The bowlers held the Indians to 245 in their second innings and set a big target of 378 runs. The opening pair of Alex Lees (56) and Jack Crowley gave the hosts a good start as they chased down record runs at Edgbaston. In the afternoon session, the duo put up a century partnership for the first wicket as the India captain and fast bowlers bowled Crowley for 46 at tea.
Bumrah then dismissed Oli Pope for zero on the first ball of the third session and took his wicket soon after the match between Root and Lees. Lyce was run out for 56 and the hosts lost three wickets in 14 minutes to turn the match around.
However, Root and Bairstow captured the fort for their team and led England out of the waters of difficulty. The Yorkshire duo could not be bothered by any Indian bowler as they continued to score on their own volition. Bumrah (13-0-53-2) looked disciplined but as Mohammad Shami (12-2-49-0) and Ravindra Jadeja (15-2-53-0) he did not get support from the other end – either failed. Wickets However, the fourth and fifth bowling options were scored by Mohammad Siraj (10-0-64-0) and Shardul Thakur (7-0-33-0).
With the Indian bowlers undisciplined, Root and Bairstow continued to score, and an unbeaten 150 for the fourth wicket helped England reach 259 for three in just 57 overs. Root (76 * off 112 balls) and Bairstow (72 * off 87 balls) – both of whom scored centuries in the first innings – completed their half-centuries.
It was the tenth 100-run partnership between Root and Bairstow in Test cricket and looks set to win. The hosts now need 119 runs to win with seven wickets in hand and a full day’s play and the batsmen will be looking to score their centuries overnight. The Indians, on the other hand, find it difficult to take one wicket at a time to win the game.
The day before, Stokes scored 4/33 to hold India to 245 in their second innings. Opening the innings at 125 for 3, the Indian front-runners, in their second essay, set the price for being over-aggressive within 250.