It was painful to watch Dom Bess bowl in the fourth Test: Andrew Strauss

Former England skipper Andrew Strauss stated that it was awful to see Dom Bess struggling with the ball against India. Playing just his second Test of the series, Bess had a mediocre day on the field. The youngster bowled 15 overs but could not manage to pick a single wicket. He also conceded 56 runs at a steep economic rate of 3.7. Bess was irregular in his line and lengths, bowling long hops and full-tosses almost every over. Andrew Strauss criticized the 23-year-old spinner and reckoned that such a performance is disgraceful at the Test level.

James Anderson (3-40) and Ben Stokes (2-73) were the visitors' best performers. England could not restrict India, losing a considerable lead of 89 runs by stumps on Day 2. Dom Bess had played a crucial role in England's win in the first Test in Chennai. The off-spinner scalped four Indian wickets to limit the hosts to 337 in their first innings.

However, Bess was not included for the second Test as the bowler needed time to recalibrate. It is being felt that this break dented Dom Bess's confidence, which is now reflecting in his performances in the ongoing fourth Test. Spin-bowling coach Jeetan Patel overlooked these claims and stated that Dom Bess was jaded and needed a rest.

Pant and Sundar steamroll England bowlers on Day 2

At the end of Day 2, the visitors were left starring down the barrel as Rishabh Pant completely destroyed them. At one point, India was struggling at 146/6 and was in danger of getting out for less than 200. But then, Pant and Sundar put on a match-defining stand of 113 runs for the 7th wicket. They helped the side finish the day with their scorecard reading 294/7.

James Anderson, who caused discomfort to the Indian batsmen, gave away just 40 runs in his 20 overs. He also picked up two crucial wickets of Ajinkya Rahane and Rishabh Pant. However, looking at how the Test match has turned out so far, it seems as if Joe Root and Co. would need a miracle to emerge victorious from here. A win in the fourth and final Test would mean that India would qualify for the World Test Championship (WTC) finals. They will face New Zealand at Lord's. If India loses the final encounter, Australia will head to Lord's.

READ MORE Cricket articles here!