Murali Vijay’s unbeaten century put India in sight of England’s first-innings total of 400 in the Mumbai Test, with the home side looking good at 247-2. A lead of just 153 runs is not the ideal situation for Alastair Cook’s men who seem to have no answer for the impressive Vijay.
Keeping the centurion company was skipper Virat Kohli, close to a half-century, in a session which was almost completely belonged to India.
England’s sole source of joy was when Cheteshwar Pujara was bowled by newcomer Jacob Ball on 47, but Kohli and Vijay quickly put runs on the board put the pressure back on the visitors.
Striking a 100-run partnership very quickly, Vijay’s innings in particular was of note, with three maximums and nine boundaries playing a vital part in ruining Cook’s morning.
Towards the end of the session, Vijay utilised DRS brilliantly, overturning the umpire’s decision who had raised his finger, feeling the batsman was plump LBW off Adil Rashid’s slow turner. It was in fact a slight touch of the bat which saved the swashbuckling batsman, calming the Indian nerves and plunging the Englishmen further into despair.
Should the Indian batsmen continue to plunder runs on this Wankhede wicket, England’s total will be overhauled before the end of the day’s play.
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