India completed another series win by sealing the series 4-1 against England in Dharamshala. Ravichandran Ashwin made his 100th appearance in the Test format memorable with nine wickets in the match. The England batting order collapsed once again while facing the might of the Indian spinners. After the defeat in the first match, The Indians came back strongly to win four Test matches in a row.
Team Lineups
India made two changes from the team that sealed the series in Ranchi. The Indian selectors have run out of patience already with Rajat Patidar. The 30 year old middle order batsman has failed to register a substantial score in the series despite being given chances in the absence of senior players. His exclusion from the team meant it was time for a debut for 23 year old batter Devdutt Paddikal.
The 23 year old batsman from Kerala has been in a rich vein of form in the Ranji Trophy and has earned a much deserved call-up in the team. Paddikal joined the new looking middle order with Sarfaraz Khan and Dhruv Jurel also in the mix. Yashasvi Jaiswal has been shining brightly at the top of the order for the Indians with Rohit Sharma as his opening partner. Shubman Gill completed the top order with his touch of elegance.
The Indian selectors are looking to slowly introduce Jasprit Bumrah to the first team. The mercurial pacer was selected to play in this match as team India eyed their fourth straight match in the Test format. Bumrah reclaimed the vacant space left by Akash Deep. The pace bowler from Bihar produced a fine performance in his debut Test match. It was a historical occasion for Ravichandran Ashwin who was due to take part in his hundredth Test match. Ashwin became the fourteenth Indian player to reach this milestone. The veteran is the 2nd off-spinner to touch the three figures of Test matches after Harbhajan Singh. Kuldeep Yadav and Ravindra Jadeja were the other spinners in the spin triad for India.
England made just one change from their team in Ranchi. Ollie Robinson’s return to the international arena was short lived as he made way for the fast bowler Mark Wood. There were centurions of Test matches in the England team also. Joe Root and Jonny Bairstow became the 6th and 7th players for England to reach the milestone of 100 Test matches.
Shoaib Bashir and Tom Hartley retained their places in the team with both of them enjoying impressive debut series. James Anderson was just two wickets away from becoming the first ever pace bowler with 700 Test wickets. The serious concern for England was their batsmen’s constant failure to post big scores on spinning pitches.
England
1. Zak Crawley 2. Ben Duckett 3. Ollie Pope 4. Joe Root 5. Jonny Bairstow 6. Ben Stokes (Cap.) 7. Ben Foakes (WK) 8. Mark Wood 9. Tom Hartley 10. Shoaib Bashir 11. James Anderson
India
1. Rohit Sharma (Cap.) 2. Yashasvi Jaiswal 3. Shubman Gill 4. Devdutt Paddikal 5. Sarfaraz Khan 6. Ravindra Jadeja 7. Dhruv Jurel (WK) 8. Ravichandran Ashwin 9. Kuldeep Yadav 10. Jasprit Bumrah 11. Mohammed Siraj
English captain Ben Stokes won the toss and decided to bat first under chilly conditions at Dharamshala. The Englishmen are familiar with this type of weather back at home. The Dharamshala wicket is usually on the slower side because of its soil texture. The pitch may assist the pace bowlers on the first couple of days of the Test match due to overcast conditions. However, with the sun beating down on the ground, they pitch will eventually become easier to bat on. So, fielding first is never a ball call at Dharamshala. But if the sun shines, batting first should be a top priority. Since the reconstruction in 2013, this stadium has hosted only one Test match. That game back in 2017 was won comprehensively by the hosts. The Australians were bowled out in the second innings for a score of just 137. So, India would go on to the fifth Test with a 100% record at this ground. England has previously played at this ground. In a high-scoring encounter in the 2023 World Cup, they demolished Bangladesh by 137 runs.
Fixture
India and England have met on 135 occasions prior to this Test match. The visitors have the upper hand with 51 wins. The other 50 Test matches ended in a draw. India has emerged victorious on 34 occasions. In Tests in India, the hosts have won 25 games. Two of England’s 15 Test wins came in 2012, the last time a visiting side had toppled the Indians in their own backyard in a series. The first Test match in India’s history was played against England at Lord’s in June. 1932.
| Venue | The third day of the fifth Test match between India and England was played at the picturesque Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamshala. |
| Date | The game started on Saturday, March 9, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. local time. |
Captaincy & Tactics
The culmination of England’s tour of India unfolded like an avalanche of wickets in the picturesque setting of Dharamsala, as their aspirations to conquer the heights of victory plummeted into the depths of an innings defeat. The resounding 4-1 series scoreline, reflective of the vast gap between the two teams, left England grappling with the bitter truth of their shortcomings on the final day of the tour.
Amidst the unfolding drama, James Anderson’s remarkable achievement of claiming his 700th Test wicket stood out as a testament to his unparalleled skill and longevity as a seam bowler. However, it was the indomitable R Ashwin, celebrating his 100th Test match, who left an indelible mark on the landmark contest with his stellar performance, culminating in a five-wicket haul that sealed victory for India within two sessions on the third afternoon.
Ashwin’s mastery was on full display during a captivating spell before lunch, where he meticulously dismantled England’s top order, including both openers and the crestfallen captain, Ben Stokes, with surgical precision. Each dismissal was a testament to Ashwin’s cunning and deception, as he spun a web of bewilderment around England’s batsmen, leaving them gasping for answers.
The narrative of England’s batting collapse resonated with a sense of inevitability, as the confidence and resilience that had propelled them to overachieve in the early stages of the series were eclipsed by the superior skills of India’s bowlers, led by Ashwin, Jasprit Bumrah, and Kuldeep Yadav. With a daunting deficit of 259 runs to chase after India’s first innings total of 477, the prospect of replicating their miraculous comeback in Hyderabad seemed a distant hope for England.
In a symphony of skill and strategy, Ashwin’s artistry with the ball continued to unravel England’s lineup, as promising partnerships faltered and hopes dwindled. The faltering openers, Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett, found themselves ensnared in Ashwin’s guile, unable to withstand the pressure of his crafty variations and immaculate control.
While stalwarts like Joe Root attempted to salvage some pride with gritty performances, the overarching theme of England’s innings was one of disarray and despair. Jonny Bairstow’s fleeting counterattack and Stokes’ ongoing struggles at the crease reflected the palpable frustration and futility gripping the English camp.
As the innings unravelled, Ashwin continued his reign of dominance, claiming vital wickets with guile and precision, leaving England in disarray. Despite glimpses of resistance from players like Tom Hartley and Root, India’s relentless pursuit of victory proved too formidable to overcome.
In a fitting end to the tour, Kuldeep Yadav emerged as the standout performer, rightfully earning the Player-of-the-Match award for his mesmerizing display of spin bowling that unraveled England’s resolve. India’s comprehensive team effort and England’s battle with their own limitations encapsulated the essence of a tour that culminated in defeat and introspection for the visitors.
Batting Analysis
The final day epitomized the entire series. Jimmy Anderson, the lone bright spot for England, etched his name in cricketing history by becoming the first seamer to reach the pinnacle of 700 Test wickets. However, this momentous occasion was overshadowed by England’s dismal batting performance.
Despite Anderson’s milestone, England’s batting imploded on the third day. Facing a daunting deficit of 259 runs after succumbing to Kuldeep Yadav’s magic on day one, they were bundled out for a meager 195 in a mere 48.1 overs. This capitulation sealed their fate, handing India a comprehensive victory by an innings and 64 runs. The heroics of Hyderabad, where England pulled off a heist-like victory, seemed like a distant dream by comparison.
While Anderson deserved a better send-off, England’s batting display bordered on chaotic. Joe Root, the lone exception, displayed commendable composure and notched a well-deserved 84. However, this was a rare instance of brilliance amidst a string of sub-par scores. England’s struggles were further highlighted by the fact that this was their seventh total below 300 in a series played on pitches generally considered batting-friendly.
Contrasting this with India’s approach, we see a clear focus on taking wickets. Coach Rahul Dravid emphasizes the importance of having the “best resources to take 20 wickets” as quickly as possible. He highlights that India’s commitment to a five-bowler attack, even when faced with the loss of key batting talents like KL Rahul and Ravindra Jadeja, ultimately paid dividends. This strategy, now a well-established norm for India, prioritizes bowling strength over batting depth.
This focus on bowling dominance stands in stark contrast to England’s recent batting philosophy under Stokes and Brendon McCullum, often described as “brave.” This approach emphasizes attacking shots and taking calculated risks against good bowlers. While this requires bravery from individual batsmen, it also necessitates a certain level of batting depth, something England arguably lacked in this series. Their reliance on an attacking approach ultimately stretched their bowling resources thin, creating a mismatch against India’s potent bowling attack.
The series outcome is perhaps best encapsulated by the manner in which it ended: India claiming their 100th wicket – Root caught by the series’ best fast bowler, Jasprit Bumrah, off the bowling of the most pivotal selection, Kuldeep Yadav. England’s best batsman, burdened with additional bowling duties, succumbed to India’s superior bowling attack, highlighting the fundamental truth of Test cricket – bowlers win matches and series.
As India savored their triumph, Rohit Sharma, nursing a stiff back from his century the previous day, watched Jasprit Bumrah lead the team on the field. Ravichandran Ashwin, celebrating his 100th Test with a five-wicket haul, personified India’s dominance with the ball. While Ashwin’s performance was commendable, his haul didn’t require him to reach his absolute peak. England’s batsmen, desperate to avoid the inevitable, often gifted their wickets away.
Despite India potentially being weakened by injuries, their batting depth proved exceptional. A constant stream of hungry, technically sound batters ensured minimal disruption. The stark difference lied in the bowling attacks. India’s potent bowling unit, bolstered by the inclusion of Kuldeep Yadav and the menacing presence of Bumrah, thrived in the conditions. In stark contrast, England’s bowling attack, despite Ben Stokes’ tactical efforts, only managed to secure victory twice throughout the series.
Stokes, known for his aversion to hindsight, acknowledged that his decision to delay knee surgery in order to participate in the World Cup limited his bowling options in India. While his dismissal of Rohit Sharma on day two with his first ball in months offered a glimpse of what could have been, it ultimately highlighted England’s shortcomings.
England fell agonizingly short of setting up a decider, ending the series with four consecutive losses. This dismal streak, despite the undeniable progress under Stokes, necessitates a period of introspection. Questions need to be raised about the team’s approach – has their aggressive batting philosophy tilted the risk-reward balance too far?
The third day’s disastrous batting collapse, where five top-order wickets fell for a mere 100 runs within the first 23 overs, reeked of fatigue. Watching Ben Duckett recklessly charge at Ashwin and Ollie Pope’s ill-advised top-edge off a delivery well outside off-stump only emphasized the team’s struggles.
Zak Crawley’s dismissal, a 16-ball duck after fending Ashwin to backward short-leg, capped off a relatively successful tour with a disappointing note. Jonny Bairstow, despite his characteristic belligerence and three sixes, fell short of his usual dominance. With Harry Brook’s return to the team on the horizon, Bairstow’s position in the squad might be under scrutiny. Ben Foakes’ underwhelming performance, averaging just 20.5, could also lead to his axing. Perhaps his attempt to adapt to the team’s aggressive style resulted in his dismissal, becoming another victim of Ashwin’s five-wicket haul.
Stokes himself couldn’t avoid the Indian bowling onslaught, narrowly escaping a pair and succumbing to Ashwin’s slider. In stark contrast, Joe Root stood out as a beacon of control and proficiency amidst the carnage. Even with Bumrah, his tormentor from the beginning of the series, dismantling the lower order, Root remained the only batsman who appeared to be in complete command. Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill’s magnificent centuries did not have any matches in the English camp.
Bowling Analysis
The picturesque setting of Dharamsala became a stage for a dramatic collapse in England’s aspirations. Their dreams of conquering the series victory were ruthlessly swept away in an avalanche of wickets, leaving them staring down the barrel of a resounding 4-1 defeat. The final day served as a stark reminder of the vast gulf between the two teams, forcing England to confront the bitter truth of their shortcomings throughout the tour.
Amidst this unfolding drama, a moment of individual brilliance shone through. James Anderson, a legend of the game, etched his name further into cricketing history by claiming his 700th Test wicket, a testament to his unparalleled skill and longevity as a seam bowler. However, the day truly belonged to R Ashwin, celebrating his 100th Test match in grand style. Ashwin’s stellar performance, culminating in a match-winning five-wicket haul, left an indelible mark on this landmark contest, sealing India’s victory within a breathtaking two sessions on the third afternoon.
The true magic of Ashwin’s bowling unfolded in a captivating spell before lunch. With surgical precision, he dismantled England’s top order, leaving a trail of despair in his wake. Both openers succumbed to his guile, and even the highly-regarded captain, Ben Stokes, couldn’t resist Ashwin’s web of deception. Each dismissal whispered tales of Ashwin’s cunning, his deliveries spinning webs of confusion that left England’s batsmen bewildered and gasping for answers.
England’s batting collapse unfolded with a sense of tragic inevitability. The confidence and resilience that had fueled their early overachievements seemed to have evaporated completely, replaced by a suffocating sense of vulnerability against the superior bowling attack led by Ashwin, Jasprit Bumrah, and Kuldeep Yadav. Chasing a daunting target of 477 after India’s mammoth first innings total of 477, replicating their miraculous comeback in Hyderabad seemed like a distant dream.
Ashwin, conducting a symphony of skill and strategic brilliance with the ball, continued to expose the cracks in England’s batting lineup. Promising partnerships sputtered and died under the relentless pressure, hopes withering with each dismissal. The faltering openers, Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett, found themselves ensnared in Ashwin’s masterful control and crafty variations, unable to withstand the onslaught.
Stalwarts like Joe Root tried valiantly to salvage some pride with gritty displays, but the overarching narrative of England’s innings remained one of disarray and despair. Jonny Bairstow’s fleeting counterattack and Stokes’ ongoing struggles at the crease only mirrored the palpable frustration and growing sense of futility gripping the English camp.
As the innings unraveled, Ashwin continued his reign of dominance, claiming vital wickets with surgical precision and leaving England in disarray. Despite glimpses of resistance from players like Tom Hartley and a dogged Root, India’s relentless pursuit of victory proved too much to overcome.
The recently concluded India vs. England Test series, which ended in a resounding 4-1 victory for India, throws up some curious statistics. One such anomaly is the number of balls faced by Ben Stokes (367) and Kuldeep Yadav (362) across the ten innings played. While these numbers might seem random at first glance, a deeper look reveals a story of contrasting bowling philosophies and their impact on the series outcome.
Statistics can be misleading, often representing just a snapshot in the high-octane world of cricket. A player might experience a slump, or a lower-order batsman might unexpectedly frustrate the bowlers. However, in this case, the Stokes-Kuldeep comparison compels us to delve deeper. Did Stokes struggle because he faced a substantial amount of Kuldeep’s spin? Conversely, would Kuldeep have been more easily dismissed if Stokes, hampered by a knee injury, had bowled more than a single spell throughout the series?
The answer transcends individual players and highlights the stark differences in the composition of the two bowling attacks. India fielded five established bowlers in each Test, while England persisted with just four, placing an enormous burden on part-time spinner Joe Root. In fact, Root ended up bowling more overs than James Anderson, a seasoned fast bowler. Additionally, debutants Tom Hartley and Shoaib Bashir bowled more than anyone else on either side, reflecting England’s lack of depth in their bowling resources.
This reliance on inexperienced spinners, often fatigued by excessive workloads, exposed England’s vulnerability, particularly suited to the Indian conditions. Kuldeep Yadav, chosen over a batsman with better credentials, thrived in this scenario. We see this with Shoaib Bashir, who bowled a grueling 31-over spell in Ranchi, paving the way for Kuldeep’s match-winning 28 overs later in the innings. Bashir, despite battling a stomach bug, bowled a valiant 46.1 overs in India’s only innings at Dharamsala.
England’s bowling management reeked of an undermanned attack ill-equipped for the conditions. Inexperienced spinners were overworked, and a key fast bowler like Anderson was reduced to a bit-part role despite his consistent rhythm and wicket-taking threat. The vast majority of overs India faced were from inexperienced or part-time spinners, often running on fumes.
While Kuldeep Yadav’s selection proved a masterstroke for India, England’s decision to stick with four bowlers remains a source of debate. When asked about the possibility of playing a fifth bowler, Stokes, in a post-match press conference, dismissed the question as “hindsight.” However, the sheer workload England’s spinners had to shoulder throughout the series begs the question: did they ever consider this option?
Key Performances
The picturesque setting of Dharamsala became a stage for a dramatic collapse in England’s aspirations. Their dreams of conquering the series victory were ruthlessly swept away in an avalanche of wickets, leaving them staring down the barrel of a resounding 4-1 defeat. The final day served as a stark reminder of the vast gulf between the two teams, forcing England to confront the bitter truth of their shortcomings throughout the tour.
Amidst this unfolding drama, a moment of individual brilliance shone through. James Anderson, a legend of the game, etched his name further into cricketing history by claiming his 700th Test wicket, a testament to his unparalleled skill and longevity as a seam bowler. However, the day truly belonged to R Ashwin, celebrating his 100th Test match in grand style. Ashwin’s stellar performance, culminating in a match-winning five-wicket haul, left an indelible mark on this landmark contest, sealing India’s victory within a breathtaking two sessions on the third afternoon.
The true magic of Ashwin’s bowling unfolded in a captivating spell before lunch. With surgical precision, he dismantled England’s top order, leaving a trail of despair in his wake. Both openers succumbed to his guile, and even the highly-regarded captain, Ben Stokes, couldn’t resist Ashwin’s web of deception. Each dismissal whispered tales of Ashwin’s cunning, his deliveries spinning webs of confusion that left England’s batsmen bewildered and gasping for answers.
England’s batting collapse unfolded with a sense of tragic inevitability. The confidence and resilience that had fueled their early overachievements seemed to have evaporated completely, replaced by a suffocating sense of vulnerability against the superior bowling attack led by Ashwin, Jasprit Bumrah, and Kuldeep Yadav. Chasing a daunting target of 477 after India’s mammoth first innings total of 477, replicating their miraculous comeback in Hyderabad seemed like a distant dream.
Ashwin, conducting a symphony of skill and strategic brilliance with the ball, continued to expose the cracks in England’s batting lineup. Promising partnerships sputtered and died under the relentless pressure, hopes withering with each dismissal. The faltering openers, Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett, found themselves ensnared in Ashwin’s masterful control and crafty variations, unable to withstand the onslaught.
Stalwarts like Joe Root tried valiantly to salvage some pride with gritty displays, but the overarching narrative of England’s innings remained one of disarray and despair. Jonny Bairstow’s fleeting counterattack and Stokes’ ongoing struggles at the crease only mirrored the palpable frustration and growing sense of futility gripping the English camp.
As the innings unraveled, Ashwin continued his reign of dominance, claiming vital wickets with surgical precision and leaving England in disarray. Despite glimpses of resistance from players like Tom Hartley and a dogged Root, India’s relentless pursuit of victory proved too much to overcome.
In a fitting finale to the tour, Kuldeep Yadav emerged as the standout performer, rightfully claiming the Player-of-the-Match award for his mesmerizing display of spin bowling that ripped through England’s batting resolve. India’s comprehensive team effort stood in stark contrast to England’s battle with their own limitations. This tour culminated in defeat and introspection for the visitors, leaving them with plenty to ponder as they head back to the drawing board.
Match Result
India won the fifth Test match by an innings and 64 runs. After the initial hiccup in Hyderabad, the Indians have won four games in a row to take the series 4-1 in their favour.
Player of the Match
Kuldeep Yadav was adjudged the man of the match for this game. The wrist spinner from Uttar Pradesh picked up an innings-best 5 for 72 in the first innings. He then played a handy innings of 30 with the bat. Kuldeep claimed scalps in the second innings as India thrashed England on day three.
Player of the Series
Youngster Yashasvi Jaiswal deservedly won the man of the series award. The 22 year old has scored a grand total of 712 runs in nine innings in this series. He has scored two centuries and two fifties in five outings. Jaiswal’s impressive strike rate of 79.91 and outstanding average of 89 delineate the boy’s immense potential.
Brief Scorecard
| England First Innings: 218/10 (57.4 overs) | India First Innings:477/10 (124.1 overs) | England Second Innings: 195/10 (48.1 overs) |
| Zak Crawley 79 (108) | Shubman Gill 110 (150) | Joe Root 84 (128) |
| Ben Duckett 27 (58) | Rohit Sharma 103 (162) | Jonny Bairstow 39 (31) |
| Kuldeep Yadav 5/72 (15 overs) | Shoaib Bashir 5/172 (46.1 overs) | Ravichandran Ashwin 5/77 (14 overs) |
| Ravichandran Ashwin 4/51 (11.4 overs) | Tom Hartley 2/126 (39 overs) | Jasprit Bumrah 2/38 (10 overs) |
Day Highlights
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vJPPymR1l3Ehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vJPPymR1l3E
Match Wrap-Up
Ravichandran Ashwin and Kuldeep Yadav’s bowling efforts were enough to inflict another heavy defeat over the Englishman on day three of the fifth Test match. Joe Root’s lonely battle could only extend English misery in front of an Indian spin onslaught. Yashasvi Jaiswal and the other young players have shown their mettle in the absence of a few seniors from the Test team. Now, the international season is over and we eagerly wait for the latest season of IPL to start in ten days’ time.
