Tag 2nd-test-2011

What is most runs scored in a test match day? Plenty = 588 by England against India way back in July 1936 at Old Trafford. that was visitor's only 6th test since debut and almost 150 overs were bowled then but today, in just 90 overs, England smashed 417 to take firm control of this second test match at Trent Bridge..

The scores
England 221 & 441 for 6 wkts.
India made 288 allout in 1st inns.
Full scorecard : 2nd test match, 2011.

The architect of belligerent English performance today was Ian Bell, scoring his 15th test century along side a run out controversy but he wasn't the only engineer of home team's tall total as Kevin Pietersen, Eoin Morgan, Matt Prior and Tim Bresnan made significant contributions too. here's how the story unfolded :-

Captain Andrew Strauss once again was out without a half century for the 3rd time in the series after getting some sort of start but his overnight mate = Ian Bell, looked in no trouble what so ever. Typing the ball perfectly, Bell continued to tickle the scoreboard as Kevin Pietersen got settled and then started to play with Indian bowler's minds, shuffling in his crease and picking up almost all his runs on the on side. Pietersen was once again irked by some movement around the sight screen which led his downfall but incoming batsman, Eoin Morgan who was sitting on a pair, absorbed the pressure very well.

Bell's classical self mixed miraculously with Morgan's magical touch as century partnership was raised in just 133 balls. Bell completed his century off 129 balls (his first against India and first at no.3 from 38 innings) while Morgan raised his fifty from 60 balls. Indian were once again a bowler short as Harbhajan Singh had strained a muscle in his stomach and was having dificulty bowling his usual action. Forced to use part-time bowlers to give whatever little break possible for front line seamers Praveen Kumar, Ishant Sharma and S Sreesanth, Indian bowling turned teethless by the time tea break approach when Bell's naive gesture ruled him run out.

Post tea session started with plenty of boos from Nottingham crowd which soon turned into claps as they watched Ian Bell resuming his innings as Indian captain MS Dhoni had withdrawn his appeal. Bell went about his business once again, was poised to reach his maiden double century but a floater from Yuvraj Singh castled him.

With second new ball, Praveen Kumar found exgraggerated swing to claim Eoin Morgan and Jonathan Trott but Matt Prior's counter attack arrested initiative once again. With England wicket keeper scoring freely, allrounder Tim Bresnan too switched gears as both hit a six each in an unbroken stand of 102 off just 107 balls.

England scored 187 runs from 35 overs in last session!

The highest chase to win a test match
is 426, achieved by West Indies against Australia last decade and it looks like Indians will have to do something equal to that if they want to deny a 0-2 lead to England. The thing in India's favour is that full 180 overs remains in the match which will allow them the time to bat normally, with a hope.