TOP SPIN AT THE TEST

LAWRENCE BOOTH AT TRENT BRIDGE

ISHANT SHARMA has now dismissed Alastair Cook 10 times in Test cricket. Only South African fast bowler Morne Morkel, with 12 dismissals, has removed him more often. THIS was the third time in two years England have been bowled out in a session (Dhaka 2016; Auckland 2018). England were not dismissed in a session once between 1938 and 2016. STUART BROAD made his 28th duck in Test cricket when he was trapped lbw by Hardik Pandya, making him seventh on the all-time list. Of the top 15, Broad is the only one with a Test hundred.

THE partnership of 54 between Cook and Keaton Jennings was England’s highest for the first wicket in 13 Test innings in 2018. During that time, their average opening stand has been a dismal 19. RISHABH PANT became only the third keeper in Test history to hold five catches in his first innings behind the stumps, after Brian Taber (Aus v SA, 1966-67), and John Maclean (Aus v Eng 1978-79). TEST cricket’s ongoing struggle with over rates plumbed new depths on the second day, when the teams combined to short-change the crowd of a full 10 overs. Both captains could face reprimands.