Re: Test Cricket Prediction and Discussion Thread [self - mod]
If India’s tailenders had managed to score a few more runs, it could have really strengthened their position in the match. Still, putting 358 on the board isn’t a bad effort. But it’s hard to call this a match-winning total. England has a very strong batting lineup, even their number 11 can bat. So, 358 feels like a middling score. If just two English batsmen manage to score centuries and get a small lead, that alone could put lot of pressure on India in the second innings. To make things harder, India is struggling with injuries. Rishabh Pant, in particular, may not be able to replicate his first-innings heroics due to the injury he picked up.
England have just lost their first wicket. And England's total is now 166 . The opening pair has played brilliantly. Zak crawley returned to the dressing room with 84 runs. Ben d uckett is unbeaten on 73 runs. India has not been able to make a big total. India has scored 158 runs. England is trailing by just 192 runs. If the Indian bowlers fail to bowl wel l, I think England will take a lead of at least 100 +. So far, the match is completely under England's control. Indian bowlers are not able to take any advantage. England's batsmen collecting more than 5.2 runs per over.