Key Points

England finds itself in a challenging position after India's dominant batting performance in the second Test. The hosts need an improbable 536 runs to win, with batting coach Marcus Trescothick acknowledging the slim chances of victory. India's pace bowlers Akash Deep and Mohammed Siraj have been instrumental in creating pressure on England's batting lineup. The final day promises an intriguing contest with all three results still possible.

Key Points: Trescothick Admits England Might Settle for Draw vs India

  • England needs 536 runs to win against India's massive 608-run target
  • Akash Deep and Mohammed Siraj decimated England's top order
  • Zak Crawley and Joe Root fall cheaply in crucial session
  • Three results still possible in the final day of the Test
3 min read

England willing to settle for draw in 2nd Test against India: Batting coach Trescothick

England batting coach Marcus Trescothick reveals team's pragmatic approach in challenging second Test at Edgbaston against India

"We're not stupid enough to understand that you have to just win or lose - Marcus Trescothick"

Birmingham, July 6

England batting coach Marcus Trescothick claimed that they are willing to play for a draw in the ongoing second Test against India at Edgbaston as all three results remain possible on the final day of the contest in Birmingham.

After burying England under an avalanche of runs, India stands seven wickets away from restoring parity at 1-1. England, on the other hand, has a colossal task in their hands. After ending the day with 72 runs on the board after losing three wickets, the Three Lions need to conjure a way to garner 536 runs to gun down India's daunting 608-run target.

With the prospect of England's triumph being minuscule, Trescothick assured that the hosts are not "stupid" enough to differentiate between when to push for a result or settle for a draw under "challenging" conditions.

"I think whenever the situation is challenging, of course it is. I think you know if you get to the point where you can draw the game, of course. We're not stupid enough to understand that, you know, you have to just win or lose," Trescothick told reporters at the end of the 4th day's play.

In the final hour of the third session, India seamers Akash Deep and Mohammed Siraj ran rampant with the new ball and left England's batting order jolted with their scorching spells. With his blistering pace, Siraj drew the first blood and punched Zak Crawley's return ticket on a seven-ball duck.

Akash nipped the ball sharply into Ben Duckett and found an inside edge, which directed the ball into the stumps, forcing the southpaw to return after a quick-fire 25(15). He continued to be one of the best in the business and left Root speechless with a peach of a delivery.

The talismanic English batter got tempted by the length of the delivery and tried to work it through the on-side. However, the ball went past the outside edge, rattled the timber and forced Root to return on 6(16). Trescothick, aware of the threat that India is capable of causing with the new ball, admitted that the final day could play out in anybody's favour.

"You know, there are three results possible in every game that you play. But we have done some things in our time that we are different to what we've done before. So we'll see what happens," he added.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

A
Ananya R
Honestly, this is smart cricket from England. Why risk losing when you can play safe? But our bowlers have been exceptional - that delivery to Root was pure class! Hope we wrap it up quickly today.
D
David E
As a neutral observer, this is fascinating test cricket! India's bowling attack has really come of age. That said, England's pragmatic approach might just save them - the pitch isn't doing much now.
S
Shreya B
After watching yesterday's play, I don't think England can even save this match! Our bowlers are too good. Just need to keep the pressure on. Jai Hind! 🇮🇳 #BleedBlue
K
Karthik V
The real story here is how India's bench strength is performing. Akash Deep stepping up when Bumrah was rested shows our domestic cricket system is working well. Future looks bright!
M
Michael C
England fan here - this is embarrassing. After all the aggressive talk, now we're playing for a draw against India's B team? Credit to Indian bowlers though, they've been outstanding.

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