Event of the Day: England versus India
Our event of the day is the second day of the third test between England and India at Trent Bridge in Nottingham. England lead the series 2-0 after a narrow 31-run win in the first test at Edgbaston, followed by a crushing victory in the second test where they won by an innings and 159 runs. A phenomenal bowling display from James Anderson and Stuart Broad saw the tourists bowled out for 130 and 107, meaning England’s first innings 396-7 was enough to seal a thoroughly convincing win. The hosts will be hoping for more of the same today. A win in the third test would secure the series for England with two test matches to spare. If this is achieved, don’t expect England to ease up in the remaining two tests, with the England camp stressing their desire for a whitewash. However, this will be a tough ask. India put a disappointing second test behind them with a much-improved performance yesterday.
England won the toss and opted to bowl. India put in a strong batting display, closing on 307-6. Virat Kohli top scored for the tourists with 97. The Indian captain was closing in on his century before he was caught by Ben Stokes. The Englishman was making his return following a court appearance. Ajinkya Rahane also impressed with the bat, scoring 81 until an Alistair Cook catch halted his progress. Rishabh Pant closed on 22 not out. The visitors will be hopeful of setting a big target for England in order to get themselves back into the series. Another quality day of cricket is in store.
Honourable mentions around the globe go the Cincinnati Masters on the WTA and ATP World Tour where it’s finals day. In the men’s draw, Roger Federer faces Novak Djokovic. The women’s final sees Kiki Bertens take on Simona Halep. Elsewhere in the States, the series between the Boston Red Sox and the Tampa Bay Rays continues at Fenway Park in one of a full day of MLB fixtures. In Indianapolis, day 4 of the Indy Women in Tech Championship gets underway on the LPGA Tour, whilst on the PGA Tour, the Wyndham Championship concludes in Greensboro. The European Tour is in Sweden, where it’s day 4 of the Nordea Masters. Further sporting action can be found across Europe with a host of football fixtures. The opening weekend of Serie A action continues with Sassuolo against Inter Milan at the Città del Tricolore Stadium. In Ligue 1, Marseille travel to Nîmes and in La Liga, Real Madrid host Getafe. At De Kuip, Feyenoord welcome Excelsior in Eredivisie action. Atlanta United are up against Columbus Crew in the MLS at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Premier League champions Manchester City continue their title defence at home to Huddersfield, whilst two teams vying for promotion to the Premier League meet at Griffin Park, as Brentford host Sheffield Wednesday in the Championship. Elsewhere in the UK, an array of County Championship fixtures take place, including Surrey against Lancashire at the Oval. Meanwhile in Australia, the Sydney Roosters can move up to first place in the NRL ladder with victory away to the Canberra Raiders. The Triathlon World Cup continues in Switzerland.
Whatever you’re watching, enjoy!
Photos by ECB Cricket