India v England, 5th Test Day 4: 5 Talking Points

The penultimate day of what has been an exhilarating and exciting Test series that has been amazing for the hosts India. However, on the other hand, there was England, beaten and battered to the pulp and looked like they wanted to leave the field as soon as possible. While the heat and humidity of Chennai were seemingly getting to the Brits, there was one factor that the Brits failed to take into their grand scheme of things. When Karun Nair came out to bat, he was expected to be dismissed as had been the case in the previous few matches. However, the 25-year old was the talk of the town as he went on to do something only Virender Sehwag had managed to do for India in Test matches thus far.

While records tumbled and the tumbling was wrecking havoc on the records boards, it seemed quite clear that the ordeal would be something that came with a massive triumph. However, for the triumphant, the opposition was on their knees. England looked like they wanted to get off the field, something they would have closer to the close of play. While there were a plethora of talking points on the day, here are five of the most prominent talking points at the close of play.

1. Murali Vijay becomes Liam Dawson’s premier scalp

On a day the England bowlers were privy to very few wickets, the scalp of Murali Vijay was something extremely savored, to say the least. Vijay had played the role of the night-watchman on the previous day when he had made his way out to join the impressive Karun Nair out to bat on Day 3. Liam Dawson was also on the verge of what was going to be his first ever Test match wicket and he was certainly pleased given the fact that it was the scalp of a world class batsman in the form of Murali Vijay. The latter asked for a review with the wild hopes of having an inside-edge, something that eventually proved to be a bridge too far as Vijay was dismissed leg-before for 29. Sadly, Dawson would boast of only one wicket in the match should the Indians not bat again the following day.

2. Karun Nair and his gambit

At the close of play on the penultimate day of the final Test at Chepauk, the word on everyone’s lips was Karun Nair. The 25-year old had already amassed 71 runs on the previous day. However, little did he know what was to come on the following day and the superhuman exhibition he was about to unleash all over the Britons. Initially, Nair began to play with caution. This would become a bit slower following the departure of Murali Vijay. As he began to hit the ball better along with Ravi Ashwin, there was little or nothing stopping him from doing the same. As many were privy to the stunning innings, Nair’s intent was the template of his innings, something that was there for all to see. What was more impressive was the fact that his fitness was also there for all to see when he was made to run to and fro to get himself back on strike. He concluded with a score of 303 and remained unbeaten at the close of the innings.

3. Ashwin and Jadeja play second-fiddle yet again

While it is nice to witness, recognize, and acknowledge the contributions made by Karun Nair, it is highly unfair to rule out the impressive batsmanship of Ravichandran Ashwin. The latter, who has clearly impressed with some impressive batting in recent times also went on to score 67 extremely valuable runs. This also sees him come close to a few all-rounders in recent times who have averaged close to 50 in a five-match Test series as well as pick upwards of 30 wickets. It was not easy to work given the fact that he was facing a vicious England bowling attack, but his 67 was certainly worthy of a toast. Ravindra Jadeja also netted 51 runs to his name, something he smashed in quick time as well as the fact that he was beginning to impress before being caught out in the deep.

4. Virat Kohli delays the declaration

Witnessing that his batsmen looking intent on breaking records, Virat Kohli was only more than happy to give his batsmen more time to let the records board have a royal hammering before declaring and allowing the England openers five overs at the close of play. The Indian skipper, however, went on to allow Karun Nair to complete his triple century despite his need to have enough overs to bowl at the Brits before the close of play. Social Media handle twitter exploded with some exciting tweets most of which were directed by Kohli for allowing Karun Nair to complete his triple ton.

5. England bowlers made to grovel on the penultimate day of the series

The England pacers had a hard day, to say the least. Needless to say, they were made to grovel, a word ironically used all those years ago in 1975 by one of their own Tony Greig. As Sanjay Manjrekar would go on to state at the close of play, it was indeed back-breaking work for the England bowlers as they would only go on to pick up three wickets at the close of the innings. The expression on Jake Ball’s face when he picked up the catch of Ravindra Jadeja illustrated a distinct story.