The first Test between India and England is perfectly poised for a thrilling finish on Day five in Trent Bridge as the Virat Kohli-led side needs 157 runs to win in 98 overs with nine wickets in hand. There are chances of cloud cover and rain which might make batting a little difficult.
England scored 303 in their second innings helped by a classy century by captain Joe Root. This enabled England to set a target of 209 runs. Bumrah ran through England's tail and picked up a fifer. India then started positively to end the day on 52/1 with Rohit Sharma and Cheteshwar Pujara batting.
Former India pacer Zaheer Khan has opined that each Indian batsman has to put a price tag on their wicket and bat sensibly on the final day. He discussed the strategy team India will have to follow to win the Test match.
"I still feel the target should have been 25 runs less than the eventual one(209). In this chase, partnerships are going to be very crucial. I feel India did get off to a good start. But on the last day, every batsman needs to put a price on their wickets and bat sensibly. If conditions are not overcast like it was during India's first innings, then I think it would be a bit better scenario for Team India," Zaheer Khan said on Cricbuzz Chatter at stumps on day four.
Zaheer Khan added that the option of using a heavy roller will benefit team India and said that India has to focus on building partnerships.
"The team also has the option of using the heavy roller on the pitch in the morning. That is not at all a bad option and could prove to be advantageous for India. They should concentrate on building partnerships. On the last day of a Test, a target of 200 odd could be breached only by focussing on building mini partnerships," he added.
The former left-arm pacer advised the Indian batsmen should curb their instincts and be selective while playing their shots.
(Cricbuzz inputs)
