Day 40: England satisfied with five days good work

How good were England? Even some of the most optimistic England supporters would have been crying for a declaration at some point yesterday afternoon in Chennai. Not Joe Root England captain and Chris Silverwood, the coach. They kept their cool and backed their bowlers.

Just over three sessions to bowl out India even on a fifth-day pitch looked a foolish choice. It did of course, as the game was wrapped up with a session to spare.

England has also disrupted India’s plans for the next game that starts at the weekend. They will have to go away and think about the balance of their side.  Their performance wasn’t as disastrous as their first Test against Australia at the end of last year.

England, while they played superbly, have their concerns. Root will, at some point fail to score a massive hundred. That means their other batsman will have to perform. Jos Buttler has earnt a rest and will be replaced by Ben Foakes. How will that dynamic change not just behind the stumps, but in England’s lower middle-order? It shouldn’t really as Foakes is not only a capable batsman but a very good wicketkeeper in the conditions.

Where England have to be careful is in the bowling department. They did well in the first Test not to be out on the pitch and bowling too many long spells. With Ben Stokes in the side, it gives England more options and three seam bowlers that they can rotate.

Both Jack Leach and Dom Bess have been hit and miss even during the Sri Lanka series. They have both been able to take the crucial wickets at valuable times, but never together. Will England draft in Moeen Ali, or stick with Leach and Bess? It is a difficult one to answer. Ali hasn’t had much cricket lately and with a 1-0 lead to protect is it the right time to bring in a player and expect to be on the spot from the get-go? Ali is an experienced player though and gives you more control than Bess, but Bess is picking up wickets England might keep the faith.

James Anderson showed what a class act he was today with the over of the year where he picked up two identical wickets. England will play him in the next Test before Stuart Broad replaces him. That is not a bad position to be in.