How Did Pacers Again Make the New Ball Count as India Troubled England at 98/4?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- India's pacers excelled with the new ball.
- Mohammed Siraj claimed 2-11, showcasing exceptional skill.
- England struggled, ending at 98/4 in 25 overs.
- Key moments included crucial dismissals of Crawley and Pope.
- India's strategy will be vital as the match progresses.
London, July 13 (NationPress) The fast bowlers capitalized on the new ball once more during the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy series, leaving England struggling at 98/4 in 25 overs at Lord's on day four of play on Sunday.
This session of Test match cricket was electrifying, as India's pace attack consistently targeted the right areas, generating extra bounce and movement, making it challenging for the English batsmen. Mohammed Siraj was particularly impressive, claiming 2 wickets for 11 runs, while Nitish Kumar Reddy and Akash Deep each took one wicket. Jasprit Bumrah also showcased his exceptional skills, thrilling the crowd.
The morning session commenced with Bumrah delivering a delivery that kicked up from a length, striking Crawley on the top hand. Bumrah attempted a catch but narrowly missed. A visibly shaken Crawley was almost dismissed by a wobble ball from Siraj, leading India to waste a review, as replays indicated the ball would have missed the stumps.
Crawley managed to edge a ball from Bumrah for four, while Ben Duckett scored another boundary off Siraj. However, in a bid to pull Siraj, Duckett fell victim to a catch at mid-on, prompting an animated celebration from Siraj, who was fired up and urged his team on.
Bumrah continued to trouble the batsmen with his extra bounce, while Siraj trapped Ollie Pope LBW with another wobble ball. The on-field umpire ruled not out initially, but Siraj persuaded skipper Shubman Gill to review, confirming that the ball had crashed into the top of middle stump, sending Pope back for just four runs.
After Joe Root brought England's score to fifty, Crawley was seduced into a drive by Reddy, resulting in a thick outside edge that was easily caught by Yashasvi Jaiswal at gully, leaving Crawley dismissed for 22. Harry Brook attempted a quick counter-attack by scoring two fours off Akash Deep and hitting a six with a lofted drive.
Nevertheless, Brook's attempt to be inventive against Akash backfired, as he lost his middle stump to fall for 23. Although Root (17 not out) and Ben Stokes (two not out) managed to see England through to lunch, India aims to capitalize on the inconsistent bounce as the game progresses, though they could face challenges with the ball nearing its softer phase.
Brief Scores: England 387 and 98/4 in 25 overs (Harry Brook 23, Zak Crawley 22; Mohammed Siraj 2-11, Nitish Kumar Reddy 1-20) lead India 387 in 119.2 overs (KL Rahul 100; Chris Woakes 3-84) by 98 runs