Event of the Day: England versus India

Our event of the day is Day 4 of the 3rd Test between England and India at Trent Bridge in Nottingham. Despite trailing the series 2-0, India have really found their form over the last three days. It will now take a stunning batting display from England to prevent themselves slipping to a defeat. The opening day and a half saw the tourists score a sturdy 329. This was followed by a sublime Indian bowling display. Hardik Pandya in particular was outstanding, taking 5 wickets for 28 runs. Jos Buttler top scored for England, racking up a commendable 39 from just 32 balls. However, this was the best they could muster, as the hosts were bowled out for a mere 161. 

India were just as dominant in the second innings, putting England out of their misery as they declared on 352-7. Virat Kohli was once again in ruthless form. The India captain scored the century he was so narrowly denied in the first innings. He was eventually out on 103 lbw by Chris Woakes, much to the relief of the English fielders. This left England chasing a staggering 521. Opening batsmen Alistair Cook and Keaton Jennings began to chip away at this huge target, scoring 23 between them. England now require a massive 498, or bat for 2 days, to prevent an almost inevitable India victory. There is no doubting that it’s a huge ask. However, the likes of Joe Root, Ben Stokes and Alistair Cook are certainly capable of hitting big scores. Can England produce a sensational fightback or will India get themselves back into the series?

Honourable mentions around the globe go to day 3 of the Asian Games. There’s action across an array of sports, including water polo, volleyball and equestrian. Medals are up for grabs in the cross-country mountain biking and fencing. In cricket, County Championship action comes from the Oval, with day 3 of Surrey, who lead Division One, versus Lancashire. Elsewhere in the UK, there are four Championship fixtures, including recently relegated Swansea against promotion chasing Leeds at the Liberty Stadium. In League Two, Milton Keynes host Grimsby Town at Stadium MK. The battle to make the Champions League group stages is really starting to heat up, as Benfica host PAOK Salonika in the first leg of their playoff. Meanwhile in New Haven, day two of the Connecticut Open gets underway, whilst on the ATP World Tour, the Winston-Salem Open continues. Further sporting action in the States comes from Fenway Park, with the second match in a three game MLB series between the Boston Red Sox and the Cleveland Indians.

Whatever you’re watching, enjoy!

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Photos by ECB Cricket, BCCI

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