BUMBLE ON THE TEST: Jofra Archer has never bowled better, Sir Alastair Cook is a natural in the Channel Four studio, we need Showaddywaddy on the no-ball alarm and my cheese and onion pie was a triumph!
- Dom Bess has spun England into a strong position in the first Test against India
- But Jofra Archer took two wickets and has never bowled better in a Test match
- Channel Four’s coverage continue to impress with Sir Alastair Cook a natural
- I’ve treated myself to another Jack Russell painting and it was a bargain
- The no-ball siren in Chennai has given me inspiration for a musical version
- My cheese and onion pie was so tasty I’m filling in my entry for the Bake Off
England remain in a strong position to win the first Test against India at the end of the third day in Chennai.
Having been bowled out for 578 in the morning session, Dom Bess took four wickets, including those of Virat Kohli and Ajinkya Rahane, as India finished on 257 for six, a deficit of 321 runs.
Sportsmail’s David ‘Bumble’ Lloyd offers his usual offbeat take on the day’s action.
Jofra Archer has seldom looked more impressive in Test cricket as he took two Indian wickets
Archer (left) celebrates with his England team-mates after taking the wicket of Shubman Gill
What a terrific spell with the new ball that was from Jofra Archer on Sunday. Absolutely world-class fast bowling. He put the wind up India. They were hopping around!
Make no mistake, this is a flat pitch but not only did Jofra get some bounce from it he also got the ball to swing. I reckon that’s the best I’ve seen Archer bowl in Test cricket…
I think Alastair Cook has found his broadcasting niche. He’s been excellent in the Channel 4 studio with some interesting and insightful comments.
It’s good to have someone who isn’t commentating in that role.
It’s almost like a mini Verdict that the late great Bob Willis did so well. And, with it being a last minute arrangement, it was good of Sir Cooky to bring a couple of armchairs in from home for him and Rishi Persad to sit on….
Sir Alastair Cook (left) with Rishi Persad in the Channel Four studio for the Test coverage
Talking of Channel 4, you might see me pop up on one of their other programmes, The Great British Bake-Off. I can report that my cheese and onion pie was an absolute triumph, so much so that Vipers and myself are having the leftovers today.
I will be getting on to that Paul Collingwood, or is it Hollywood? I’m on my way with my rolling pin….
I want to go back to the last ball of the 33rd over. Dom Bess was bowling to Cheteshwar Pujara and the ball fell just short of Ollie Pope two pitches away at short leg.
Back in the day Brian Close, Tony Greig or Yours Truly would have snaffled that up. Mind you, Pope was in the right place when Pujara pulled Bess via his shoulder to Rory Burns!
Dom Bess and Joe Root celebrate after taking the wicket of Cheteshwar Pujara for 73
I dipped in to a charity auction for the Sussex Cricket Foundation and managed to anonymously come out on top of the bidding for a Jack Russell original, Down at Third Man at Lord’s. It’s smashing.
I’ve got five of Jack’s paintings now and the master keeper turned artist said this one was worth £3,000 minimum. In that case I’ve got an absolute bargain!
Jack Russell’s Down at Third Man at Lord’s is Bumble’s latest work of art
I’m loving this siren going off when there’s a no ball – and there were 20 in the England innings! TV umpire Shamshuddin has been calling them and he’s taking no prisoners.
Made me wonder if we could have the same gizmo here, with music from Steps. Or how about Showaddywaddy’s Three Oversteps to Heaven? That would go down well at Lord’s…..
Jack Leach missed a trick at the start of Rishabh Pant’s innings. He should have played on his ego by bowling wider and make him fetch the ball out of the rough.
If you are 450 in front and a batsman wants to hit you for six you are quids in because you can vary your flight and pace. Dom Bess got him in the end by doing just that – caught by Leach!
Pant launched a blistering counter-attack before he was caught out nine runs short of a ton