India v England Fourth Test Report Card, Day Two

Featuring non-carrying balls and fine dining collapses

Non-Carrying Balls
Grade: D+ 

England resumed on the second day with Ollie Robinson making a) his way to a fine half-century and b) a sneaky episode of his podcast (‘Nude Nuts News’) using only the stump mic.

India tried everything to break the partnership between Robinson and Joe Root. At one point, Rohit Sharma even registered as a match official to send a low catching chance upstairs using the umpire’s review, since they’d burnt all the player reviews the day before. Sure, it wasn’t out, but great lateral thinking from the India skipper and fifth umpire.

Later, with India chasing England’s first innings total of 353, Ben Foakes claimed a low catch off Yashasvi Jaiswal that was also sent upstairs by Rohit (now lounging in the dressing room). Again, it wasn’t out. Partially because it didn’t carry, but mostly because Jaiswal was only on forty runs at the time. 

You’re not getting Jaiswal out for anything less than a double century, England. Come on, now. You know that. Your best tactic is therefore to let him get there as quickly as possible and then pounce when he least expects it.