England stretched their first innings total to 477 on Day 2, thanks mainly to contributions from Liam Dawson and Adil Rashid.
Dawson, who was making his debut looked very assured as he went about his business in an unflappable manner and remained unbeaten on 66. He was given great support by Adil Rashid who contributed 60 as the duo put up an invaluable 108 for the 8th wicket.
England were in a spot of bother in the morning session as they lost 3 quick wickets and were reduced to 321 for 7, before Dawson and Rashid assumed control.
Also read: KL Rahul's sharp fielding effort sends Stuart Broad packing
Dawson was greeted by Ishant Sharma with a nasty over first up where he was hit on the helmet, but then buckled down well and put up a defiant show. The partnership was slow to get off the blocks and scored 31 in 15.2 overs before lunch. They opened up a touch after the break and put away the loose deliveries. Rashid was more attractive of the two as he unfurled a series of wristy flicks to find the boundaries, and looked very assured against the spinners. The leg-spinner was eventually dismissed by Umesh Yadav.
India were dealt a solid blow as opener Murali Vijay could not open the innings after having injured his left shoulder while fielding at point during the second session. Parthiv Patel walked out to open the innings with KL Rahul, and the duo saw off the new ball without any issues. They also looked compact against the spinners and raised the 50-run partnership.
India ended the day at 60 without any loss. They still trail England by 417 runs.
Here are the reactions from in and around the cricketing fraternity.
Moeen Ali:
It's going to be very, very hard to take 20 wickets on this surface. It's a tough challenge, we need to take 20 wickets to win the game. Normally I bowl the same ball all the time but I tried to mix it up this evening to see what happens. This year has gone quite well, I am pleased to get four hundreds. It's tough when you haven't got a consistent number, it's tough to be consistent. Hopefully I will have a spot to myself. I was batting five at the start of the tour, but obviously with the balance of the side I ended up batting at four. It's a good position, but being an all-rounder I'd love to bat at No. 5 in the longer run. These things happen (talking about being bounced out). It wasn't an easy wicket, a bit two-paced. I thought to take it on was the best option at the time. I am pleased with the hundred. They are a very good side and they play spin very well, we have to bowl well."
Few other reactions:
David Lloyd
Harsha Bhogle
Aakash Chopra
