No Spin, No Plan: India Regrets, England Roars

It was a day to forget for India at Old Trafford. On Day 3 of the Manchester Test, England crossed the 500-run mark, leaving India completely out of the game. This is the first time in 10 years that India have given away over 500 runs in an overseas Test innings.

England started the day at 225 with Joe Root and Ollie Pope in full control. India needed early wickets, but nothing worked.

The duo scored freely in the morning. Over 100 runs came in the first session without any damage. Both batters reached their fifties, and the lead kept growing.

After lunch, Washington Sundar finally gave India a reason to cheer. He got Pope caught by KL Rahul and bowled Harry Brook in quick time. But that was the only bright spot. Root kept going strong and found support from skipper Ben Stokes.

The worst part? The pitch wasn’t flat. There was help for spinners the ball was turning. But India didn’t pick their best spinner, Kuldeep Yadav.

Sundar tried his best, but lacked that edge. It felt like a big mistake in team selection.

India’s pace attack also looked completely off. Bumrah and Siraj picked up niggles and weren’t at full strength.

Kamboj was poor his spells had no control or threat. Fans were quick to point out that Harshit Rana should have played instead. He’s looked sharper and more in rhythm lately.

Root continued to punish India, reaching a classy 150. In the process, he also passed Ricky Ponting to become the second-highest run-scorer in Test history.

Stokes looked dangerous too but had to retire hurt with cramps. That pause gave India a small opening. Root and Jamie Smith were dismissed late in the day.

The last time India conceded 500 overseas was in Sydney, back in 2015. That pitch was flat. This one had some bite.

But India’s bowling both spin and pace looked paralysed. Poor team selection, injuries, and lack of fight have put India on the back foot again.