Chennai: Talismanic Rohit Sharma (12) disappointed again failing to give a promising start as India ended Day 4 of the first test at 39/1 at the MM Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Monday (February 8), with still 381 runs needed to chase down the massive 420 runs set by England. The hosts have a task on their hands on the final day.
Both the openers Rohit and Shubman Gill started off steadily until English spinner Jack Leach bamboozled Rohit with a perfect delivery for just 12. Youngster Gill (15*) along with the ever-reliable Cheteshwar Pujara (12*) is currently at the crease binding an unbeaten 14-run partnership off 45 balls hoping to boost India’s chances of at least saving the match on the last day.
Earlier in the day, India resumed with an overnight score of 257/6. Youngster Washington Sundar showed great maturity and composure along with Ravichandran Ashwin to put up some kind of fight for the hosts. Sundar brought up a gritty half-century while stitching a crucial 80 run partnership with his fellow Tamil Nadu partner.
However, Ashwin got out for just 31 after which there was no one to give ample support to Sundar. While the young south-paw remained not out on 85, India got all-out for 337.
England stumbled throughout their second-innings. Joe Root’s quick-fire 32-ball 40 frustrated India quite a bit. However, Ashwin took six wickets to wrap up the visitors for a mere 178 in their second innings but with a mammoth first-innings lead of 246, they set a target of over 400 pushing India on their back.
With the pitch expected to turn on the last day and India having quality in their ranks, it surely will be a mouthwatering match to offer for the neutrals.
Brief scores: England 337 & 178 (Joe Root 40; Ravi Ashwin 6/61) lead India 337 (Rishabh Pant 91, Washington Sundar 85*; Dom Bess 4/76) & 39/1 (Shubman Gill 15*; Jack Leach 1/21) by 380 runs.
