England are sweating on the flexibility of Mark Wood’s right shoulder after he put it through unnecessary danger trying to field the ball on the boundary.
The shoulder was described as ‘very sore’ after the players had left the field for bad light with India 181-6, a lead of 154 in the second innings.
Wood had already put his body on the line time and again on a punishing day of hard work in which he picked up 3-40 for his efforts to keep England in the hunt for victory.
And with Moeen Ali picking up two late wickets, the finale to this second Test on ‘people’s Monday’ with tickets still available at £20 a pop could be a classic.
“We hope he’s alright,” said Moeen. “I think he’s ok.
“I was very pleased for him. You know, he was telling me in the first innings that he doesn't get the wickets he would like. I said these can happen and they will come.
“The way he bowled was fantastic and he fully deserved his wickets. The wicket of Pujara was massive. The way he ran in and banged the wicket with a soft ball on a dead wicket.
“I think it's a fantastic game I think both teams are in decent situations. We've got to try and bowl them out and we need to get Rishabh Pant out early.”
It has been a good game so far for Moeen, who gave his skipper good control in the first innings, scored some runs with the bat and then is now a threat as the game enters the business end.
Before his return in India, it had been nearly two years away from the longest format, but he certainly seems to have found his love for it again.
“I just wanted to be part of this series and do well and take wickets and score some more runs,” he added. “Just enjoy my cricket.
“As soon as I got the call I was buzzing to get back and play for England. I’m good with Test cricket. I want my place back and to be part of the team.
“I’ve really enjoyed being back here. I love the changing room and being around the guys. The results can be up and down, but I’m about being here for the guys and having a good time.”
