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India vs England 1st Test hanging in the balance

For those who say the future of test cricket is in doubt, please watch the highlights of the last three days of action between India and England. The 1st Test has had twists and turns, with both teams owning a few sessions and both teams still capable of winning the game when they resume today on Day 4.

Yesterday, we saw a brilliant spell of bowling from Ishant Sharma, who was back among the wickets for India after a very long time. He hit the same spots regularly and was rewarded as India tore through the English batting line up, reducing the home team to 87/7 after beginning the day at 9/1.

However, it was the debutant Sam Curran who rescued England and gave them a fighting chance in the match. He scored a gritty 24 in the 1st innings and bowled brilliantly for his 4/74, only to be the hero once again in England’s 2nd innings, scoring a quickfire 63 in 65 deliveries and taking England up to 180. Ishant ended with 5/51.

India were set a target of 194 and Curran’s innings was a vital one, as 194 was not going to be easy for the visitors in the 4th innings of the match. Again, the Indian batsmen played rash strokes and gave away wickets, slumping to 78/5. Stuart Broad had his tail up but the duo of Kohli and Karthik carefully watched him out before it got any worse for India.

They ended the day at 110/5 thanks to these two, who got their bats and bodies behind each and every delivery bowled. From what looked like an easy England win an hour before stumps is now a match very much in the balance, with England needing 5 wickets and India needing 84 runs to finish what has been an exciting test match so far.

We honestly can’t tell who’s ahead at this point of time, but if India want to win, they need Kohli to stay out there. He followed up his 149 with a 43* and the first hour of play will be very important for both teams. Keep reading GutshotMagazine.com for a timely update on the outcome of this game tomorrow.

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