London: England yesterday bundled out India for a paltry 148 to take the upperhand on the very first day of the fifth and final cricket Test, and medium pacer Chris Woakes said the home team bowlers used the seaming conditions at Oval to perfection.
After dismissing India in only 61.1 overs, England finished day one on 62 for no loss, thereby cutting down the lead to only 86 runs. The hosts lead the five-match series 2-1.
“We bowled really well today and made use of the conditions. It was a good day and opting to bowl first, Stuart Broad and James Anderson set the tone for us.
Bowling them out for just 150-odd was perfect for us and then finishing on 60-odd without any loss was a very good end to the day,” said Woakes.
Woakes returned with figures three for 30 today and along with Chris Jordan (3/32) did heavy damage to the Indian middle-order after Anderson and Broad had made early inroads.
“At times I did think if I am ever going to pick a wicket. It can be disheartening sometime but it is good to pick up wickets,” said the bowler, who went wicket-less in Southampton despite bowling quite well.
“In the last couple of matches the rewards haven't come my way. But we all put the ball in the right areas and a few wickets came my way as well.”
