England Count On Root-Stokes Rescue Act After Top-Order Collapse

Former England batter Jonathan Trott believes the Root-Stokes partnership is England’s best hope to recover after early setbacks in their second innings against India at Lord’s.

England collapsed in the morning session on Day 4, losing four wickets. Mohammed Siraj struck first by removing opener Ben Duckett.

Ollie Pope fell soon after. Nitish Kumar Reddy and Akash Deep claimed one wicket each as India pressed hard after a drawn first innings.

In the first innings, India posted 387, with solid contributions from the top and middle order. England responded with 387 as well, ending the innings in a stalemate.

By lunch on Day 4, Joe Root and Ben Stokes had stitched together a vital stand, taking the score to 98/4. They carried on after the break, handling unpredictable bounce and pushing England past the 150 mark.

Speaking to JioHotstar, Trott said, “England may not fully know where they stand. They’ll watch how the pitch behaves as the ball ages. The Root-Stokes partnership is key. But England will feel disappointed with the first session.”

He further slammed England’s top-order for poor shot selection. “You must tighten your scoring zones on this surface. Three wickets fell to poor strokes — playing at balls that didn’t need a shot,” he added.

India maintained an aggressive approach on Sunday.

Tensions flared after a fiery exchange between Shubman Gill and Zak Crawley late on Day 3. Crawley was hit on the glove by Jasprit Bumrah and delayed the game, prompting Gill to confront him over time-wasting.

Gill pointed his finger and warned Crawley, accusing him of denying India the chance to bowl a second over before stumps.

Score update: Day 4, 3rd session

• England 2nd Innings: 176/6 (53.1 overs)
• Top scorers: Joe Root 40 (96), Ben Stokes 28* (90), Jamie Smith 8
• Wickets: Siraj 2, Washington Sundar 2, Reddy and Akash Deep 1 each

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