India vs England: Dom Bess dismisses Kohli and Rahane
After getting rid of the Indian openers before lunch, England exerted pressure over the hosts in second session as well. Off-spinner Dom Bess dismissed Indian skipper Virat Kohli and vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane in two successive overs. India have fought back after losing their way in the middle. At tea, Team India is placed on 154/4. Here is the session report.
How did the session pan out?
India are off to a mottled start after England put up a mammoth 578 in the first innings. Resuming the second session on 59/2, India were banking on Cheteshwar Pujara and Kohli for a comeback. However, Bess trapped the Indian captain, who returned to Test cricket following a paternity leave. Later on, a brilliant catch by England captain Joe Root sent Rahane back.
Off-spinner Bess strikes twice
Bess gave England a couple of quick breakthroughs in the form of Kohli and Rahane. Notably, this is his maiden Test on the Indian soil. He perfectly set up Kohli (11) by tossing the ball outside off-stump. The latter edged the ball to short leg as it spun in sharply. On the other hand, Rahane (1) couldn't keep the cover drive to the ground.
A lean patch in Test cricket
Kohli has had a lean patch in Test cricket lately. He has registered only one 50+ score in his last seven Test innings. His scores read as: 11, 4, 74, 14, 3, 19, 2. His last Test ton came in November 2019 (136 vs Bangladesh).
Pujara and Pant provide stability
The likes of Pujara and Rishabh Pant capitalized upon their terrific run Down Under. They were yet again on the charge against the English bowlers. While Pujara (53*) played with stability, Pant (54*) carried on with his usual aggressive approach. The duo has added a 75-plus run stand for the fifth wicket. Notably, Pant brought up his fifty in just 40 balls.
