The morning session in day four\u2019s play saw England pick only two wickets as India took their lead to 357 runs. \u201cEngland definitely came out with the right intent \u2014 not just in their bowling but in their body language. They hit the right areas and bowled into the deck, taking a cue from India\u2019s bowling.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cBut I felt Ben Stokes could\u2019ve been more aggressive with his field placements, especially in the first five to seven overs. If he had kept more catchers early on, especially when the bowlers were fresh and the overhead conditions favoured them, they could\u2019ve had Gill or Pant much earlier,\u201d said Aaron to JioHotstar.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
He also feels England still need to push hard if they are to have a slim chance at winning the match at Edgbaston. \u201cIndia would gladly take that session \u2014 they lost only two wickets but scored at a very brisk rate. Rishabh Pant\u2019s blitz really elevated the innings to a different level. KL Rahul was watchful, Karun Nair fell playing the drive \u2014 but credit must go to Josh Tongue and Brydon Carse, who bowled well in helpful conditions.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cThis is the kind of bowling England should\u2019ve brought in the first innings, but it\u2019s never too late. They still need to keep pushing if they want a chance in this Test. That said, with a team like England, you can never rule them out.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Aaron also noted how cloud cover played a significant role in aiding India\u2019s aggressive intent in the first session. \u201cIn England, cloud cover changes the game \u2014 it\u2019s not just about swing in the air, but the ball starts doing more off the pitch too. As we discussed in commentary, a moving ball versus a moving batsman \u2014 two negatives making a positive.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cThat\u2019s exactly what happened with Pant. There\u2019s always drama when he\u2019s at the crease. England missed chances \u2014 Zak Crawley and Chris Woakes both put down opportunities \u2014 and they\u2019ll look back at those moments with regret.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Aaron also noted how cloud cover played a significant role in aiding India\u2019s aggressive intent in the first session. \u201cIn England, cloud cover changes the game \u2014 it\u2019s not just about swing in the air, but the ball starts doing more off the pitch too. As we discussed in commentary, a moving ball versus a moving batsman \u2014 two negatives making a positive.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cHe just comes out, uses his feet, takes the game on from ball one, and doesn\u2019t let the bowlers settle. That\u2019s the beauty of Test cricket \u2014 and we\u2019ve got a full house at Edgbaston on Day 4. This match is heading into Day 5, and we\u2019re witnessing nine days of truly fantastic Test cricket. Test cricket is alive and well.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n