Knight back on form

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Nick Knight emerged from his recent loss of form to score a superb half–century for England in their weather–affected fourth one–day international against India.

The Warwickshire left–hander, man–of–the–series as recently as October during the triumphant tour to Zimbabwe, has struggled since his arrival in India and scored only 24 runs in the first three matches.

But today he broke out of his slump to hit a half–century off only 57 deliveries, including seven boundaries, as England progressed to 108 for one after 16 overs in a match reduced to 39 overs a side by heavy morning dew.

Knight's place in England's line–up had been under threat by his lack of runs, but it may have been saved by wicketkeeper James Foster being ruled out through sickness, prompting Marcus Trescothick to take the gloves and earn Graham Thorpe his first appearance of the series.

From the very start of today's game Knight looked positive and overshadowed Trescothick during a 71–run opening partnership spanning just 11 overs.

He hit the first boundary of the innings, driving Ajit Agarkar through point and then hit three more off Harbhajan Singh's only over before he was withdrawn from the attack.

Trescothick, by contrast, looked far more subdued and apart from a brief flurry, when he hit successive boundaries off Agarkar, was forced to play an unfamiliar anchor role.

His frustration finally got the better of him when he drove Anil Kumble on the up and was caught in the deep by Nayan Mongia, giving Andrew Flintoff a rare opportunity to impress at number three.

Flintoff quickly got off the mark and then drove Harbhajan down the drive for his first boundary before lofting Kumble over long off for a huge six.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in