Report
India take the new ball as England win the toss in Ranchi
A green-tinged surface, two changes in the home XI, and a bowler who has not played a Test since January. Day one session one from Ranchi.
England won the toss and chose to bat first in the third Test at Ranchi, on a surface that has carried a green tinge through the morning. India have made two changes from the previous Test, with Kuldeep coming in for the allrounder and the seam-bowling allrounder retained.
The session has been defined by lateral movement off the surface, with the ball moving at a good length rather than dramatically. The first wicket fell in the eighth over, caught at second slip off the third seamer. The change in angle brought the edge.
Sundar was introduced in the tenth over, the first sign of spin from the home side. The grip has been modest but consistent, with the lateral movement doing the work for the seamers in the first session.
What we've seen
- The opening partnership survived ten overs before the first wicket, with the ball moving at good length throughout.
- The wicket fell to the third seamer, who changed the angle and found the edge to second slip.
- Sundar's introduction in the tenth over was the first sign of spin, with the grip modest but consistent.
- The home captain has rotated the seamers through the session, holding one back for the second new ball.
What to watch this afternoon
- Whether the captain rotates the seamers through the second session or holds one back for the new ball in the third.
- Whether Sundar gets a long spell before tea, or whether the seamers are held back for the morning session tomorrow.
- Whether England look to push the run rate through the second session, or settle for a controlled 280-300 that allows the second new ball to be taken under lights.