Event of the Day: England v India
Our event of the day is the Fourth Day of the Fifth Test Match of the India Tour of England at The Oval. While England hold a 3-1 lead in the five-test series between the two nations, India will be determined not to finish their summer of test cricket with another loss. At the close of the third day, England seemed to be in firm control of the final test though. After England posted 332 runs in their first innings, India followed up with an up and down reply, looking strong at 101 for 2, then looking in disarray at 160 for 6 before rediscovering their momentum and finishing just 40 runs behind England on 292 all out. England then had a decent day at the crease, reaching the close on the Third Day on 114-2 in their second innings. This sets their lead at 154 runs with 8 second innings wickets still remaining.
This Fifth Test has understandably been overshadowed by England opener Alastair Cook’s announcement on September 3rd that he would be retiring from international cricket following the match. Cook, who made his test debut against India in 2006, is England’s leading Test run scorer and sixth on the all-time list of all players in Test cricket history. Cook is definitely leaving an impression in his final game, he scored 71 runs in his first innings and at stumps on the third day, he was still at bat with 46 runs. England will look to continue to bat for as long as possible and set India a challenging target to chase. The morning session will be vital to decide the direction of the game, some quick Indian wickets could still see India have a chase-able target whereas too much more comfortable progress from England could see the game get away from India. With both teams playing with passion and energy, the fourth day is sure to give us some exciting test cricket at the Oval.
Honourable mentions around the globe go to the NFL. The Oakland Raiders and Los Angeles Rams face off at the Oakland Coliseum in a tense California clash to start their seasons. Jon Gruden, the Raiders’ head coach, oversees his first regular season game since 2008. Meanwhile, second year Rams’ coach Sean McVay looks to replicate his team’s strong 2017 season, this is set to be a memorable edition of Monday Night Football. The County Championship sees Day One of a Roses match between long-time rivals Yorkshire and Lancashire at Headingley. There is more action in the UEFA Nations League, with Scotland hosting Albania at Hampden Park. In MLB, the Los Angeles Dodgers look to remain in the playoff race as they visit the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park. In Golf, it is round 4 of the delayed BMW Championship at the Aronimink Golf Club in Pennsylvania, United States.
Whatever you’re watching, enjoy!
Photos by ECB Cricket, BCCI