India wrap up test, dedicate the win to Kerala flood victims
Ten minutes and 17 balls. That’s all it took for India to wrap up a big win over England yesterday and keep the test series alive.
In front of a smattering of spectators at Trent Bridge, India quickly took the one wicket they needed on the final day of the third test to clinch a 203-run victory.
England lead the series 2-1 with two tests left, the next match starting in Southampton on August 30.
India captain Virat Kohli dedicated the win – just the country’s seventh in tests on English soil – to those affected by the floods in the Indian state of Kerala that have left more than 200 people dead and sent more than 800,000 fleeing for dry land.
‘‘It’s a tough time there. People are going through a lot,’’ Kohli said. ‘‘This is our bit we can do as the Indian cricket team.’’
Resuming on 311-9, England needed 210 more runs to complete what would have been a worldrecord chase.
The paltry attendance at the start of play was a sign that the match was unlikely to last much longer and on the final ball of the day’s third over, Jimmy Anderson (11) gloved a delivery from offspinner Ravichandran Ashwin toward the slips and Ajinkya Rahane backtracked to take the catch.
England were all out for 317. ‘‘It’s obviously disappointing after two very good performances,’’ England captain Joe Root said.
‘‘I don’t think we were at our best. India played very well and when you are playing against the best side in the world, you can’t afford a bad day.’’
That’s what happened on the second day at Trent Bridge, when England collapsed to 161 all out in their first innings – losing all 10 wickets in one session.
‘‘We obviously lost that game on day two with the way we batted,’’ England coach Trevor Bayliss said.
Root said Jonny Bairstow would be monitored ahead of the fourth test after the wicketkeeper broke a bone in the middle finger of his left hand on Tuesday.
Bairstow batted in the second innings – he was bowled first ball – with heavy strapping around the finger.
The England captain also said he expects Alastair Cook to play at Southampton. The opener’s wife is heavily pregnant.