England won the first Test at Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium in Hyderabad by 28 runs and the second Test became a crucial one for India. Rohit Sharma won the toss at Vizag and chose to bat first on a batting-friendly track. Yashasvi Jaiswal lit up the stage scoring his maiden double-century in Test cricket as he scored 209 off 290 deliveries in the first innings and powered India to a total of 396. Jasprit Bumrah took over the responsibility during England’s first innings and got a six-fer to bundle the England innings on 253.
Shubman Gill who was struggling with form got a brilliant ton in the second innings scoring 104 off 147 deliveries and helping the team to give a 399-run target to England in the fourth innings. Jasprit Bumrah and Ravichandran Ashwin took three wickets each in the fourth innings to power the hosts to a famous win against England in Vizag. England started the fourth day’s play at 67/1 and then went on to lose wickets in regular intervals and eventually got bowled out for 292 in their second innings. The Indian team has moved to the second spot on the WTC points table behind Australia.
Day 1 and 2: India Dominates with the Bat
India, opting to bat first, displayed batting prowess in the initial innings, amassing a total of 396 runs. The foundation was laid by the top order, with Yashasvi Jaiswal’s composed and brisk 209. England’s bowling attack struggled to break partnerships, and India’s middle order capitalized on the momentum. Small partnerships provided the impetus for India’s imposing first-innings total.
In response, England faced a stern test against the Indian bowlers. Jasprit Bumrah’s six-wicket haul and the restricted England to 253. Zak Crawley stood tall amidst the batting collapse, contributing a resilient 76.
Day 3: India’s Second Innings and England’s Resilience
India, starting their second innings with a lead of 143 runs, faced early setbacks as England’s bowlers showed intent. James Anderson and Rehan Ahmed rattled the Indian top order, but Shubman Gill’s flamboyant 104 and valuable contributions from lower-order batsmen propelled India to a competitive 255. Tom Hartley shone with the ball, claiming four crucial wickets. England, chasing 399 for victory, concluded the day at 67 for one, showing resilience against India’s potent bowling attack.
Day 4: India Strikes Back; Ashwin Nears Milestone
The fourth day witnessed an intense battle between bat and ball. England, resuming at 194 for six, faced determined Indian bowlers. R Ashwin, with his crafty spin, picked up three wickets to inch closer to the milestone of 500 Test wickets. Zak Crawley emerged as England’s standout performer, crafting a resilient 73.
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As the day progressed, England’s wickets fell in clusters, and India’s bowlers showcased their prowess. Jasprit Bumrah, Ravichandran Ashwin and the spin duo of Axar Patel and Kuldeep Yadav contributed crucial breakthroughs. The final wicket fell post-lunch, with England bowled out for 292 in 69.2 overs.
Jasprit Bumrah after initially remaining quiet at the start of the 4th innings, made his presence felt in the later stages of the game as racked up 3 very wickets of Johnny Bairstow, Ben Foakes, and Hartley to finish the 2nd Test in Vizag with 9 wickets to his name, including a 1st innings 6-wicket haul.
India’s 106-run victory not only leveled the series but also showcased the team’s tenacity and determination. The spirited performances from both sides set the stage for an intriguing remainder of the series, promising more thrilling cricketing action. The focus now shifts to the third Test as the teams prepare for another battle in their quest for supremacy.