India vs England, 1st Test: Sibley, Root steady the innings
Opener Dominic Sibley and skipper Joe Root were on the charge in the second session on Day 1 of the ongoing first Test against India. The duo helped the visitors stage a comeback after they lost a couple of wickets at the stroke of lunch. England picked up the pace and crossed the 100-run mark before tea. Here is the session report.
How did the session pan out?
The likes of Sibley and Root gave the bowlers very less margin for error. Root capitalized upon his incredible run from the Sri Lanka tour, wherein he notched up a double-ton. As a result, he faced the spinners with ease, and thereby had no qualms. Meanwhile, Sibley too displayed terrific resistance against spin. Eventually, England didn't lose any wicket and got to 140/2.
A terrific knock by Sibley
Right-handed batsman Sibley's fine knock continued in the second session as well. His resilience against the spinners has been impressive so far. Notably, this is his first Test innings in India and only the second tour in an Asian country. After scoring an unbeaten 56 in his last Test innings (vs SL), Sibley went on to record his fourth Test fifty.
Root has also looked comfortable against spinners
Root has also worked in tandem with Sibley. He aced the spin-challenge in the second session. He remained defiant in his approach, but didn't shy away from playing his strokes. Root, who is batting on 45, looks set for another big score.
The Indians couldn't break the deadlock
Root and Sibley didn't let the Indian bowlers settle in the second innings. Off-spinner Ashwin, who gave India the first breakthrough, was unable to break the deadlock this time. Even the likes of Jasprit Bumrah and Ishant Sharma reversed the ball, however, it wasn't suffice to disrupt the rhythm of England's pair. Moreover, Shahbaz Nadeem and Washington Sundar also remained ineffective.
