Tongue wags just in time as absent friends are missed

AS a Rishabh Pant lofted straight drive flies, it is about 80 miles from Headingley to Chester-le-Street.

- By Andy Dunn

And a bowler up in Durham was probably of as much interest to England’s management as the ones who were being flayed by Pant in Leeds.

For a couple of sessions, this was a reminder of why a bowler who has not played Test cricket since 2021 is seen as pivotal to England’s chances of winning the Ashes this winter.

Considering it was his first red-ball outing for four years after the physical issues that have plagued him, it would be unwise to get too carried away by Jofra Archer's exertions for Sussex at Chester-le-Street in the County Championship.

But, as India’s batsmen made hay, it was hard not to think about absent England bowlers.