The riveting Test between two unsure-batting units has now turned into a bodily sensation: stomach-churning, teeth-grinding, a four-letter cuss word twitching to get out of the mouth at every close shave. What follows now is a wait.
India will wait for Virat Kohli to pull off a heist whereas England will wait for a ball to swing one inch more than what the Indian batsmen anticipate.
A 20-year old Sam Curran has already done something special to pull England out of a massive hole, dragging them from 87 for 7 to a competitive 180, subsequently setting India a target of 194.
Meanwhile for India, Virat Kohli buckled down and staved off the English attack. Most importantly, he remained not out on 43 runs. Dinesh Karthik, his current partner didn’t play badly either.
The opening Test of the 5 match series at Edgbaston was poised for more entertainment and by the close of play, the match hangs in the balance as India need 84 runs to win with five wickets remaining.
Here is how Twitter reacted:
Fantastic effort by @ImIshant. Brought back memories from the game at Lord’s in 2014. #ENGvIND pic.twitter.com/k2dk1v0htu
— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) August 3, 2018
What a beautiful test match going on. Who says test cricket is not fun?????? #ENGvsIND
— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) August 3, 2018
A 20 yr old giving England a Sniff .. Great stuff .. Love Sam Currans temperament .. Whatvever happens and whoever Wins this has been a Fantastic Test Match !!! #ENGvIND
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) August 3, 2018
Good thing—it’s only the third day. Pitch still good.
Bad thing—it’s turning out to be about Kohli…once again. #EngvInd— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) August 3, 2018
At the end of play, an interviewer remarks to Sam Curran, on camera, "You've got to get Kohli out." Curran replies, "Or we can get four wickets at the other end."
They've given up already, India. Push for the win, tomorrow. #INDvENG #ENGvIND
— Jude Sannith (@JudeSannith24) August 3, 2018
What a great Test this is turning out to be, low on runs but demanding high skill and mental toughness from players from both sides!
— Cricketwallah (@cricketwallah) August 3, 2018
Day 1 ends with Kohli
Day 2 ends with Kohli
Day 3 ends with Kohli— arfan (@Im__Arfan) August 3, 2018
if india get to 194 they can declare and no one would be unhappy! #ENGvIND
— Gaurav Kalra (@gauravkalra75) August 3, 2018
India need 84. England need 5.
Game very much in the balance.
Kohli, the key for both! 😌 #ENGvIND
This has become Kohli Vs England . Rest other batsman are just for clapping from dressing room. 😒😒
— Rajendra Singh (@rajendrasingh41) August 3, 2018
Yes boi!!! Super proud 🙌🏼❤️ pic.twitter.com/hn6rGBW8J4
— Tom Curran (@TC59) August 3, 2018
https://twitter.com/ViratsFangirl18/status/1025442088123490310
Dhawan dropped two catches that cost us many runs ad score shit in two innings…. should be dropped #INDvENG
— Kaptaan Kohli ~ (@siedry_) August 3, 2018
Its fun watching these low scoring matches… King Kohli's batting vs awesome Anderson's magic.. #ENGvIND #Kohli #CricketMeriJaan
— Rohidas Kendre (@RohidasKendre) August 3, 2018
Kholi pic.twitter.com/c5oRLL5Owo
— Yaar Haryana ke (@Haryanviiiii) August 3, 2018
India tour of #england #ENGvIND pic.twitter.com/qEz0qEeUem
— Manjit Thakur (@manjit2007) August 3, 2018