India vs England: Hosts in driving seat after extending lead
India are right on top in the ongoing second Test against England after claiming a crucial first-innings lead. An incredible knock by Rishabh Pant propelled India to 329 in the morning session on Day 2. In reply, the visitors managed only 134 as Ravichandran Ashwin picked up an astonishing five-wicket haul. The Indians secured a 195-run lead in the first innings. Here is more.
How did Day 2 pan out?
The second day saw a total of three fast-paced sessions. In the morning session, the Indian innings folded as Pant remained unbeaten on 58. Before the lunch, England were already reduced 39/4, with Ashwin, Ishant Sharma and Axar Patel destroying the top-order. Eventually, the tourists were bowled out on 134 in the post-lunch session. India finished at 54/1, leading by 249 runs at stumps.
Ashwin completes his 29th five-wicket haul
During the innings, Ashwin completed his 29th five-wicket haul in Test cricket. This was also his 23rd five-for in 45 home Tests, going past the tally of James Anderson (22 in 89 Tests). Previously, the off-spinner took his 266th Test wicket at home, eclipsing Harbhajan Singh (255). The former now has second-most Test wickets at home (268) after Anil Kumble (350).
First-ever bowler to dismiss 200 left-handers in Test cricket
Ashwin has also become the first-ever bowler to dismiss 200 left-handed batsmen in Test cricket. His most frequent Test victims are David Warner (10), Alastair Cook and Ben Stokes (9), Ed Cowan and Anderson (7).
Siraj strikes on his first ball at home (Tests)
Fast bowler Mohammed Siraj's sensational run with the ball continues even after the 2020/21 Australia tour. After taking his maiden five-wicket haul in the historic Brisbane Test, Siraj made his presence felt against England. Bowling the 39th over, Siraj took a wicket on the very first ball as he dismissed Pope. This was his maiden ball in Test cricket in India.
Foakes remains unbeaten, Broad registers 35th duck
The Indian bowlers were on the charge, sending back England's top four before the 50-run mark. Wicket-keeper Ben Foakes, who remained unbeaten on 42, emerged as the top-scorer for England in the first innings. Interestingly, England seamer Stuart Broad recorded his 36th duck in Test cricket. He went past Glenn McGrath's tally of 35 ducks. Broad is only behind Courtney Walsh (43).
England didn't concede a single extra in the first innings
Ashwin's no-ball in the English innings was the first extra after nearly 118 overs in the second Test. Notably, the England bowlers didn't concede even a single extra in the first innings. In the second innings, they have given away eight, so far.
