India, July 14 -- When India lost their captain, Shubman Gill, around 10:40 PM IST last night, 20 minutes were still left in the day's play. India had lost their third wicket, and England were cock-a-hoop. After all, this Indian top-order has given England headaches in the five innings they had batted thus far, and hence, to have them 42/3 in chase of 193 was just the shot in the arm England and Ben Stokes required.

As KL Rahul waited with bated breath, in walked Akash Deep, still adjusting his gloves and arm-guard, not properly applied. You didn't need a scientist to tell you that the decision to send him as a nightwatchman was a last-minute call. Perhaps India wanted to protect Rishabh Pant, a key man, with Ravindra Jadeja, Nitish Redd...