England v India: All you need to know from day three at the Ageas Bowl
Written by News on 02/09/2018
A needless Root run out and a battling Buttler knock as England built a useful lead. Here’s all you need to know from day three of the fourth Test in Southampton…
SCORECARD | AS IT HAPPENED | HIGHLIGHTS
The Report
Jos Buttler came to the fore with an impressive 69 to put England in the ascendancy against India on day three of the fourth Test at the Ageas Bowl, writes Kalika Mehta at the Ageas Bowl.
The wicketkeeper-batsman shared half-century stands with Ben Stokes (30) and Sam Curran (37no) as the hosts led by 233 at the close, with two wickets remaining.
Moment of the Day
Since being run out for 80 in his first innings of this series, Joe Root has looked decidedly out of nick. Usually so busy at the crease, Root has looked pedestrian and his rhythm had vanished. So when, having dropped himself down to No 4 (more on that below), he got a couple away out of the middle of the bat and things began to click again, you could almost sense the relief among the England supporters.
He progressed to 48 and it was beginning to look like the Root of old, cruising to a half-century with the minimum of fuss. However, on this occasion, he didn’t get there. Ben Stokes hit the ball firmly towards midwicket and set off, Root hesitated and then went, Shami swooped, took aim and threw down the stumps. A dive might have saved Root but it never came and he was halfway off by the time the third umpire confirmed the decision.
Having been so short of runs in the series, to be run out so needlessly will not have pleased Root and both he and Stokes were culpable. England will hope that any runs that he left out on the field do not prove costly.
Stat of the Day
Talking point
When Alastair Cook was dismissed early on, the crowd cleared their collective throats ready for a hearty cry of “Rooooot!” to greet the England skipper. As it was they, and pretty much everyone in the ground, were surprised to see Moeen Ali appear from the England dressing room to bat at No 3.
The all-rounder’s recall was partly based on the double hundred he scored for Worcestershire batting at three but having come in No 7 in England’s first innings, few would have expected to see him so soon second time around. Ali has always argued that No 3 is his best position but it is unlikely that the reshuffle was made with him in mind.
More likely it revolved around Root, whose preference for batting at No 4 is no secret, and Jonny Bairstow, who would prefer to bat at five, not least because that would give him a better chance to keep the gloves when his finger is fully healed.
If it allows more batsmen to feel comfortable with their place in the order then the decision may well be a good one, it certainly worked for Root, who looked to have rediscovered a bit of form before he was run out for 48.
Rather it is when the change was made: should England be tinkering mid Test match? And who made the call? Whatever the answers, unless the selectors see Ali as the man for the long-term, it appears as though they will be searching for a No 3 ahead of the final Test of the series.
What they said
Jos Buttler: “We’ve plenty to work with. It’s nice to hear Athers think we are in a good position – anything above 250 would be a good number. It can be challenging out there.
“I think all of our bowlers will be a threat tomorrow. The new ball will be a big period of the game – as the ball gets softer it gets a little bit easier to bat. We feel like we’ve got lots of bases covered.”
David ‘Bumble’ Lloyd: “Joe Root’s decision to drop himself down to No 4 was a real surprise – but it shows you how determined he is to bat in that spot. He’s telling everyone that’s his role.
“It’s a switch that will attract India’s attention – they’ll say he is hiding. Joe, though, obviously feels more comfortable there and that he brings more value to the team from that position.
“I agree with him – I’ve always said he should bat at No 4. He batted pretty well, too, and looked content after a sketchy few innings of late. It was only a needless run out that cost him his wicket.”
Tweets of the day
Watch day three of the fourth Test between England and India live on Sky Sports Cricket from 10am on Saturday.
Comment below to get involved in the debate, but please adhere to our House Rules. If you wish to report any comment, simply click on the down arrow next to the offending comment and click ‘Report’.
(c) Sky News 2018: England v India: All you need to know from day three at the Ageas Bowl
