Ravichandran Ashwin is destined to become the first Indian off spinner to get to the 500 mark in the next Test match. The veteran spinner showed a glimpse of his wizardry in the fourth day of the third Test match between India and England. Along with the swing bowling of Jasprit Bumrah, the Indian bowling lineup quickly claimed a crucial victory to draw level in this gripping series. India maintained their 100% record at Visakhapatnam after another day of Test cricket.
Team Lineups
India was forced to make a couple of changes from the last Test due to injuries to key players KL Rahul and Ravindra Jadeja. The alarm bells have been ringing for these two for a long time now, they have suffered 11 separate injuries over the last three years. Jadeja is ruled out with a hamstring injury while Rahul is out with a right quadriceps injury.
30 year old batter from Madhya Pradesh, Rajat Patidar came in to replace KL Rahul. Kuldeep Yadav was chosen for a Test match for the fourth time in the last five years for India. Mohammed Siraj was given a rest after a heavy workload over the last few months. 30 year old pacer from Bihar Mukesh Kumar was selected in his place. Virat Kohli is still unavailable for selection due to personal reasons.
After missing the first Test due to a controversial visa issue, Shoaib Bashir finally made his debut in the second Test. The 20 year old off spinner has played only six first class games before this one. The other change in the Indian team was the inclusion of James Anderson in place of misfiring Mark Wood. Anderson is just 10 wickets away from reaching the milestone of 700 wickets; he will be the first pace bowler to achieve this feat. India is playing with a relatively inexperienced squad after a long time. The time looks to be over for two middle stalwarts Ajinkya Rahane and Cheteshwar Pujara. The aggregate of Test career runs by all the Indian batsmen is less than that of Joe Root alone.
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. Rehan Ahmed 9. Tom Hartley 10. Shoaib Bashie 11. James Anderson
India
1. Rohit Sharma (Cap.) 2. Yashasvi Jaiswal 3. Shubman Gill 4. Shreyas Iyer 5. Rajat Patidar 6. Axar Patel 7. Srikar Bharat (WK) 8. Ravichandran Ashwin 9. Mukesh Kumar 10. Jasprit Bumrah 11. Kuldeep Yadav
Indian skipper Rohit Sharma won the toss and elected to bat first. The playing surface of YS Rajasekhara Reddy Stadium looked brown and sturdy in the beginning, but it can deteriorate swiftly. The pace will eventually become slower with not a lot of bounce on the surface.
There would be enough carry and bounce during the initial phases of the Test match. The ideal scenario would be bat first and post a score over 450 runs to put the opponents under pressure. India recorded the previous two Test matches by choosing to bat first. The average first innings in Tests is 476. With the absence of several key figures in the batting lineup, India would rely on the younger members of the squad to deliver in this crucial second Test match.
Fixture
India had won both of their Tests at Visakhapatnam prior to this game. The most recent Test match at this ground saw India beat South Africa by 203 runs. India and England have met on 132 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 31 occasions. In Tests in India, the hosts have won 22 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 second day of the second Test match between India and England was played at YS Rajasekhara Reddy Stadium in Visakhapatnam. |
| Date | The game started on Saturday, February 3, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. local time. |
Captaincy & Tactics
At the center of this gripping narrative stood Jasprit Bumrah, a modern-day fast-bowling sensation whose heroics with the ball proved instrumental in India’s triumph. Bumrah’s figures of 3 for 46 in the fourth innings may not have mirrored his first-innings exploits, where he wreaked havoc with a stunning six-for, but it was his impeccable timing and crucial breakthroughs that turned the tide in India’s favor on a tense fourth day of play.
England, a team renowned for their resilience and fighting spirit, mounted a valiant fourth-innings challenge, chasing a daunting target of 399 set by the hosts. Despite their determined effort, the Englishmen fell short with a total of 292, succumbing to India’s relentless pressure and strategic bowling tactics.
Throughout the match, key moments shaped the course of the game, with players like Zak Crawley, Jonny Bairstow, and Ben Stokes playing pivotal roles for England. However, a series of missed opportunities and lapses in judgement proved costly for the visitors, as India’s bowlers capitalized on these moments to assert their dominance on the field.
As the day unfolded, the ebb and flow of the game became apparent, with Crawley’s composed half-century contrasting with Pope’s aggressive strokeplay and Stokes’ frenetic innings. The battle between bat and ball unfolded in dramatic fashion, with spin wizards Ashwin and Axar posing constant challenges for the English batsmen, testing their skills and resolve with every delivery.
In a series of captivating exchanges, Bumrah’s re-entry into the attack proved decisive, as he struck crucial blows to dismantle the English resistance and propel India towards a memorable victory. A stunning run-out by Shreyas Iyer further compounded England’s woes, snuffing out any glimmer of hope for a miraculous turnaround in fortunes.
Despite the outcome, the match was a testament to the spirit of competition and camaraderie that defines cricket at its core. Both teams displayed moments of brilliance and resilience, showcasing the true essence of the sport and captivating audiences with their skill and determination on the field.
As the series now stands at 1-1 with three Tests still to play, the stage is set for further drama, excitement, and memorable performances in the matches to come. Fans can expect more enthralling cricketing battles as India and England lock horns in a quest for supremacy, each vying to outshine the other and claim victory in what promises to be a fiercely contested series till the very end.
Batting Analysis
As the sun rose on the fourth day, all eyes were on the England batting lineup as opener Zack Crawley and nightwatchman Rehan Ahmed took their positions to chase down the daunting target of 399 runs set by the Indian team. The duo faced a stern challenge from the Indian bowling duo of Jasprit Bumrah and Axar Patel, who were determined to secure a crucial win for their side.
Despite a spirited effort from the English batsmen, the target proved insurmountable as India’s bowlers tightened the screws. Axar Patel struck early, dismissing Rehan Ahmed for 23 to give India the breakthrough they needed. However, England continued to push the run rate, with Ollie Pope showcasing aggressive strokeplay and maintaining a brisk scoring rate throughout his innings.
Pope’s innings was brought to an end when he fell victim to a crafty delivery from Ravichandran Ashwin, caught at slip by skipper Rohit Sharma. Meanwhile, Joe Root launched his innings with flair, showcasing his class with two boundaries off Ashwin in quick succession. Root’s stay at the crease was cut short as he perished attempting a big shot off Ashwin, shifting the momentum in India’s favor just before the Lunch break.
The afternoon session saw India assert their dominance further, claiming vital wickets of Jonny Bairstow and the well-set Zack Crawley, leaving England reeling with two new batters at the crease. Skipper Ben Stokes and Ben Foakes attempted to stabilize the innings, but a brilliant direct hit from Shreyas Iyer saw the end of Stokes’ innings, triggering a collapse in the English batting order.
Foakes and Tom Hartley rallied briefly with a partnership, offering a glimmer of hope for England, but the Indian bowlers struck back decisively to dismantle the opposition. The English innings crumbled under pressure, paving the way for India to clinch a memorable victory and level the series.
In the lead-up to their triumph, Team India showcased grit and determination across all facets of the game. In their second innings, they posted a total of 255 runs, buoyed by a magnificent century from Shubman Gill. Gill’s stellar knock, embellished with 11 fours and 2 sixes, anchored India’s innings and set the stage for a compelling chase for the visitors.
Earlier in the match, the Indian bowlers, spearheaded by Jasprit Bumrah’s impressive six-wicket haul, dominated proceedings on Day 2, restricting England to a modest total of 255 runs. The first-innings lead of 143 runs proved pivotal in shaping the outcome of the match, highlighting the significance of India’s disciplined bowling attack and resilient batting performances.
Bowling Analysis
Jasprit Bumrah showcased his prowess by securing the final wicket of Tom Hartley, clinching his third scalp of the innings as India triumphed over England by 106 runs in the second Test. With this hard-fought victory, Team India leveled the five-match Test series at 1-1, setting the stage for a riveting showdown in the upcoming third match scheduled in Rajkot on February 15.
Throughout the fourth day’s play, England’s batting display reflected contrasting approaches in the first and second sessions. The visitors came out aggressively in the initial session, applying pressure on the Indian bowlers as they sought to mount a challenging chase. However, India rallied back strongly towards the end of the session with a flurry of wickets, turning the tide in their favor.
In the subsequent session, Captain Ben Stokes and Ben Foakes adopted a more cautious approach, aiming to consolidate and grind through to Tea. Despite their efforts, Stokes fell victim to a brilliant direct hit from Shreyas Iyer, capitalizing on some lax running from the English skipper. Tom Hartley then accelerated the scoring rate, forging a brisk 55-run partnership with Foakes off just 74 deliveries before falling prey to Jasprit Bumrah’s skillful bowling.
As the match intensified, Shoaib Bashir surrendered to Mukesh Kumar, marking England’s descent to their final wicket. Bumrah exhibited his class by dismantling Hartley’s defenses, capping an impressive performance with his ninth wicket of the match, steering India to a resounding victory.
Earlier in the day, the Indian bowlers orchestrated crucial breakthroughs to curtail England’s batting prowess. Kuldeep Yadav struck a vital blow by dismissing the formidable Zak Crawley for an impressive 73 off 132 balls just moments before Lunch, disrupting England’s momentum. Bumrah’s mastery shone through as he scalped Jonny Bairstow, leaving Stokes to lead the charge alongside the final tailenders in the second session.
In a compelling narrative of twists and turns, Ravichandran Ashwin dismantled a threatening partnership between Ollie Pope and Zak Crawley, with Rohit Sharma securing an exceptional catch at slip to dismiss Pope for 23 off 21 deliveries. Ashwin followed up with the prized wicket of Joe Root, who blazed his way to 16 off just 10 balls, further bolstering India’s stronghold in the contest.
Despite Axar Patel’s early breakthrough by dismissing nightwatchman Rehan Ahmed, the bowler faced challenges controlling the run flow, with Ahmed providing a quick 23 runs in 31 deliveries. Crawley’s aggressive half-century proved pivotal as he dominated Axar alongside Pope, instigating a spirited battle between the two teams.
With every wicket and partnership shaping the course of the game, the action-packed showdown between India and England epitomized the fervor and unpredictability of Test cricket, captivating audiences with its sheer intensity and competitive spirit. As the teams gear up for the third Test in Rajkot, the stage is set for another enthralling chapter in this exhilarating battle for supremacy on the cricket field.
Fielding Analysis
Shreyas Iyer produced a moment of magic in the field to send Ben Stokes back to the pavilion. The Indians performed admirably in the field. They were quick in getting out of their blocks and saved many runs with their agile fielding. Srikar Bharat was in red hot form behind the stumps taking two catches including one to dismiss Ben Duckett. Rohit Sharma also took a stunning catch at the slip with his less dominant left hand to dismiss Rohit Sharma. Jasprit Bumrah took a reaction catch in his follow through to dismiss Ben Foakes. It was an outstanding bowling effort backed up by a wonderful display in the field.
Key Performances
After his fast bowling heroics in the first innings, Jasprit Bumrah was back again with another spell of devastating display. The 30 year old pacer claimed three wickets for 46 runs in his 18 over spell. Ravichandran Ashwin was his perfect companion, picking up 3 wickets for 72 runs. The Tamil Nadu off spinner is just one wicket away from reaching the 600 mark in Test cricket.
Zak Crawley batted impressively and scored 73 from 132 balls as England looked to take the attack to the Indian bowlers during the early exchanges of the match. Ben Foakes and Tom Hartley built a decent partnership of 55 runs for the eight wicket to keep England in the game. Both the batters ended up getting dismissed in a score of 36 as England ended up well short of the target.
Turning Point
The match was secured by the Indians on the fourth ball of the 53 over. Ravichandran Ashwin was bowling to Ben Foakes with Ben Stokes at the other end of the pitch. The English skipper is known to flourish in these types of pressure situations. He looked to be set and eased his way into the middle. Ashwin floated the ball around the middle and leg stump line. Foakes pushed the ball forward.
The ball rolled off his pad and went into the square leg region. There was some hesitations in the middle and Foakes was slow in getting out of his blocks. Eventually, the pair rushed to take the run. But, Stokes was uncharacteristcally casual in this approach. The England skipper jogged most of the way and was caught short of his crease. Shreyas Iyer seizes the opportunity and swooped in. Iyer only had one stump to aim at and hehit the timber with a quick arm throw. The decision went to the TV umpire and the replay showed no part of the bat was inside the crease. It was the moment when the Indians finally secured the game.
Match Result
India won the second Test match by 106 runs. This is India’s third win in three games at Vizag. The men in blue are now level with their visitors.
Man of the Match
Jasprit Bumrah was selected as the player of the match for his outstanding 9 wicket haul in the match for just 91 runs. The pacer secured six wickets in the first innings, showcasing a devastating spell of fast bowling. The Gujarati pacer was lethal with his reverse swing.
Brief Scorecard
| India First Innings: 396/10 (112 overs) | England First Innings:253/10 (55.5 overs) | India Second Innings:255/10 (78.3 overs) | England Second Innings: 292/10 (69.2 overs) |
| Yashasvi Jaiswal 209 (290) | Zak Crawley 76 (78) | Shubman Gill 104 (147) | Zak Crawley 73 (132) |
| Shubman Gill 34 (46) | Ben Stokes 47 (54) | Axar Patel 45 (84) | Tom Hartley 36 (47) |
| James Anderson 3/47 (25 overs) | Jasprit Bumrah 6/45 (15.5 overs) | Tom Hartley 4/77 (27 overs) | Jasprit Bumrah 3/46 (17.2 overs) |
| Rehan Ahmed 3/65 (17 overs) | Kuldeep Yadav 3/71 (17 overs) | Rehan Ahmed 3/88 (24.3 overs) | Ravichandran Ashwin 3/72 (18 overs) |
Day Highlights
Day Wrap-Up
India made a sensational comeback after their harrowing defeat in the hands of the English at Ahmedabad. The men in blue looked hungry and ruthless in their performance against a quality side. Youngsters Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill performed magnificently with the bat to set the stage for the bowlers to pounce. Jasprit Bumrah displayed his wonderful range of swing bowling to dismantle the English batting lineup. Ravichandran Ashwin was instrumental to the visitors’ capitulation in the second innings. These two cricketing giants will meet again for the third Test starting from 15th February.
