If England’s lead does not go above 200, then it is very much possible for India to win the Trent Bridge Test: Salman Butt

Former Pakistan captain Salman Butt heaped praises on the Indian batting line-up for their brilliant effort against England in the opening Test of the five-match series at Trent Bridge. Butt reckoned that the key for India is to restrict England to a low score, and if the bowlers can put the opponent batters under pressure, India would manage a comfortable victory.

The visitors posted 278 after tumbling England for 183 on the back of a four-for from Jasprit Bumrah. India, who triggered a collapse as England went down from 138/3 to 183 all out, had to suffer a minor blip themselves when they were suddenly reduced to 112/4 from 97/0, with Rohit Sharma, Cheteshwar Puajra, Virat Kohli and Ajinkya Rahane all gone in quick succession.

However, a returning KL Rahul guarded India’s fort and was well assisted by fellow half-centurion Ravindra Jadeja, before a stunning lower-order rearguard took India to a position of strength, as they took a crucial 95 run lead. Rahul scored 84 off 214 deliveries while Jadeja smashed a crucial 56 and Jasprit Bumrah contributed a handy 28.

It is up to the bowlers and depends on how they respond: Salman Butt

Speaking in his latest YouTube video, Butt highlighted England’s batting issues and said India can push for a victory if the bowlers can exploit the conditions to their benefit.

“India’s comeback was because of their never-say-die attitude they have developed in recent years. Their lesser-experienced guys like KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant stood up. India tried their best and everybody pitched in to get that vital 95-run lead. Now it is up to the bowlers and it all depends on how they respond to the situation,” Butt said.

“Presently, England are 25 for no loss. But the pitch is such, and under overcast conditions, the ball seams so much that wickets fall in groups of two or three. If someone among Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj or Shardul Thakur can come up with a good spell, then anything is possible. If someone can claim 3-4 wickets in a spell and the other can chip in with a couple… If England’s lead does not go above 200, then it is very much possible for India to win this match,” he added.