Alastair Cook has soaked up some tough days during his record 57 Tests as England captain but Monday in Mohali – which ended with him out for 12, his opening partner unable to bat, his side four down and 56 runs adrift with hopes of a series win close to blown – was quite some challenge to his fortitude.
The day had begun with an air of optimism, too. At the start of play England were still 12 runs ahead in the match and while Ravi Ashwin and Ravi Jadeja were set from the night before, four quick strikes could have turned their first-innings sow’s ear into, if not a silk purse, then at least something in which to stash some lesser-spotted Indian rupees.
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