India v England Third Test Report Card, Day Two

Featuring the most important meal of the day's play, penalty runs and loathing Gilbert Jessop

The Most Important Meal of the Day’s Play
Grade: C+

The second day of the Test began with India’s advantage being whittled away as England fought back. Y’know, the same way the first session of every day’s play in this series has panned out. In fact, India’s refusal to play morning sessions is a defining aspect of this series so far.

Are they sleepy-heads, hammering down on the snooze button, skipping breakfast, and then scampering to the ground at the last possible moment, all harried and frazzled, grabbing takeaway coffee on the run, unable to focus until they have their lunch?

BAD AI IMAGE OF: Team India glaring at their alarm clock

Or is this England team, despite all the talk about their chaotic Bazballian nature, secretly an efficient productivity machine, up at 5am for their morning exercise and exfoliating regime, devouring a healthy and balanced breakfast, including fruits, whole grains and protein, before their thirty-minute mindfulness session and a cold shower leaves them optimised and ready for action the instant play starts?

Why can’t it be both?