Left Arm Around

England face an uphill task to avoid defeat as India open up a sizeable lead on day two of the first Test in Hyderabad.

Ending the day 421-7, the hosts are now 175 ahead on a pitch already showing signs of deterioration.

The tourists began proceedings in the best possible fashion as Joe Root dismissed Yashasvi Jaiswal caught and bowled in the first over, but India remained defiant and able to build partnerships.

KL Rahul top-scored with 86 after being dropped on 0, while Ravindra Jadeja illustrated his all-round prowess with a fantastic 81 not out.

Axar Patel added insult to injury with 35 not out to support Jadeja- the final three balls of the day going for boundaries as he launched two fours and a maximum off Hartley.

It was a major improvement from England’s spinners in response to the bludgeoning of day 1, though what’s clear is the huge gulf in quality of the two attacks on display.

Lancashire’s Tom Hartley removed Shubman Gill for his maiden test wicket, but again showed a lack of bite and control as India countered him with brilliant execution.

Jack Leach bowled tidily and Rehan Ahmed removed the dangerous Shreyas Iyer, however it was the part-time offerings of Joe Root (2-77) that posed the biggest threat throughout the day.

Leach, 32, also sustained a worrying left knee injury that only adds to England’s woes.

And with Mark Wood being the only pace bowler, a player blighted by injuries and fitness concerns, many will wonder why Ollie Robinson or the legendary James Anderson weren’t given a shot.

After all…

If anybody could do it, surely it’s the man with 690 Test wickets?