With Jasprit Bumrah leading from the front, Indian bowlers emerged triumphant in an engrossing battle against England's dynamic batting lineup, securing a compelling 106-run victory in the second Test on Monday, as they skillfully subdued the 'Bazball' onslaught in a thrilling roller-coaster encounter leveling the series.
The visiting team's aggressive and fearless approach, which has often proven effective in the past, encountered a formidable challenge. On this pivotal occasion, India's bowlers executed a brilliant plan, seizing nine crucial wickets in just two sessions. This remarkable performance served as a resounding statement of intent, reshaping the trajectory of this crucial five-match series.
"You know winning a Test in these conditions is not easy. (I) wanted our bowlers to step up and they did that," said an elated India skipper Rohit Sharma at the post-match interview.
Rohit Sharma shakes hands with England's Ben Stokes after the match Reuters
As James Anderson claimed yesterday that India appeared nervous in their second innings, uncertain about setting a safe target to counter 'Bazball,' England walked the talk on Monday and went ballistic.
On a day that promised to be filled with fireworks, England began with determination, chasing a record target of 399 after starting the day at 67 for one. However, India's bowlers, led by the exceptional Jasprit Bumrah (3/46), R Ashwin (3/71), Axar Patel (1/75), and Kuldeep Yadav (1/60), turned the tide of the game, dismantling the English batting order and leaving them all out for 292 in the extended afternoon session.
England's aggressive approach, which had been successful in the first Test as well, failed to work against India's resilience this time. Only Zak Crawley's (73 off 132 balls) cautious yet aggressive strategy provided some resistance before India's bowlers took charge. Crawley, who displayed a mixture of patience and aggression, seemed to have figured out the challenge of facing Bumrah's pace. However, his dismissal by Kuldeep Yadav proved crucial.
Despite England's early optimism, their batting lineup crumbled as they attempted risky shots and sweeps on a pitch with unpredictable bounce. The loss of five wickets during the opening session effectively sealed England's fate.
Ben Stokes' run-out by a brilliant direct hit from Shreyas Iyer after lunch was a turning point. Although Ben Foakes (36) and Tom Hartley (36) tried to delay the inevitable with a 55-run partnership for the eighth wicket, England's hopes were dashed.
Rohit 'disappointed' at umpires 'robbing' Ashwin of his 500th wicket
India's Ravichandran Ashwin during the fourth day of the second Test match between India and England PTI
As England tried to climb the steep target with their punishing batting display, the day was not left out of controversy. Ravichandran Ashwin, who had just surpassed former spinner BS Chandrasekhar to become India’s highest wicket taker in Tests against England, was only one wicket away from his milestone 500th Test wicket when an umpiring decision became the center of attention. A caught-behind appeal against Tom Hartley in the 62nd over initially seemed to have given Ashwin his landmark wicket. The on-field umpire raised his finger, and the Indian camp celebrated, believing the wicket was Ashwin's.
However, England opted to review the decision, and the replay showed that the ball had hit Hartley's forearm, not his glove. As per the Decision Review System (DRS) rules, the dismissal was also checked for a potential LBW, but since the original decision for the same dismissal was not out, Hartley survived the LBW review.
Indian skipper Rohit Sharma was clearly dissatisfied with the final verdict and engaged in a lengthy discussion with the on-field umpire. Umpire Chris Gaffaney clarified that the decision under review was for a catch, not LBW. The ball's contact with Hartley's arm led to his reprieve, despite the umpire's initial call of out for a caught dismissal.
Yashasvi: A new star is born
Yashasvi Jaiswal's celebration after scoring double century during the second day PTI
As India successfully marked this series-levelling win, a new star emerged for India in the form of Yashasvi Jaiswal who weaved the foundation of this resounding win with his clinical double hundred in the first innings. After losing 'Player of the match' award to Jasprit Bumrah, who also played a key role in the win, Jaiswal reflected on the game and praised Bumrah's exceptional performance.
Jaiswal lauded Bumrah for his incredible bowling, highlighting the difficulty faced by the slip cordon while facing his deliveries. Despite the challenging conditions, Jaiswal maintained his intent to play out the new ball and build his innings, showcasing his determination as a promising young talent for India.
ICC Test championship: India reclaim second spot after beating England
India's captain Rohit Sharma with head coach Rahul David and Selection Committee Chairperson Ajit Agarkar after winning the second cricket test match against England PTI
India has made a remarkable resurgence in the ICC World Test Championship points table, reclaiming the coveted second spot. This stunning comeback follows their impressive 106-run victory over England in Vizag on Monday.
The Rohit Sharma-led Indian team had faced adversity in the ongoing five-match Test series at home, trailing 0-1 after a surprising loss in Hyderabad just a week ago. However, they roared back with determination and secured a decisive 106-run win on the fourth day of the second Test in Vizag, leveling the series at one-all.
Prior to the series, India, a two-time World Test Championship finalist, held the second position in the points table. However, their unexpected defeat temporarily pushed them out of the top three, landing them in the fifth spot.
With the series now level at 1-1, all eyes are on the third Test in Rajkot, scheduled to commence on February 15. India's remarkable fightback in Visakhapatnam has set the stage for an exciting continuation of the England tour, with the home side aiming to maintain their proud record in their own backyard.
