Could England Aim to Bat Only Once in This Test Match?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- England could focus on a single innings to maximize their lead.
- Favorable batting conditions at Old Trafford could benefit them significantly.
- Quick wickets for India are crucial to regain control of the match.
- Joe Root has the chance to achieve notable career milestones.
- Ricky Ponting's insights highlight strategic elements for both teams.
Manchester, July 25 (NationPress) Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting suggests that England may aim to bat just once in the current fourth Test against India, referencing the favorable batting conditions available for day three at Old Trafford.
At the conclusion of day two, England stood at 225/2 in 46 overs, thanks to a solid 94-run opening partnership between Ben Duckett and Zak Crawley. With Ollie Pope and Joe Root at the crease, the home side is poised to build a significant lead.
“England's chances of winning might be even higher, considering the excellent batting conditions today (in bright sunshine at Old Trafford). They certainly capitalized on the conditions yesterday; we observed a significant shift from morning to afternoon,” stated Ponting.
“Batting conditions likely won't improve beyond what they are now, and with two top players at the crease (Pope and Root), England likely went to bed last night contemplating the possibility of batting just once in this Test match.”
“Their goal is to bat for a long time and achieve a substantial first-innings total. India must discover a way to get back into the game early with quick wickets, or this match will slip away rapidly,” Ponting remarked during a Sky Sports broadcast.
Should Root surpass scores of 19 and 20, he would overtake Rahul Dravid and Jacques Kallis, placing him third on the all-time run-scorers list in Tests. If he scores 120 or higher, he could even surpass Ponting. “That is a distinct possibility today (for Root to surpass me on the all-time run-scorers list). It’s an exceptional day for batting. His career has been remarkable,” Ponting added.
“His evolution from a player who struggled to convert fifties into hundreds to someone who consistently achieves big scores is astonishing! What a career he has had so far, and he is only 35. Can he chase down Sachin Tendulkar? We shall see… he just might,” Ponting concluded.