In a pulsating display of high-stakes Test cricket, India secured a heart-stopping victory over England in the fourth Test match at Ranchi, solidifying their unassailable 3-1 lead in the series. Despite the setback, England's fighting spirit remains undeterred as they set their sights on the scenic Dharamsala, nurturing the belief that a comeback is still on the cards.
Indian Spinners Spin a Web on a Deteriorating Pitch
The Ranchi Test witnessed a masterclass in spin bowling as India's spin wizards, Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja, exploited the deteriorating pitch to perfection. Their relentless accuracy and subtle variations proved too much for the English batting lineup, who slumped to sub-par totals in both innings. Ashwin, with his bag of tricks, bamboozled the opposition, while Jadeja was clinical in his line and length, choking the run flow and consistently building pressure. He also tied veteran Anil Kumble's record for the most five-wicket hauls for India in Test cricket history. Ashwin matched Kumble’s record by taking the 35th fifer in the longest format of cricket. He achieved this milestone during Day 3 of the series’ fourth Test match against England in Ranchi on Sunday.
Kuldeep Yadav’s spell was a game-changer on Day 3. He was handed the ball after England was looking to take the game away with the fourth wicket partnership between Jonny Bairstow and Jack Crawley. He took the opportunity with both hands and bowled Jack Crawley with a perfect chinaman delivery for the left-arm spinner. The ball came back in after pitching, and Crawley, being on the back foot, had no time to react. A ball that almost rolled along the carpet and was a leg break for the English skipper Ben Stokes, took his wicket away and once again put England in a difficult situation.
India's Batting – A Tale of Resolve and Grit
India's batting performance, although not without hiccups, displayed remarkable resilience against a potent English bowling unit. Rohit Sharma's battling half-century in the second innings steadied the ship amidst a wobble. However, the highlight was the composure shown by India's next generation. Shubman Gill's elegant strokeplay and Dhruv Jurel's steely determination formed the backbone of several crucial Indian victories. Gill's consistent contributions at the top of the order provided stability, while Jurel's fearless approach in the latter stages ensured India chased down challenging targets with composure. The duo's success was partly fueled by coach Rahul Dravid's inspiring words, which Gill shared after a match-winning innings: "If not you, then who? If not now, then when?"
This simple yet profound message from Dravid seemed to resonate deeply with India's young stars. It emphasized seizing opportunities and backing their skills in high-pressure situations. The partnership between Gill and Jurel and Dravid's mentorship highlights India's depth of talent and its ability to nurture future cricketing stars.
England's Bowlers Keep the Fight Alive
Despite England finding themselves on the back foot, their bowlers refused to succumb without a fight. The experienced duo of James Anderson and Stuart Broad consistently troubled India's established batting stars, demonstrating their ability to adapt and make life difficult even on turning tracks. The impressive performance of England's bowling attack provides them a glimmer of hope heading into the final Test.
Rohit Sharma's Captaincy Shines Through
Rohit Sharma's captaincy has been a significant factor in India's series success. His astute field placements, shrewd bowling changes, and calm demeanor under pressure have been instrumental in guiding India to crucial victories. His ability to extract the best from his bowlers, particularly his spinners, and rotate them effectively, has kept England's batsmen guessing throughout the series.
'Bazball' in Full Force: England's Unwavering Aggression
England's aggressive, attacking approach under the Stokes-McCullum era has brought a wave of fresh air to Test cricket. While their 'Bazball' tactics might have led to occasional batting collapses, their intent has never wavered. Their bold counter-attacks and fearless batting have been captivating, giving them a chance to unsettle the opposition and a glimmer of hope for staging a final comeback at Dharamsala.
The Dharamsala Decider: A Battle for Redemption and Dominance
The series moves to the picturesque Himachal Pradesh Cricket Stadium at Dharamsala for the fifth and final Test on March 7, another promising enthralling contest. For England, it's a battle for redemption, a chance to avoid a series of whitewash and to prove that their aggressive brand of cricket can succeed in the toughest of conditions.
India, on the other hand, will strive to complete a dominant home series victory, further solidifying their reputation as a formidable Test force. With momentum by their side and the enthusiastic support of their home crowd, India will start as favorites heading into the final encounter.
KL Rahul's Injury Woes Continue, Bumrah Set for The Return
KL Rahul will be missing the fifth India vs England Test at Dharamsala due to a quadriceps injury he has not played for India since the opening match at Hyderabad due to pain in his right quadriceps and is currently in London for treatment. “The BCCI Medical Team is closely monitoring him and coordinating with specialists in London for further management of his issue,” BCCI said in a statement.
However, there's a silver lining for India with the return of pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah. Bumrah rested for the fourth Test, is set to bolster India's bowling attack, bringing his potent combination of pace, accuracy, and lethal yorkers back into the fold. His presence will be vital as India aims to claim a comprehensive 4-1 series victory in Dharamshala.
Legacy of the Series
India's thrilling Test series victory over England further cemented their status as a formidable force in the longest format of the game. Their unbeaten home streak, now stretching to an impressive 17 consecutive series wins, is a testament to their unwavering dominance in familiar conditions. England were the last team to beat India in a Test series at home, clinching a 2-1 win in 2012. Since then India have won 17 Test series in a row at home - a record for most consecutive Test series wins at home. The second best is 10 for Australia who managed the feat between 1994 and 2000.
By weaving the intricate narratives of skill, resilience, and determination, the series between India and England has not only showcased the essence of Test cricket but also added another chapter to the rich history of the sport. As the cricketing world eagerly anticipates the climax at Dharamsala, the stage is set for yet another unforgettable showdown between two cricketing powerhouses.
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References:
- https://www.espncricinfo.com/
- https://www.sportsadda.com/
- https://www.firstpost.com/
- https://www.dnaindia.com/