After a promising start, India faced frustration as England’s Joe Root and Ben Foakes constructed a resilient partnership, thwarting India’s attempts to wrap up the England innings swiftly. Despite India reducing England to 112/5, Root and Foakes steadied the ship with a century stand, denying India the breakthrough they sought.
Joe Root and Foakes steered England through their first wicketless session between lunch and tea, while India’s squandering of all three reviews within 60 overs added to their frustration.
The first two reviews were utilized on Root, and the final one on Foakes, early in the third session. Ravindra Jadeja appealed for Foakes’ dismissal, prompting Rohit Sharma to opt for a review. However, the ball tracking indicated that while the delivery pitched in line and hit in line, it was veering down leg, missing the stumps completely.
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As the decision unfolded, the camera repeatedly focused on Rohit Sharma on the big screen, agitating the Indian captain, reminiscent of a similar incident during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia last year.
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Sunil Gavaskar, in commentary, criticized the referral, acknowledging it as a misjudgment. He remarked, “Not the best of referrals… There was just a hint of turn; the batter would have been in trouble, but the ball went straight through.” Gavaskar emphasized the importance of ensuring the accuracy of referrals to avoid squandering reviews needlessly, expressing concern over India’s depleted review quota.
Former England opener Nick Knight concurred with Gavaskar, highlighting the significance of India losing all reviews amidst England’s mounting partnership. Despite Mohammed Siraj breaking the partnership with Foakes’ wicket and subsequently dismissing Tom Hartley, Joe Root’s resilience poses a threat to India’s chances, particularly with no reviews left in their arsenal.
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Knight reflected on the emotional nature of the review from Jadeja and underscored the consequences of India’s decision, noting, “This is significant because they now have no reviews, and England have three.” As the game unfolds, India’s inability to retain reviews may prove pivotal, potentially impacting their ability to challenge critical decisions and tilt the balance of the game in their favor.
