ROOT PUTS UP A FIGHT

Hits Century To Keep Eng In Contention But Bumrah Fifer Leaves First Test In Balance

- Dwaipayan Datta

On the greatest day in Indian sporting history, the cricketers were almost obligated to give a performance that could come close to matching the Tokyo highs of Neeraj Chopra, Bajrang Punia and Aditi Ashok. And Jasprit Bumrah did just that with an inspired spell of fast bowling in Nottingham as India found themselves well-placed to go 1-0 up in the five-Test series against England.

Since the time Bumrah has started playing Test cricket, the Indian attack has got a different dimension. His awkward action, ability to move the ball in and make it straighten after pitching have left the best batsmen in the world baffled.

On Saturday too, he was at his lethal best, especially with the second new ball as India dismissed England for 303 in their second innings. It left India with a target of 209 and by stumps, India had reached 52-1. 208 is the highest scored by a visiting team (West Indies in 1980) to win a Test at Trent Bridge, and if the weather holds, it can be an intriguing final day.