Birmingham Test has already displayed lots of twists and turns in just two days. The first day majorly belonged to England but a late surge by Indian bowlers and spectacular fielding by skipper Kohli turned tables around and India walked out as the happier side on Day One. Day two was on the same lines as Indian batsman started off really well but all-rounder Sam Curran derailed the visitors batting line up.
At one stage India looked well settled on the score of 50 for no loss, but the exciting young medium pacer picked three wickets at the rate of nots and put India in a spot of bother. Ajinkya Rahane joined skipper Virat Kohli at the crease. They spent some time in the middle and looked as if they will succeed in steadying the ship before Ben Stokes dismissed Rahane exposing the lower middle order.
Also read: England vs India: Virat Kohli, the lone warrior
Dinesh Karthik walked in with intent on his face but could not last long as he was dismissed for a golden duck in his comeback match. The run machine was holding one end firmly as he ran out of partners. Hardik Pandya survived for some time getting 22 runs but was dismissed by Sam Curran. Kohli fought the lone battle and scored a memorable hundred taking India close to England’s score of 287. They finished on 274 runs of which Virat Kohli scored 149 runs.
England batsman walked into bat and Shami swung the ball all ferociously in the first over of second innings. Despite the swinging ball, Virat brought Ashwin in the attack in the second over itself. Ashwin did what he always does, he delivered. Alastair Cook lost his off stump once again giving India the edge in the five-day match which might come to an end before the fifth day itself. England lead by 22 runs at the end of Day two.
Brief scores: England 287 all out (Joe Root 80, R Ashwin 26-7-62-4) & England 9/1 in 3.4 overs (Jennings 5*, R Ashwin 1.4-0-5-1) lead India 274 all out (Kohli 149, Sam Curran 17-1-74-4) by 22 runs.