The India-England Test series is tantalizingly poised with both teams scoring the same amount of runs in the first innings.
There is nothing to separate the two teams so far with two sessions done on the fourth day. In their second innings, England are closing in on 200 runs which should be a difficult target for India.
India have bowled well throughout the day taking wickets at regular intervals. However, the wicket of Joe Root (40 runs off 96 balls) triggered a collapse for the lower-order.
England 3rd, India 4th In WTC 2025-27 Points Table
Washington Sundar dismissed Root, Jamie Smith and Ben Stokes to shift the balance in India's favour. Then a quick burst by Jasprit Bumrah has added to India's momentum.
Meanwhile, both teams India and England are set to lose points in their WTC 2025-27 cycle. The points might be crucial in the long run. However, in the matter in which the Test match has been played, the pace of it has been a lot slower than normal.
There have been too many stoppages and interruptions that had added to the delay. The thumb injury to Rishabh Pant on day 1 and the groin injury to Ben Stokes did require a lot of medical attention in between. The players also took several drinks breaks that have added to the delay as well. On day 3, the great Zak Crawley episode saw a good amount of time wasted as well.
Just 83 overs was bowled on day 1, 75 on day 2 and 77 on day 3. In total, almost 30 overs have been lost. The current rule penalises sides one point each for every over they were found to be short. To add to this the players from both teams might be penalised as well. As per the ICC rules, the players might be penalised 5 to 50 percent of their match fees depending on the gravity of their offense.
Don't Think Fines Work - Michael Vaughan
Former England skipper Michael Vaughan in a special segment with BBC Test Match Special said that the players are not worried about being penalised in terms of losing out on money.
“I don’t think fines work. These lads (cricketers) are quite rich. I don’t think the cash is going to affect them. (It’s) been a problem for Test match cricket for a while. I know it’s hot. I know we’ve had a few injuries. But when we get to the fifth day, we have to bowl the 90 overs. I’ve no idea why on day one, two, three and four we can see the game played at a snail’s pace,” he told BBC Sport.
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