The script unfolded the way England had wished for on the third day, said its batsman Jonathan Trott after he shared a 173-run partnership for the second wicket with captain Alastair Cook to help the visitor to a dominant position in the third Test here.
“It was a good day for us as we could bat in the manner we wanted at the start of it,” Trott said. “We didn’t want to put much pressure on ourselves having had a good day yesterday. We just needed to back that up. Alastair and I tried to continue the good work and take up from where he and Nick Compton had left off. It was pleasing that I had a good partnership with Alastair but I am disappointed that he (Cook) did not get a few more (runs for his double century).
Consistently pays off
Trott (87), who rediscovered form with a methodical performance in the match, said England has been able to perform consistently and that is paying off well. The player said the team did its best in tackling India’s spin attack.
The seasoned England batsman said that the way his captain got run-out can be described as freaky and strange. “It was sort of very strange and freak dismissal. Alastair should have put his bat down first and then lifted. That way he would not have been out. I think he was trying to do that but was caught in between,” Trott said about the run-out incident.
“It was disappointing for him and the team to get out at 190. He was close to another double hundred,” he added.
No outward reaction
Trott said his captain did not show any outward reaction on getting dismissed in an unlikely manner. “He must be disappointed but he is not one who expresses too much of emotion but deep down he’ll be upset. Of course, he should be happy with the job he did,” he said.
Pragyan Ojha, who picked up three English wickets to be the pick of the Indian blowers, said his team would be hoping bowl out the visitors in the first session on Saturday. “The first session tomorrow would be very important. If we get one or two wickets early, England’s tail will open up. Then we can pack them off easily.” Ojha said.
