England vs. India, First Test: Day Two Review

Posted on July 23, 2011 by Nichael Bluth in Tests

England 474/8 dec. (131.4 overs) (Pietersen 202*, Prior 71, Kumar 5/106)

India 17/0 (6 overs)

 

In a sentence

Kevin Pietersen’s (relatively) restrained double hundred leads England to a substantial first innings score but India make it through to the close of play unscathed.

Player of the day

Not much debate here – Pietersen’s double hundred (his first century in England for three years) might not have been his prettiest but it was the difference between the two sides. Praveen Kumar bowled well for his five wicket haul but it was undoubtedly Pietersen’s day.

Moment of the day

A few choices here but nothing brought a smile to our faces like MS Dhoni opening the bowling after lunch and very nearly snaring his first test wicket. Wicketkeepers bowling: more of them please.

 

Outlook for tomorrow

With a decent weather forecast for Saturday it’s all set for a fascinating day’s play as England attempt to make their way through India’s strong batting lineup. It’s a big day for Stuart Broad, who has to prove that his selection above Tim Bresnan wasn’t the wrong decision, and Abhinav Mukund who has the responsibility of getting India off to a decent start as they look to follow England’s imposing total.