A target of around 350 is going to be very difficult for India: Gautam Gambhir

The fifth and final Test between England and India at Kennington Oval in London is currently underway and the Three Lions are well and truly on top after they racked up a lead of 154 runs with eight wickets remaining in the second innings. Ravindra Jadeja and Hanuma Vihari tried to mitigate the damage of the second day’s final session, but the hosts didn’t allow the match to slip.

After the conclusion of both team’s first innings, the Brits garnered a lead of 40 runs and thereafter, the likes of Alastair Cook and Joe Root have put their heads down to guide their team to a commanding position. In the meantime, Gautam Gambhir mentioned that the third day belonged to the Poms despite India’s resolute performances in all departments.

“Another great day for England as they dominated the second and the third session just losing two wickets throughout the third day. They got a lead of 154 and would be very happy with their performance. India started off the day very well with Jadeja and Vihari, but there were lots of play and misses,” Gambhir was quoted as saying in The Times of India (TOI).

Moeen Ali will come into play in a big way

He that Mohammed Shami, who picked up Keaton Jennings’ wicket, seemed the most lethal Indian bowler. “Shami was outstanding throughout the day and he looked the most threatening bowler. Bumrah was good in periods, so was Ishant, but the day belonged to England,” he iterated.

Moreover, Gambhir put forth the target, which India will find difficult to chase in the fourth innings. “If England can get around 350, it’s going to be very difficult for India in the third session of the fourth day and day five as well,” he said.

Furthermore, he remarked that the likes of Moeen Ali and Adil Rashid can come into play, especially when the pitch becomes helpful for the spin bowlers. “Once the pitch starts spinning, Moeen Ali will come into play in a big way and they have got Adil Rashid as well.

Rashid hasn’t done anything of sorts in the series, but once the pitch starts spinning, he’ll be a lethal prospect as well. England will well and truly be looking to dominate the fourth day,” he added.

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