Chris Woakes scored his maiden Test century in 129 balls, putting England in full control of the second Test against India at Lord's. The Warwickshire all-rounder's innings, combined with Jonny Bairstow's support, built a formidable lead of 250 runs, ensuring victory provided the weather cooperates.
Woakes, batting at number seven, demonstrated assurance on an unusually dry day. His return to the side re-establishes his credentials as an all-round international cricketer. Three days ago, England agonised over whether to make Moeen Ali or Woakes their 12th man, but now Woakes cannot be omitted regardless of conditions.
When Woakes joined Bairstow, England were 131 for five, leading by just 24. Their partnership of 189 runs took England so far ahead that Joe Root could consider a weather-induced declaration. While Bairstow started edgily but grew in authority, Woakes purred from the start.
Batting was easier than on Friday, though not entirely straightforward. India's bowlers could not replicate the swing England found, but there was uneven bounce and movement off the pitch. Five batsmen fell before reaching 30, after which run-scoring became easier. Virat Kohli ran out of bowlers, especially as Kuldeep Yadav proved a liability.
India stayed in the game for the first 35 overs, picking up wickets. Mohammed Shami dismissed Keaton Jennings and Jos Buttler, while Ishant Sharma accounted for Alastair Cook. Ollie Pope looked composed on debut but fell for 28, and Root was lbw to a ball that kept low.
Bairstow accrued runs busily, though not always from the middle of the bat. Kohli struggled with his bowling options: Hardik Pandya was only semi-effective, Ravi Ashwin lacked turn, and Kuldeep was too inaccurate to trust.
