Lord’s final on the line as India, England back at scene of two-day Test

India and England return to the scene of last week’s hotly debated two-day Test tomorrow with the hosts looking to secure a place in the World Test Championship final.

The first Test held at the Narendra Modi Stadium, the world’s biggest cricket venue, turned out to be one of the shortest in history as England were thrashed inside two days.

The result, which left India 2-1 up in the four-test series and ruled England out of the world championship final, prompted accusations that the uber spin-friendly pitch was not up to standard.

England skipper Joe Root returned the extraordinary figures of five wickets for eight runs with his part-time off-spin, in a day-night game that lasted just 842 balls the shortest Test since 1935.

Former England players demanded answers from the International Cricket Council, accusing it of letting the wealthy and powerful Indian board get away with providing poor pitches.

But West Indies great Viv Richards said England should stop “moaning and groaning” and adapt to the conditions.

The England team have largely stayed quiet during the controversy, and bowling coach Jeetan Patel said the tourists were looking for ways to repel India’s spin attack.

“I expect this Test to be on a spinning wicket,” he told reporters.“we need to find a way, if we won the toss particularly, to put on a decent total first up.” Spinner Jack Leach said there was more talk about the pitch in the media than in the England dressing room.