After the first day of play at Lord`s Cricket Ground, former England batsman Jonathan Trott analysed the English side`s changing approach with the bat.
“It was an interesting day, starting right from the toss. England took a different approach compared to the first two Tests. I thought Ollie Pope came out in typical `Bazball` style, attacking early, but quickly realised that this wasn`t that kind of pitch. Credit to him for adjusting his game,” Trott stated on `Match Centre Live`.
He also credited stalwart Joe Root for his stunning display with the willow. He will resume Day 2 with the score of an unbeaten 99 runs, which came off 199 deliveries, including nine boundaries. If Root manages to complete his century, he would then draw level with former South African batsman Hashim Amla, for the tally of international centuries. The sixth-highest century scorer, Amla has 55 tons to his name, whereas Root sits right below with 54 centuries.
“We also saw Joe Root look fluent, a beautiful cover drive and a clip through mid-wicket off Siraj stood out. Once he got going, it felt like he`d bat deep,” said the 44-year-old.
“I thought England might go after Jadeja in the final over of the day, but sense prevailed, especially with Ben Stokes carrying a bit of a niggle,” he added.
Coming to Day 1 of the third match, after the wickets of both openers, England`s Ollie Pope scored 44 runs in 104 balls, including four boundaries. Later, Harry Brook departed early on just 11 runs, which came in 20 balls, laced with two boundaries.
Despite losing wickets, stalwart Joe Root delivered an unbeaten knock of 99 runs in 191 balls. So far, his knock includes nine boundaries. Along with him is skipper Ben Stokes, who is still unbeaten on 39 runs in 102 balls, including three boundaries.
Team India`s Jasprit Bumrah bagged one wicket by conceding 35 runs in 18 overs. Reddy accounted for two, followed by Ravindra Jadeja`s one wicket.
Akash Deep, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar went wicketless on Day 1 of the third Test.
(With ANI Inputs)