NEW DELHI: England faced a challenging opening day in the first Test against India at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, slipping to 215-8 at the tea break after their top-order batsmen failed to convert promising starts.
Opting to bat after winning the toss, England initially got off to a promising start with Ben Duckett (35) and Zak Crawley (20) putting on a brisk opening stand of 55 runs. However, India's captain, Rohit Sharma, altered the course of the match by introducing spin early on.
Scorecard: India vs England 1st Test
Off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin dismissed Duckett with a delivery that didn't turn, while left-arm spinner Ravindra Jadeja removed Ollie Pope (one) in the next over. Crawley, charging out against Ashwin, was caught by Mohammed Siraj at mid-off.
Jonny Bairstow (37) and Joe Root (29) steadied the innings with a 61-run partnership for the fourth wicket, but India regained control after the lunch break. Axar Patel dismissed Bairstow with a spinning delivery, while Root fell to Jadeja attempting a sweep.
England's middle order struggled, losing wickets at regular intervals. Debutant Tom Heartly provided some resistance with a cameo of 23, including a six off Ashwin. At the tea break, skipper Ben Stokes remained unbeaten on 43, with Mark Wood at the other end.
This challenging situation for England was compounded by their unique decision to play the match with only one frontline fast bowler, Mark Wood, a first in men's Test cricket for the team.
(With inputs from Reuters)
