Broad battles pain to go on attack
STUART BROAD was cleared to bowl and make early inroads into the Indian line-up after a scan showed only a minor strain to a tendon in his right foot. The England bowler (left with James Anderson) was in some discomfort throughout the match, but was able to put it out of his mind as he ENGLAND’S fiery redheads brought some much needed calm to their second Test battle, but it was not enough to get their side off life support. And by the time India skipper Virat Kohli walked off the field on day three with yet another 50 t o his name, England were 298 adrift with little more than survival on the agenda.
Whether they can survive for somewhere around 140 overs second time around is another matter, but at least in Ben Stokes and Jonny Bairstow there is a blueprint got rid of both openers at the start of India’s second innings.
Broad’s niggle will be monitored over the next two days but he will play a full part in the rest of the match.
His participation in the third Test is much less likely, though, with England always planning on rotating him out of the side at some point.
James Anderson’s earlier than expected return has given England more confidence in making the switch, with Chris Woakes set for a recall.
Jake Ball is also on red alert for a game after illness struck Zafar Ansari during this match.
Joe Root is the other player in the side to have also suffered with the tummy bug, but luckily it was between matches.
England have identified Mohali, the third Test venue, as being a ground where four seamers and two spinners could do the job and are prepared to shift the balance of their side.
Jonny Bairstow caused concern before play yesterday when he hobbled off the ground with a twisted knee.
But Bairstow said: “I tripped up and made myself look like a bit of a wally.
“My boot got stuck in the turf so I twisted my knee a bit, but it should be fine.”