The day started with Essex still trailing India by 158 runs. Umesh Yadav was very impressive the other day. He kept it tight and also got couple wickets.It was exactly what he did today.Foster on 42 was out-bowled by Umesh Yadav.
Umesh Yadav picked another one. This time it was Matt Coles who was caught by Shikhar Dhawan. Walter who was batting yesterday showed great skills.He joined hands with Aron Nijjar and struck a 43 runs partnership. Meanwhile he brought up Walter brought up his half century. But eventually he fell to Ishant Sharma who picked up his third wicket.
Aron Nijjar and Feroze Khushi dug in well at the crease and added another 36 runs for ninth wicket.Essex then declared. The scoreboard read 359 for the loss of wickets.
However there was sign of relief for the Indian fans as Ashwin came on to bowl today because there were news that he has picked up a minor injury. Kuldeep Yadav who didn't bowl yesterday also bowled 4 overs but was expensive as he gave 24 runs. Now it remains to be seen who amongst Kuldeep and Pandya is picked. Because Ashwin is pivotal given the conditions are dry and if it happens India might go ahead with Kuldeep ahead of Pandya.
In the pace department, Umesh Yadav and Ishant Sharma bowled significantly well. As a result they make it straight away to playing eleven. It remains to be seen if Shami gets the place in starting eleven owing to team combinations.This is also hindered due to his ordinary bowling performance as he hardly found any sort of rhythm.
Coming back to this match,Shikhar Dhawan must have hoped to score. But again he went for a duck. That opens up the debate on selection between him and KL Rahul. Because KL Rahul batted well in both innings with scores of 58 and 36 not out.He again showed today great technique and composure against seaming new ball.
Pujara who scored just a single in the first innings,found good touch in the second innings. Albeit it was for a short period of time. He scored 23 from 35 which included 5 boundaries. Rahane also spend some time at the crease scoring 19*.
The match was called off due to rain. But India has got many questions to answer before the first match against England which begins on 1st August.