India in command after near-perfect day

England began Day 1 of the Ahmedabad Test against India by winning the toss. However, for the rest of the day, it turned out to be a chastening experience for the tourists who were rolled over for 112. The home side then took a vice-like grip on proceedings by finishing on 99 for 3 at stumps.

After snuffing England out for a cheap score, India rammed home the advantage on the back of a 64-run stand between Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. The duo joined forces after India lost a couple of early wickets. Shubman Gill tried to pull Jofra Archer but could only spoon a catch to the man at short midwicket while Chesteshwar Pujara was trapped in front to a slider from Jack Leach.

What the hell did the Indian groundsmen put in that pitch. England are 80 for 9 with a lead of 47. And given the way the Indians played Leach and Root in the first innings that 47+ could still have teeth.

7.52pm That is that. India have wrapped up the Ahmedabad pink-ball Test in just over five sessions

to secure an unassailable 2-1 lead.

This defeat for England means that they can't qualify for the WTC final at Lord's.

Sure, the dry, dusty Ahmedabad pitch has come under sharper focus, with some balls spinning viciously

and others skidding on rapidly, but the bounce was largely true, and the batsmen couldn't adjust to it.

So, was it a poor pitch?

The jury is not out yet.

7.4
Root to Rohit Sharma, SIX runs, Rohit finishes it off with a six.

Pushed through on leg stump from around the wicket

Rohit forays down the track and launches it over the midwicket fence

India is accused of FIXING pitches :

AFTER the first TEST thrashing from England !

sounds about right ...hahahahaha !

England got AMBUSHED : God save the Queen

NOW return the Crown Jewels ~

Having lost the first Test of this series, you could say India have offered

a backhanded compliment to England by veering away so sharply from

the template of striving for pitches - whether they tilt towards seam or spin -

that demand hard work from both batsman and bowler, and reward it too.

It's a difficult balance to achieve, and pursuing it isn't often in the interests of

the stakeholders involved in the process.