Recent Competition Report – England v 1st Test 2020/21

Join us for updates, analysis and color from the first day of the series’ opening

Welcome to our live report on the first day of the first India-England Test from Chennai. Join us for updates, analysis and color. You can find the traditional ball-by-ball statement here

* The latest entry will appear at the top, refresh your page for the latest updates. The times are local.

10.10am: Ashwin early

Bumrah’s first spell lasts only three petals, as Kohli throws the ball to Ashwin at his home. As the table below shows, two of England’s openers have had issues against the spinners of the test positions so far, but perhaps the most worrying of the those numbers for England fans that they have played most of their games in situations that make it unsuitable for spinning.

Burns has had issues against offspin in particular, with Roston Chase being sent off five times in 93 balls in Tests – and there is no doubt that Ashwin is a much better bowler. Sibley starts strong enough against him, getting full back to length balls, and leading it for four through the gills, but this will be a tough challenge.

Gaurav Sundararaman tells me that, since Ashwin started, only four mattresses – Broad, Anderson, Boult and Philander – have given him more wikis than with the first new member (ie within the first 20 pets of innings).

9.50am: Bumrah’s first home spell

More than three years after his first try, Jasprit Bumrah is bowling in Test in India for the first time, and there is a direct opportunity. His first ball at home is at an angle into the Burns on the left from around the wicket, and Rishabh Pant puts down a heavy, one-handed grip, diving below on his right while Burns watches his patches work out. That will add further scrutiny to Pant ‘s retention, with plenty of Indian fans suggesting in the build that he should play as a specialist bat with Saha behind the stocks.

There is early evidence of Indian planning for this series in the first four petals, with a leg cry set for Dom Sibley (he was caught dragged down the leg side regularly in his career new) and the sailors pick a bowl around the wicket to Burns and hope to hold the ball into it. A silly midfielder has come in at the start of Ishant’s third spot, with his left foot almost touching the strip.

9.25m: Root will bring up to 100

England captain Joe Root has handed over his 100th test cap with vice-captain Ben Stokes ahead of the play. For our extensive coverage of his Milestone Test, click here, and don’t forget to check out Political Questions by yourself.

9.00am: England win toss and bat

No doubt in choosing to use this first pitch for Joe Root, who is playing his 100th Test today. “I love playing in India. It’s a big challenge and the boys have to enjoy it,” he says. Virat Kohli admits he would have batted first, too, and says it’s a “good cricket wicket”.