The conditions look good for batting and England will not be scared of whatever total India sets: Paul Collingwood

Rohit Sharma and Cheteshwar Pujara produced excellent performances with the willow for the Indian side on Day 3, as the Virat Kohli-led outfit ended the day with their scorecard reading a commanding 270/3. While Sharma scored a fabulous 127, Pujara helped himself to a 127-ball 61.

India now leads England by 171 runs in the second innings. And, the assistant coach of the England side, Paul Collingwood reckons that the conditions are good for batting, and the Joe Root-led side will not be scared to chase down any total set by India.

Adding that momentum has shifted quickly throughout the Test series, Collingwood stated that if the England fast bowlers get some movement with the red cherry in hand, they can put the Indian batting line up under pressure.

“The conditions looked good for batting so we should not be scared of whatever total they set. Hope we have a good day tomorrow. We have seen throughout the Test series, momentum shifted very quickly. If we can get some movement, we can exploit the conditions and put the middle and tail order under pressure,” said Collingwood at the end of Day 3.

England were very disciplined and stuck to the task with the ball: Paul Collingwood

Paul Collingwood further reckoned that the England side was disciplined with the ball on Day 3, and he was surprised at the lack of swing on the third day. Adding that movement in the air troubles Indian batsmen, Collingwood stated that England tried everything they could, but the ball did not swing.

“I thought we were very disciplined and stuck to task all day. But one thing that surprised us was the lack of swing from the duke ball. We all know once there’s some movement in the air, and the wicket with some carry it would trouble the Indian batsmen.

So we were pretty surprised and could not get the swing. We tried everything with it, changing the shining side but could not get movement,” added Collingwood.

Adding that England asked questions with the ball throughout the day, the 45-year-old Collingwood concluded by stating that credit should also be given to the Indian batsmen for the way they batted.

“I thought we asked questions all day. But a lot of credit goes to the Indian batsmen with Rohit at the top of the order. We had to wait for the breakthrough, thankfully we got it with the help of the second new ball,” concluded Collingwood.