India, June 22 -- The first session of Day 3 in the first Test may read 'shared' on broadcast, but despite India picking up two wickets, England seem to be batting themselves into a position from which they can't lose. 118 runs scored before lunch on the third day indicates that England are fighting fire with fire, and despite trailing India by 144 runs, they are still the top team. Harry Brook scored a sparkling half-century, while Jamie Smith continues to support his partner well as England, gradually and carefully, are inching towards India's first-innings total of 471.

India could have been a lot better placed. Three dropped two catches yesterday and had a dismissal reversed due to a no-ball. Of course, all this after a batting colla...