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One-off Test: India Have Executed Basics Better To Dominate England, Says Mark Butcher

Mark Butcher: Former England batter Mark Butcher has lauded Indias absolute dominance in the ongoing one-off Test match at Lords, adding that the visitors had completely out-bowled England by executing the basics of the game much better. Harmanpreet Kaur-led India now need to pick just four wickets on the final day of the first-ever womens Test at Lords to complete a famous victory and Butcher did not mince words about the gulf in performance between the two bowling units. India have been dominant, pretty much from the off. I think the dye was cast from the first session of the Test when England won the toss and bowled first. There was a bit of assistance for the seamers on that day and fluffed their lines - they couldn't hold to a line and length and India got off to an absolute flier. India's 280 in the first innings has proven to be a lot of runs when the pitch was probably at its spiciest. From that moment onwards, England haven't been allowed back in the game. Lets face it, they have been out-bowled five to one in terms of line and length and India have done the basics better, thats it, said Butcher to broadcasters ahead of day fours play. Chasing a monumental, world-record target of 457 runs, England collapsed to a precarious 130/6 on day three. Given that the highest successful fourth-innings chase in womens Test history stands at a mere 198, an English victory was always highly improbable. India's 280 in the first innings has proven to be a lot of runs when the pitch was probably at its spiciest. From that moment onwards, England haven't been allowed back in the game. Lets face it, they have been out-bowled five to one in terms of line and length and India have done the basics better, thats it, said Butcher to broadcasters ahead of day fours play. Also Read: Live Cricket Score The only silver lining for Englands batting line-up has been wicketkeeper-batter Amy Jones, who fought valiantly to remain unbeaten on 52. While Amy will be aiming to convert her half-century into three figures on the final day, a potential milestone for her will offer little solace to England after enduring a chastening few days of Test match cricket. Article Source: IANS