The fourth Test match between India and England in Ranchi, India, lived up to its billing and then some. After a tense and thrilling five days, India emerged victorious by five wickets, securing an unassailable 3-1 lead in the five-match series. This blog offers a detailed recap of the action, capturing the key moments and individual performances that defined the match.
Day 1: India Takes the Lead
The opening day witnessed India taking control of the proceedings. Captain Rohit Sharma and opening partner Shubman Gill stitched together a crucial 84-run partnership, setting the foundation for a strong first-innings total. While wickets fell at regular intervals thereafter, contributions from Cheteshwar Pujara (51) and Ravindra Jadeja (49) propelled India to a respectable 307 runs.
England Fights Back on Day 2
England responded with a determined batting display on the second day. Ollie Pope (108) played a captain’s knock, anchoring the innings with a brilliant century. Jonny Bairstow (74) provided valuable support, and England managed to reach 290 runs, falling 17 runs short of India’s first-innings total.
Spin Takes Center Stage on Day 3
The third day belonged to the spinners. India’s spin duo of Ravichandran Ashwin (5/44) and Ravindra Jadeja (4/78) shared nine wickets between them, dismantling England’s second innings for a paltry 185 runs. This gave India a crucial lead of 222 runs heading into Day 4.
India in Control, England Threatens a Comeback on Day 4
The fourth day saw India consolidating their position initially. Rohit Sharma (55) and Yashasvi Jaiswal (37) provided a solid start, but a middle-order collapse threatened to derail their chase of 192 runs. England’s young spinner, Shoaib Bashir (3/79), was impressed with his wicket-taking abilities, reducing India to 120/5.
Jurel and Gill Shine, Seal the Series Win for India
However, the Indian youngsters stood tall in the face of adversity. Wicket-keeper batsman Dhruv Jurel (39* not out) and opener Shubman Gill (52* not out) played with maturity and grit, stitching together an unbeaten 72-run partnership to guide India home to victory. Their composed batting under pressure ensured India clinched the series win with a match to spare.
Key Takeaways from the Match:
- Spin Dominance: The Indian spinners, Ashwin and Jadeja, once again proved their mettle, claiming 13 wickets combined across two innings. Their ability to control the tempo and exploit the turning track proved vital in India’s victory.
- Young Guns Impress: Shubman Gill and Dhruv Jurel showcased their talent and composure in the pressure situation of the fourth innings chase. Their partnership became the turning point in the match, securing India’s series win.
- England’s Fightback: Despite the defeat, England displayed resilience, especially with Ollie Pope’s century and Shoaib Bashir’s impressive bowling performance. These glimpses of potential offer a promising outlook for the young English side.
Looking Ahead:
With India securing the series win, the fifth and final Test match in Dharamshala will be a mere formality. However, both teams will be eager to end the series on a high note, making for an exciting final encounter.
This match served as another testament to the growing rivalry between India and England in Test cricket. Both sides displayed their fighting spirit and tactical acumen, providing fans with a thrilling spectacle. The series win further strengthens India’s position as a dominant force in Test cricket, while England will look to learn from their experiences and come back stronger in future encounters.
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