiafan]

If only Bhuvi and Bumrah were fit for the full series

[Napa]

To be fair, I think I underestimated the incompetence of England's batsmen, rather than underestimate the Indian bowlers.

Yeah, there always has to be some explanation other than good performance by the Indians.

The truth is that India's pace unit is probably the best in the world. They did much better in SA measured by runs-per-wicket than the Australian unit which visited soon after.

[Napa]

Bit harsh to call that a drop.

A wicketkeeper can't really anticipate the ball coming off the bottom of the bat, so can't blame Pant.

[Zahid87]

Now the case will be reversed! India were lucky to lose the toss, so that their bowlers could exploit the fresh wicket what otherwise would be a flat wicket for the rest of the match! Indians will always be luck with such things, while Pakistanis will always be unlucky

Calm down mate. Get rid of the complex. No one is out to get you.

England won a good toss. Have batted poorly. India have bowled well.

Still stand by my earlier comment though. Historically, India have performed away when they have had a chance to get 20 wickets. That has generally come on good bowling pitches, where the skill gap between India's pace bowlers, and the opposition's was reduced.

India now have a better attack. Well done. Soak it all in.

But, its still not an attack that I believe will run through teams on good batting pitches. I can't really think of an attack in world cricket that can to be honest. Australia in the 2000s had one which could pick up wickets anywhere at anytime, apart from that, its tough. If you really think the India pace attack is at that level...well good luck to you.

[Zahid87]

Yeah, there always has to be some explanation other than good performance by the Indians.

The truth is that India's pace unit is probably the best in the world. They did much better in SA measured by runs-per-wicket than the Australian unit which visited soon after.

I'll say it again. They have performed well on this tour. They are much better than before.

But do not get carried away. Best in the world is a big statement.

Look at this test. Sharma has bowled well, as has Bumrah. Shami...no consistent line nor length, and Pandya doesn't really look a threat either. And you think its the best in the world?

Before this series no Indian fan would take Ishant Sharma seriously....now part of the best in the world?!!

Get some perspective honestly.

[RamLakhan]

A fully fit Indian squad would have whitewashed these jokers 5-0, even if they lost every single toss.

Lets admit that we were pathetic in the 2nd test. Good that we revived everything after that! Beating anyone 5-0 is difficult even at home and won't be easy overseas! (Even Australian and WI Team of past found it difficult!) Its good to see our team doing so well overseas (especially bowlers)

[happydavy]

If Butler and Stokes cud get england past 150 without losing a wicket then england will be favorite again.

[Napa]

Before this series no Indian fan would take Ishant Sharma seriously....now part of the best in the world?!!

Get some perspective honestly.

I did not say Ishant is the best in the world, I said the "pace unit".

SA scored 35.17 runs per wkt against Australia, but only 23 runs per wkt against the Indians.

http://www.espncricinfo.com/scores/s...-tests-2017-18
http://www.espncricinfo.com/scores/s...-tests-2017-18

If your bowlers are so much better than the Australians, then it is likely that they are the best in the world, especially when Bhuvi is in the team.

[RamLakhan]

Pandya has clocked 145 kmph in this test! Got Cook off 141 kmph delivery. A pacer bowling 140+ who is a better batsman than bowler, we have to ensure Pandya can fulfill his potential and have a stellar career.

That is why my hopes have increased so much about him! (the PACE! And his intent to bowl and be part of the team! He looks matured now!) He may get mocked by getting compared to Sobers, Kallis, Kapil, etc, but at least lets not compare him with the likes of Sanjay Bangar, Stuart Binny, Robin Singh, etc! He is definitely a lot better than them already! If keeps doing this bit for at least a couple of years, he will be on par with Azhar Mehmood, Abdul Razzak, Scot Styris... He should go in steps (next he should try to reach up to Chris Cairns, Steve Waugh....) Then Lance Klusener, Kapil Dev (World Cup winners! Very difficult, but possible)

[BlackShadow]

I'll say it again. They have performed well on this tour. They are much better than before.

But do not get carried away. Best in the world is a big statement.

Look at this test. Sharma has bowled well, as has Bumrah. Shami...no consistent line nor length, and Pandya doesn't really look a threat either. And you think its the best in the world?

Before this series no Indian fan would take Ishant Sharma seriously....now part of the best in the world?!!

Get some perspective honestly.

It is not when you have proven it for over a period of 3 years, with performances.

http://www.pakpassion.net/ppforum/sh...n-last-3-years

[Ab Fan]

Good thing for England is that they have Moeen Ali in the squad. His inclusion means he can add a bit more to the England batting tally.

Curran and Rashid can bat a bit as well. Woakes will be a big miss though when England will come to bowl.

[Napa]

One session is all it took for the bookies to change their opinion, they now favor the Indians to win the Test. Also the odds for a draw are down to almost zero.

[Sam99]

Bring ishant and bumrah. This shami is leaking runs will release pressure bumrah and ishant put on batsman.

[Zahid87]

I did not say Ishant is the best in the world, I said the "pace unit".

SA scored 35.17 runs per wkt against Australia, but only 23 runs per wkt against the Indians.

http://www.espncricinfo.com/scores/s...-tests-2017-18
http://www.espncricinfo.com/scores/s...-tests-2017-18

If your bowlers are so much better than the Australians, then it is likely that they are the best in the world, especially when Bhuvi is in the team.

The point still stands - a couple of tests ago, Ishant's place was uncertain in the Indian team - now you consider him to be a part of the 'best pace unit in the world'. Surely thats taking a couple of performances too far.

On that point about the runs scored in South Africa. The pitches used in the India series and the Aussie series in SA were slightly different. Not to forget the Aussies fell away in the 3rd test given what happened.

Look, by all means celebrate that India have a competent pace attack. I don't really want to spoil that party...but keep things in perspective. Long way to go yet for them to considered in those terms.

[JaDed]

Why is Kohli not winning a toss?

[TheSensible]

How many times has a visiting captain lost all 5 tosses in a series? Is that a stat that is kept?

[Napa]

Look, by all means celebrate that India have a competent pace attack. I don't really want to spoil that party...but keep things in perspective. Long way to go yet for them to considered in those terms.

Speaking of perspective "Expect Root & Co to pile on the runs, and put pressure on India for the rest of the game. India don't have the bowlers to run through England without any assistance from the pitch."

Anyway, kudos to you for coming back and posting when most posters disappear after making such statements.

[Pete Rose]

there has to be an inverse relationship between India’s performance and fan comments frequency on this website.

[Zahid87]

With Moeen, surely you get Bumrah on and go short and yorkers at him. The guy is a sitting duck against the short ball.

[the_outsider]

The point still stands - a couple of tests ago, Ishant's place was uncertain in the Indian team - now you consider him to be a part of the 'best pace unit in the world'. Surely thats taking a couple of performances too far.

If that's what you think then you are misinformed.

Ishant has been a regular in the Indian test squad since 2014. His place in the side was never uncertain.

[JaDed]

there has to be an inverse relationship between India’s performance and fan comments frequency on this website.

Yes , true for both sides though.

[Amjid Javed]

Stokes has shown in this inns if you apply yourself you can get runs, most of england batting has just been loose and all over the shop again in terms of decision making, India have bowled well but england shouldnt be 5 down for next to nothing.

[Pete Rose]

Yes , true for both sides though.

Yes, but there are more Pakistan supporters on the website - ergo, India performing not good website interaction. I mean, it’s tumbleweeds on the Pandya vs Faheem thread

[the_outsider]

Stokes has shown in this inns if you apply yourself you can get runs, most of england batting has just been loose and all over the shop again in terms of decision making, India have bowled well but england shouldnt be 5 down for next to nothing.

Not at all. Are you actually watching the match?

Only Cook and Butler were out to poor shots.

Jennings, Root and Bairstow got out to great balls.

[Varun]

For many years we run through opposition and then the tail does its fair share of wagging.

Sadly, the converse is not true. Our tail is not the best.

[mp812rediff]

Ishant Sharma has bowled 10 over for 9 runs

[the_outsider]

Stokes gone!

Shami finally turning up in this series.

[mp812rediff]

Is that out? Strikes lbw

[Varun]

Stokes out.

Brings Beard the 2nd to the crease. Or will it be Curran?

[Amjid Javed]

Not at all. Are you actually watching the match?

Only Cook and Butler were out to poor shots.

Jennings, Root and Bairstow got out to great balls.

Root and Jennings were poor dismissals as well, both were poor technically as usual.

Bairstow yes got a good delivery.

England continual feet in cement batting against moving ball is asking for trouble.

[Amjid Javed]

Stokes out, good swing ball but again poor footwork!

[the_outsider]

Root and Jennings were poor dismissals as well, both were poor technically as usual.

Then you weren't paying attention to the match.

Those two balls swung the most in this match so far.

Jenning's wicket was the biggest outswinger (inswinger to left handed) I have ever seen Bumrah bowl.

[JaDed]

Two all rounders who have individually taken matches away from us on the crease now.

[Deewana Mastana]

England heading for another big defeat?

[the_outsider]

Out of the 5 remaining batsmen, 4 are left handers.

Time to give Ashwin a long spell from one end.

[Deewana Mastana]

England have embarrassed themselves yet again.

[Rahul1]

England have embarrassed themselves yet again.

Crediting the bowling attack won't hurt you.

[Deewana Mastana]

Crediting the bowling attack won't hurt you.

Just like you do when Pakistan do well?

[Deewana Mastana]

Taking nothing away from Bumrah, but from what I saw he was the pick of the lot.

[Rahul1]

Just like you do when Pakistan do well?

What have i done?

[Josh]

Ali playing like a tailender.

[Mahee]

Great batting by Curran and Ali

[Deewana Mastana]

What have i done?

It seems to have gone over your head, nevermind.

Btw, post #153 was not in response to your original one in case you get a kick from seeing it.

[mp812rediff]

Ali playing like a tailender.

He scored 200 last time he padded up

[Varun]

Ishant has bowled 11 overs for 11 runs and 1 wicket! #Nelson

[Ab Fan]

India should look to wrap up the innings. There have been several instances where Indian bowlers have leaked up runs to tailenders. Need to get England under 150 at max.