Live Cricket Score, India vs England, 1st Test Day 5: India, England head towards tame draw (Source: AP)

After Joe Root and James Anderson’s record 10th wicket partnership, India ended Day 4 with a 128-run lead. (Full Coverage: India Tour of England)

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Day 4 Recap

It wasn’t a world record that fans feel privileged to watch or brag about later. It’s highly unlikely that ‘I was there’ T-shirts celebrating the highest ever 10th wicket stand, 198 between Joe Root and James Anderson, will be printed. And in case they do, they sure wouldn’t be flying off the shelves.

What they will remember from Day 4 of this Test, and boast about witnessing in days to come, will be the grim and gritty innings of 154 not out by England cricket’s poster boy and the next big batsman from Yorkshire, the 23-year-old Root. As for the merchandise that is expected to constantly run out of stock in the future; it is likely to have ‘Root’ written on it.

Element of fun

Like most unexpected big knocks by tailenders, Anderson’s 81 had an element of fun to it. Each of the boundaries was applauded lustily, but the fans clapped with an ‘enjoy till it lasts’ smile on their faces. Trent Bridge let out a roar for Anderson’s exquisite drive like they once did in the Caribbean when say an Ambrose or a Walsh played copy book dead bat defensive shot.

When it came to Root, the applause had a sense of anticipation. It invited investment for the future. The No.5, who had fashioned a recovery after Friday’s sudden collapse, promised stability to the England lower middle-order in the future. With an average of 47 from 18 Tests, he looked the real deal, the mainstay the teams look for all the time. After starting the season with a double hundred against Sri Lanka last month, he started the India series with a marathon, back-to-the-wall knock that has taken England from the brink of defeat to dream about an unlikely win.

After England had taken a lead of 39 runs, because of the 496 they managed after being 202/7, India suffered setbacks late in the day. When Murali Vijay (52) and Cheteshwar Pujara (55) fell to loose strokes in the final 10 overs, the locals found their voice. At stumps, India were 167/3, leading by 128 runs. With a day to go, a draw seems likely, but this has been a Test of surprises. England now expect an extraordinary effort from their bowlers early on Sunday to be optimistic about the weekend, the first Test, the series and beyond. (Also Read: England’s future takes root)