BUMBLE ON THE TEST: It's great to have Test cricket back

BUMBLE ON THE TEST: It’s great to have Test cricket back… especially if you’re an India fan! But Dom Sibley’s technique looks a lot better, and England will have to swing it to win it

  • England were bowled out for under 200 once again in the first Test versus India
  • India’s seamers took advantage of the swing and England must do the same
  • Dom Sibley has clearly worked on his technique and looked far better for it

England were subjected to another brutally chastening day in Test cricket after collapsing to 183 all out on day one of the first Test against India.

Having managed to grind their way against a hugely impressive India seam attack to 138 for three, England subsequently imploded and lost seven wickets for 45 runs, with captain Joe Root top-scoring with 64, his first Test half-century in 12 innings. 

Sportsmail‘s DAVID LLOYD offers his views and insights on what proved to be yet another sobering day for England’s Test batters in the opening match of the series at Trent Bridge.

England had a sobering opening day against India after being bowled out for just 183 runs

It’s good to be back 

Swing to win 

The one thing you have to remember about this ground, as India found, is there is always a bit of swing but significantly both teams wanted to bat first. A bit controversial for both to leave out spinners but clearly analysts have been at work. Since 2007, 51 Test wickets have fallen to spin at Trent Bridge at an average of 45 and 191 to seam at 26.

Both teams wanted to bat first despite Trent Bridge being known for providing some swing

Dom’s got the look 

It is clear Dom Sibley has used the time since the last Test to have a good look at his technique. And he needed to. When he picks his bat up now it is more open to the off-side. And his back-lift is closer to his body. It means you are not seeing too much of his right shoulder in his stance. He may have given it away after lunch but he looked far better.

Enter The Dragon 

I spent my first night back in Nottingham at one of my favourite watering holes, the Dragon. But sadly the man who spins the vinyl wasn’t there — he is still a bit uneasy about Covid. And Tuesday is usually Scalextric night but they cannot find anyone to put the track back together. Still, a good time was had by all.

Out of the game 

Here’s a sign of the times. Jonny Bairstow, Jos Buttler and Sam Curran had not played a single first-class game all season before this Test. I had a good chat with Stuart Broad about it and he said he has just been doing a heck of a lot of bowling away from games to get mileage in his legs.

Dom Sibley looks like he has used his time since the last Test match to improve his technique

Dinesh dilemma 

Our new boy in the commentary box, the nattily dressed Dinesh Karthik, has announced he wants my new jacket. It is a one-off made for me by Mr Tabbs of Cirencester, a quilted double-breasted number with red braid in a creamy colour. I’m wondering if I should present it to him when he goes back to Chennai.

Hundred convert 

I was a bit apprehensive before my commentary stints on the Hundred this year but I thoroughly enjoyed it. I did two fantastic games at Headingley and I’ll be back for more. 




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