The fifth and final Test between India and England kick-started with England skipper Alastair Cook winning the toss and electing to bat. Before the players took the field, a minute’s silence was observed to pay tribute to former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Jayalalithaa who passed away on December 5th, 2015. Players from both the camps wore black armbands as a mark of respect to Amma.
#1 Tribute to Amma
When Captain Cook took the field, he was just 2 runs away from a personal milestone of becoming the youngest cricketer in the world to score 11,000 runs. The 31-year-old left-handed batsman achieved the feat and gave England supporters some respite as he became the first English batsman to do so.
#2 Ishant’s 100th victim in Asia
On the other hand, Cook’s opening partner Keaton Jennings was nicely set-up by Ishant Sharma who was making a comeback to the Indian cricket team. Jennings became Ishant Sharma’s 100th victim in Asia. Jennings was on 1 when he edged Sharma’s delivery outside off stump. Parthiv Patel completed the catch and India got its first breakthrough at the score of 7.
#3 Jadeja’s bunny batsman
Ravindra Jadeja was introduced to the attack while Cook was at the crease. Bowling at his bunny batsman, Jadeja tasted success once again. He dismissed Cook for the fifth time in the series. Kohli took a low catch standing at first slip after which the England skipper had to make a long walk back to the pavilion. With Cook adding 10 runs on the board before being dismissed, England were 21/2.
#4 Kohli scores for the opposition
The Indian captain has been exceptional with the bat this year. Kohli averages 80 in 12 Tests that he has played this year. In 17 innings he has made 1200 runs and has 3 double centuries to his name this year. Being in such a good form, Kohli couldn’t resist but score runs even when he was fielding. England were 56/2 when Kohli was chasing an inside edge. In order to stop the English batsmen from taking a double, Kohli blindly threw the ball. And it was a direct hit! Not at the stumps, but at the helmet. And as a penalty, England were awarded 5 runs. So Kohli is now scoring for the opposition as well!
#5 Controversy surrounding DRS
The inclusion of the Decision Review System was heavily debated. While both the team have struggled to make the right calls, Joe Root’s dismissal might have changed the complexion of the match. Earlier in the day, there was a strong appeal for LBW against Cook. By the time Kohli and company asked for a review, time was up. Later in the day, Joe Root tried to play a slog sweep on Jadeja’s delivery but missed the length. Patel and Kohli immediately appeal for an inside edge which was then referred to the third umpire. Root was given out as there was a spike on the ultra edge. Unhappy with the decision, Root had to walk back to the pavilion with 88 runs against his name.
England ended Day 1 at a commanding position with 284 runs on the board at a loss of 4 wickets. Moeen Ali is at the crease on 120* with Ben Stokes who has made 5 runs. For India, Jadeja was the pick of the bowlers as he took 3 out of the 4 wickets that fell.
