The ‘Baz Ball’ theory has worked so far. The new England approach seems to be working against India as well. England are chasing history at Edgbaston, Birmingham with another Joe Root and Jonny Bairstow partnership frustrating the opposition. Not just the fourth-wicket partnership between the two in-form batters, England openers got inspired by the McCullum approach too as they looked unperturbed by the mammoth 378-run target on Day 4 of the rescheduled fifth Test.
Records in sight
If England manage to chase down the 378-run target, it will be their highest successful chase in the format. England's highest successful run chase came in 2019 when Stokes' unbeaten century guided them to a historic Ashes win at Headingley, Leeds. Overall, it will be the ninth-highest (eighth highest when considering the target) successful run chase. In addition, it will be the highest successful run chase against India in the format.
India’s second innings ends early
India could not post a good total on the board in the second innings. From an overnight score of 125/3, India were all out for 245. Cheteshwar Pujara and Rishabh Pant got to their half-centuries but got out to Stuart Broad and Jack Leach respectively. Shreyas Iyer's short-ball problem continued and was dismissed after an electric start. The Indian tail did not wag either and Ravindra Jadeja got bowled by Ben Stokes. The England skipper took four wickets whereas Broad and Potts took a couple of wickets each.
Openers make impact
Before the second innings, England's openers were criticised for being inconsistent and a weak link in the lineup. But, the two followed the coach's theory and dominated India new-ball bowlers. Alex Lees and Zak Crawley shared a 107-run opening partnership. Lees got to his half-century. The partnership was broken by captain Jasprit Bumrah. Zak Crawley got bowled by Indian bowling spearhead. Crawley scored 46 runs from 76 deliveries including seven boundaries.
Two quick wickets
In the second session, Indian bowlers had their tails up. Bumrah got the wicket of Ollie Pope (0) early in the second session followed by the run out of Lees after a terrible mix-up with former skipper Root. The southpaw got out for a 65-ball 56.
Missed chances
Bairstow did not attack from the word go. The duo took their time before taking on the attack. While Bairstow was relatively new to the crease, Mohammed Siraj forced an outside edge off his bat but Hanuma Vihari dropped the catch at fourth slip. Later, off Shardul Thakur's bowling, Pant had a half chance as Bairstow got a faint edge in an attempt to flick. Bairstow was batting on 39 when he was dropped for the second time in the innings.
England pair dominates again
At the end of the day's play the target looked achievable and India were on the back foot. The unbeaten 150-run partnership has made England favourites to win the Test and level the series. Root remained not out for 76 off 112 balls whereas Bairstow walked back to the dressing room unbeaten on 72 from 87 balls. Apart from Bumrah, no other Indian bowler could get a wicket on Day 4.
