With the overnight score reading 317/4, Virat Kohli and R Ashwin resumed batting duties for India on day 2 of the second Test at Vizag. They were looking to continue the good work from the previous day and put up a formidable total. But 455 was all that they could manage. 10 overs into the first session and Moeen Ali got rid of Virat Kohli but not before the Indian skipper had played an innings that could well win the match for his side.
R Ashwin hung around for a bit longer and built a partnership with debutant Jayant Yadav. But Ben Stokes and Adil Rashid struck in quick succession to ensure that India didn’t get anywhere close to 500. After India’s innings folded at 455, the bowlers stepped out with a spring in their stride.
It was in the third over of the English innings that the play of the day unfolded. Mohammed Shami broke Alistair Cook’s furniture and set the tone for the rest of the innings. Joe Root displayed with dogged determination but eventually lost the plot and mistimed an Ashwin drifter. Just when a collapse seemed imminent, Ben Stokes and Jonny Bairstow played out 49 and 46 deliveries apiece to deny any further success for India.
Jayant Yadav had a stellar day for India. The debutant looked confident during his 84 ball 35 run essay with the bat. And with the ball in hand, he showed no sign of nerves as he dismissed the in-form Moeen Ali. Speaking after the match, the off-spinner said playing Test cricket for India was always a dream.
“Thoroughly enjoyed it,” he said, while adding that he received good support from colleagues. “Good day's cricket. Since the time I remember, since I have started playing serious cricket, not in the streets but in an academy, I have dreamt of this day. This dressing room is full of people who make you comfortable. KL Rahul, a recent debutant, told me what to expect on debut. It's good I didn't do anything yesterday, gave me time to process the emotions and formulate my plans.”
When asked about the DRS review for his first wicket he said, “With the review, Wriddhiman Saha did the job of convincing the captain for me. We both thought it was out. Can't wait to start doing this again tomorrow."
Reflecting on the day’s play, Harsha Bhogle felt that India are on top.
Ayaz Memon felt that the Indian bowlers are well and truly back.
There was praise for Jayant Yadav as well.
Mohammad Shami’s dismissal of Alistair Cook caught the fan’s attention too.
Also read: Virat Kohli's masterstroke leaves Moeen Ali dumbfounded as DRS comes to India's rescue
Brand-new app in a brand-new avatar! Download Cric Rocket for fast cricket scores, rocket flicks, super notifications and much more!
