Anderson Return, and Dog, Not Enough to Stop Class of Kohli Shining Through

WHEN a dog invaded the field and stopped play just before tea on the opening day of this second Test it was apt given England’s bowlers were left chasing their tails by the brilliance of Virat Kohli.

- Chris Stocks

India’s captain, playing in his 50th Test, had a point to prove against Alastair Cook’s side given he averaged just 13.40 in his last series against them in England two years ago.

And despite a fine return from Anderson, the leader of England’s attack taking three wickets in his first game back since August, this was Kohli’s day to shine as he reached stumps unbeaten on 151 and with his team in the commanding position of 317-4.

Anderson has dismissed Kohli five times in Tests, more than any other bowler.

Yet he was unable to do anything to stop him on this first day.

The 34-year-old bowler, looking close to his best after recovering ahead of schedule from a shoulder injury, did at least break Kohli’s 226-run stand with Cheteshwar Pujara.

India’s third-wicket pair had helped their side recover from 222 early on as Lokesh Rahul, the recalled opener edging Stuart Broad to third slip, and Murali Vijay, becoming Anderson’s first wicket when he gloved a short ball to Ben Stokes at gully, both departed.

However, it was hard work for England after that as the spinners, so controlled during the drawn first Test in Rajkot, lost their way.

India had gone into lunch just ahead on 92-2.

Kohli and Pujara then went through the afternoon session scoring 118 unanswered runs before the stray dog finally stemmed the flow and prompted an early tea.