Has the failure of Indian batsmen camouflaged the failure of the bowlers to wrap up the Tail?

1. Statistical highlights of the success of the England tail

Woakes took the match away from India in the second Test

1. In the second innings of the first Test, England was reduced to 87 for 7 with all the specialist batsmen back in the pavilion. However, the Indian bowlers failed to finish off the tail and the last 3 England wickets added 93 runs. In the end, India finished up losing the match by just 31 runs.

2. In the second Test at Lord’s, in the only innings that England batted, the hosts were in a spot of bother at 131 for 5 before Bairstow and Chris Woakes added 189 runs for the 6th wicket. Finally, from 131 for 5 England declared at 396 for 7. Chris Woakes, the bowling all-rounder, scored his maiden Test century.

3. In the first innings of the fourth Test, England were 86 for 6. The last 4 wickets added 160 runs to reach a competitive score of 246.

4. In the second innings of the fourth Test, England were 122 for 5. The last 5 wickets added 149 runs to set up a target of 245 runs for India to win. India lost that match by 60 runs.

5. In the ongoing fifth Test match at the Oval, at one stage, England were precariously placed at 181 for 7. Jos Buttler got reprieved twice by the technology even though the on-field call was out.

Buttler, with the help of the tailenders, added 151 runs for the last 3 wickets.