India vs England 2016: 4th Test, Day 2 - 5 talking points

#4 India bowl 121 overs with a ball

Kohli decided against taking the new ball

India had the option of taking the new ball at the end of 80 overs but chose to continue with the old ball, given the turn the spinners were extracting from it. On Day 2 as well, India began proceedings with the spinners and continued with the old ball.

There was no sign of pace until the new ball was taken in the 122nd over of the innings. Jadeja, Ashwin and Jayant had bowled for 105 minutes since the start of play on Day 2 with the old ball.

The ball must have clearly worn out having suffered agony for 121 overs, a rarity even in India. Given India took four wickets with the ball after the 80th over, it seemed like a good decision to stick with the old ball.