Short-ball ploy exposes lack of game plans, allows England to prosper after 84/5

The third day began with a bang for India as Mohammed Siraj dismissed Joe Root and Ben Stokes off consecutive deliveries to send shock waves through the home team.

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But all that optimism faded into a whimper as the Indian bowlers failed to maintain the momentum.

Jamie Smith brought off his century off 80 balls, slamming the attack with precision and was well supported by Harry Brook. The onslaught upset India’s plans as Smith repeatedly punished the bowlers’ ploy, especially Prasidh Krishna, to pepper him with short-pitched deliveries.

It allowed England to prosper after looking down the barrel at 84/5. They were further aided by a lean slip cordon that allowed for easy scoring opportunities.