Even as the second match of the Investec Test series between India and England got underway, there have been certain things that neither of the teams have been able to move on from. The ‘pushgate’ incident that took place between Ravindra Jadeja and James Anderson has taken a fresh twist: Gautam Gambhir and R Ashwin seem to have witnessed the entire altercation unfolding. With evidence in hand now, Jimmy Anderson could well be in trouble.
However, all that kept aside, the match did progress, and progress well, it did. It was the return of the obvious for the Indians– a batting collapse and the team held together by a one-man show. However, for England, this match sprung a few pleasant surprise. Gary Ballance, who flashed into limelight thanks to his topless adventures at a bar, right before the match, actually saved the day for the hosts. Peter Moores, furious at this irresponsible behavior from his end, had threatened to throw the axe at him, if the behavior would be repeated. It looks like that showdown actually worked like magic for Ballance, who seemed to be on fire against the Indian bowlers, who were hurling some sharp ones, on one of the hottest days in England. With a 110 already under his belt, it is Ballance who saved his team from tumbling down. With India’s below average score of 295, things didn’t really look that bad when they started play on Day 2, but tail hero Bhuvaneshwar Kumar did what he  does best — bowl and rip any side apart. And rip them apart he did, tearing into the openers and digging his way into the middle order. Shami, Murali Vijay and Jadeja got 1 wicket each as England were 219/6 at stumps on Day 2.
The Indian bowlers have given their best, despite the sweltering heat. Yes, Day 2 was indeed a hot day, with some unexpected heroes emerging and some heroes failing to live upto their names. Day 3 has set higher expectations now.