Battle on the Pitch: England vs India Test Series
Clash of Titans: India vs. England Test Series Saga Unfolds from January 25 to March 7
Background
The two teams played their first test series in the year 1932 in which England won with 1–0. The teams have played 133 test matches against each other in which India won 32 matches, England won 51 matches and 50 matches ended in a draw. The highest run scorer till now is Joe Roots with 2603 runs and the highest wicket-taker till now is James Anderson with a total of 145 wickets.
1st Test Match: Date — January 25 to 28
In Hyderabad, England staged a remarkable victory against India. Despite challenges, including an injured key player and early wickets, they secured a historic win, though India’s spirited last-wicket partnership made the victory dramatic.
In a reminiscent turn, reminiscent of Dinesh Chandimal’s daring innings in 2015, Ollie Pope mirrored the sweep-filled heroics for England, amassing 196 runs with audacious shots against India’s spinners. Debutant Tom Hartley, initially under fire, emerged triumphant with seven wickets in the second innings, defying his costly start.
Starting the day with a precarious lead of 126 and just four wickets remaining, Ollie Pope’s determined effort, aided by Rehan Ahmed and Tom Hartley, added crucial runs to his overnight score. Despite daunting odds, including an injured Jack Leach and inconsistent performances, England successfully chased down over 230 runs in India, a feat achieved only five times. Pope’s resilience, alongside unexpected contributions, thwarted India’s hopes, showcasing England’s tenacity in adverse conditions.
Rohit Sharma’s proactive approach, particularly his adept use of sweeps and reverse sweeps, stood out amidst India’s struggles against spin. Despite his innovative shots, debutant Tom Hartley dismissed him lbw with a well-directed delivery. In a bid to bolster the batting lineup, India elevated Axar Patel, aiming to utilise his left-handed presence. Patel and KL Rahul stitched a brief partnership, capitalizing on loose deliveries. However, the flow of runs was sporadic, punctuated by moments of opportunity for the batsmen, notably when Rahul exploited the sweep and when Rehan Ahmed erred in his length.
In a decisive moment, Tom Hartley delivered the ball of the match, drifting it in, pitching leg, and turning past Bharat’s bat to dismantle the off stump. England capitalized on the extra half hour, sealing victory in the dying moments of the day, despite a nervy partnership between Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj.
2nd Test match: Date February 2 to 5
In a captivating showdown in Visakhapatnam, India battled England to clinch a thrilling 106-run victory, levelling the series at 1–1 with three Tests remaining. Jasprit Bumrah, renowned as the premier fast bowler of the era, played a pivotal role, continuing his dominance from England’s first innings. Although his figures of 3 for 46 in the fourth innings were less eye-catching than his six-wicket haul earlier, his strategic breakthroughs proved decisive, notably dismissing Jonny Bairstow on the brink of lunch, which stemmed England’s momentum.
Despite England’s tenacity, exemplified by Zak Crawley’s composed innings and Rehan Ahmed’s aggressive strokeplay, they encountered setbacks crucial to their chase. The LBW decision against Crawley and a lapse in judgment from skipper Ben Stokes hindered their progress. Joe Root’s uncharacteristic cameo further compounded their challenges.
The tone of England’s pursuit was set early on, with Crawley’s calculated approach contrasting with Ahmed’s audacious strokeplay. While Rehan’s aggressive intent yielded valuable runs, his departure signalled a shift in momentum. Ollie Pope’s aggressive start hinted at England’s intent not to retreat into a defensive mindset.
However, despite their spirited efforts, India’s relentless bowling attack, led by Bumrah and supported by Axar Patel, proved too formidable. England’s valiant fightback fell short as they were bowled out for 292, unable to chase down an imposing target of 399. While their total surpassed the previous successful chase by a visiting team in India, missed opportunities and moments of indiscipline cost them dearly.
As the series heads into the next encounters, both teams will reflect on the pivotal moments that shaped this enthralling contest, with India buoyed by their resurgence and England eager to bounce back in their quest for victory.
At 154 for 4 after 31 overs, England’s fate was sealed. Despite a resilient partnership between Crawley and Bairstow, a double breakthrough by India’s bowlers tilted the scales. Kuldeep Yadav’s deceptive delivery trapped Crawley lbw, confirmed by DRS, while Jasprit Bumrah dismissed Bairstow with a nipbacker. Bairstow’s departure met with frustration, shifted the session’s momentum. India’s strategic bowling changes, coupled with England’s mounting pressure, underscored the intensity of the contest. With England reeling at 194 for 6, India seized control, altering the course of the match in a mere five balls before lunch.
In a gripping finale, England’s valiant effort fell short despite Ben Stokes and Ben Foakes’s determined partnership, which briefly revived hopes of an improbable victory. However, Stokes’ dismissal, falling short of his crease due to a mix-up, dealt a severe blow to England’s chances. Tom Hartley’s resilience, matched with his impactful bowling, prolonged the contest alongside Foakes, with both players showcasing their batting prowess with timely sixes. Despite a spirited fightback, India’s Jasprit Bumrah clinched the crucial wicket of Foakes before Mukesh Kumar sealed the victory by dismissing Shoaib Bashir. The series remains finely poised, with Hartley’s wicket symbolizing India’s triumph in a hard-fought battle. It was a contest brimming with tension and drama, exemplifying Test cricket at its finest, ensuring the series retains its intrigue and excitement for the matches ahead.
3rd Test Match: Date — February 15 to 18
In a resounding display of dominance, India delivered a crushing defeat to England in Rajkot, marking their largest victory by runs and England’s second-largest defeat. Yashasvi Jaiswal’s stellar performance, including a remarkable double century, propelled India to an imposing target. His aggressive batting, featuring a record-equalling number of sixes, epitomized India’s newfound batting prowess. Supported by debutant Sarfaraz Khan’s impressive display, Jaiswal showcased his power-hitting prowess, particularly against James Anderson.
Kuldeep Yadav’s all-round brilliance further bolstered India’s position, as he contributed with both bat and ball. His early wickets and disciplined bowling rattled England’s top order, setting the tone for India’s dominance. Ravindra Jadeja and Kuldeep’s spin wizardry continued to dismantle England’s batting lineup, exploiting their vulnerability to the sweep shot. Ben Foakes and Tom Hartley provided brief resistance, but Jadeja’s five-wicket haul capped off India’s commanding performance.
The contrasting quality of spinners was evident as India’s bowlers consistently troubled England with bounce and lateral movement, while England’s spinners struggled to make an impact. Ravichandran Ashwin’s milestone of 250 left-handed victims highlighted his spin mastery, adding to India’s formidable bowling arsenal.
Despite England’s defiant effort, characterized by occasional resilience from Ben Stokes and others, they succumbed to India’s relentless pressure. The match showcased India’s depth and resilience, with contributions from both experienced players like Ashwin and emerging talents like Jaiswal and Sarfaraz. The victory not only asserted India’s dominance at home but also sent a strong message to challengers eyeing success in Indian conditions.
As the series progresses, India’s comprehensive performance in Rajkot serves as a warning to England and sets the stage for an enthralling contest in the remaining matches. With momentum firmly on their side, India will look to maintain their momentum and secure the series victory, while England will aim to regroup and mount a comeback. The clash between these two cricketing giants promises to be a spectacle to behold, with each team striving for supremacy on the field.
With this win, India registered an upper hand by winning two of three Tests comprehensively. The result affirmed India’s dominance in home conditions and highlighted the challenges faced by England in adapting to the spin-friendly pitches.
