England stamped their authority on this match and the series with a day of all-consuming dominance at Trent Bridge. Nothing, not even a classy riposte from Sachin Tendulkar, could detract from that. And yet, for all the runs and the swift removal of India's openers, England's effort was never better than solid; to force a victory tomorrow, they will need to raise their game several notches. But after that remarkable injury-time win over Sri Lanka in the third Test at Old Trafford, anything seems possible. If solidity can be this profitable, then the will of this team must be made of granite. Though Alec Stewart's wild innings suggested otherwise, England were in such control that even the TV replays went their way. Craig White – again the forgotten man at the beginning of the summer – continued his love affair with all things Indian, while Matthew Hoggard's furious self-remonition after getting out for a career-best 32 spoke volumes for his desire to ram home an advantage. India on the other hand were woeful, so it is too early to get carried away just yet, but to be underwhelmed by a day in which England's lower-order posted 276 runs in 60-odd overs … well, it's almost like watching Australia …

Australia's bowlers are also good at hanging around with the likes of Steve Waugh, but when it comes to their day-job, they do not often concede 99 runs in 19 overs. Virender Sehwag's comical dismissal may have summed up India's day, but it should also have reminded England of the importance of aiming at the stumps. Patience is a mantra that has served Nasser Hussain well, but it is also the very same thing that India need if they want to save the game. Tendulkar's temperament is under scrutiny like never before in this innings – the patience game, on this occasion, is playing straight into his hands.

Of course, Hussain may be hamstrung by his lack of options. Dominic Cork made an unexpected appearance after limping out on day one with a knee injury, and even produced a pearler that swerved past Tendulkar's edge. But, on a pitch that has not offered much to the hit-the-deck brigade, the absence of Ashley Giles may yet put paid to England's hopes of a fourth consecutive home win.

Andrew Miller is editorial assistant of Wisden.com.

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