England thrashed India by 227 in a famous win this morning.
But where do I rank each player rating out of 10?
RORY BURNS – 5
33&0 (2 catch)
One half of a helpful opening partnership in the first innings, his 33 was made only offering up an early half chance. Got out in an infuriating fashion gloving a reverse sweep of Ashwin late on in the opening session. Out first ball to a good delivery in the second innings to Ashwin again: watch out for that battle throughout the series!
DOM SIBLEY – 7
87&16
What a man! What a transformation! He looked to comfortable at the crease in the first innings, grafting to 87 before Bumrah got him. He looks to improve and learn from every experience and looking so fit!
DAN LAWRENCE – 3
0&18
Got a good one early in the first innings and batting at no. 3 is a very tough job. Looked decent in the second innings in tough circumstances. Will get to play the second test to prove why he should be in the test team; but must improve.
JOE ROOT – 9
218&40 – 0/14 (2 catches)
Win the toss: check. Score massive in the first innings: check. Take blinding catch: Check. Excellent use of bowlers; Check. Captaincy at its finest. Praying he can keep up this form! Could have taken the winning wicket so he’s not a 10!
BEN STOKES – 5
82/7 – 0/16 & 1/13 (3 catches)
Hit the accelerator in the first innings to help take the pressure off his captain but failed in getting the massive score that could have been on the cards. Nothing in the second innings but took the prize wicket of Virat Kohli on the final day.
OLLIE POPE – 5
34/28 (2 catches)
Looked a bit rusty in his first game back after his shoulder injury, still made a helpful 34 and then looked better in the second. Excellent at short leg, catches basically every chance he gets and even deflects the ball to midwicket!
JOS BUTTLER – 7
30&24 (5 catches)
Ever improving as a test match wicketkeeper and will be a miss behind the stumps no matter the hype of Ben Foakes. solid batting in his first innings and attempted to express himself in the second before coming down the track. Can’t wait to see him play again!
DOM BESS – 7
34&25- 4/76 & 1/50
Like watching Greame Swann in the first innings but like Dom Bess in the second. Took the big wickets of Pujara, Kohli, Rahane and Pant in the first innings but looked tired in the second which is not a pretty sight. Helped with the bat in both innings as well.
JOFRA ARCHER – 6
0&5- 2/105 & 1/23
Took the wickets of the openers in the first innings, helping England get on the front foot. Looked dangerous with his short balls, expecally with Ashwin, and took the match winning wicket. Gave a few freebees on his return to the side. Still cant bat.
JACK LEACH – 7
14*&8* – 2/105 & 4/76
Rishabh Pant made him look like a village cricketer in the first innings, bashing him for five maximums, looked better when the maverick wicketkeeper was out. Excellent second innings, looked much more controlled dangerous.
JAMES ANDERSON – 9
1&0 – 2/46 & 3/17 (1 catch)
Match winning spell from Anderson in the first session of day 5. One the of the great overs in cricket bowling both Gill and Rahane. Added the wicket of Pant to ease any thoughts of an Indian resilience. Good control in the first innings with his two wickets.
Mehdi Daley Sport 