TimesofIndia.com in Birmingham: England batting coach Marcus Trescothick admitted that India’s second-innings declaration exceeded expectations, calling the 608-run target “a hell lot of runs” after a punishing fourth day of the second Test in Bengaluru. “We are not naive enough to know that it’s a challenging total,” Trescothick told reporters after stumps. “I expected India to set 550-run target, but it is what it is. They make their own decisions.”Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW! India declared their second innings at 427 for six, riding on Shubman Gill’s superb 161 and strong contributions from KL Rahul (55), Rishabh Pant (65), and Ravindra Jadeja (69 not out). That gave them a mammoth lead of 607 runs after dismissing England for 407 in the first innings.
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Should England change their strategy to tackle India’s bowling attack?
England were left facing an uphill task on a deteriorating Day Four surface, and their top order wobbled almost immediately under pressure. Zak Crawley fell for a duck in the second over to Mohammed Siraj, while Akash Deep, continuing his impressive bowling in English conditions, removed Ben Duckett (25) and Joe Root (6). At stumps, England were 72 for three in 16 overs, still needing 536 runs with only Ollie Pope (24 not out) and Harry Brook (15 not out) at the crease. India now head into the final day with momentum fully on their side and three crucial wickets already in the bag. With full sessions likely on Day Five, India will be eyeing a series-levelling win, while England must attempt what would be the highest successful chase in Test history.
