Dhruv Jurel’s fantastic score of 90 runs followed by Ravichandran Ashwin and Kuldeep Yadav’s brilliant bowling have enabled India to take control of the fourth Test match. The hosts are 152 runs away from winning the series with all of their wickets remaining intact. The English batters failed to create any momentum in their second innings as Ashwin and Kuldeep created several moments of magic. The Indians have come out of a tricky situation in the fourth Test and now sense another Test series win on home soil.
Team Lineups
The Indian camp decided to rest Jasprit Bumrah for this test match after his recent workload in international cricket. The 30 year old pacer from Gujarat is nothing less than sensational as he tore teams apart with his magnificent swing bowling. In his place, Akash Deep made his international debut for the Indian Test side. The 27 year old pace bowler from Bihar has impressed with his bowling on the domestic circuit and the Indian selectors decided to put him in the Indian eleven.
Virat Kohli was still away from the team as he was spending time with his newborn daughter. KL Rahul’s absence extended after suffering another injury setback in his quadriceps. Sarfaraz Khan and Dhruv Jurel – the two debutants from the last game kept their places in an inexperienced middle order. Kuldeep Yadav, Ravindra Jadeja and Ravichandran Ashwin completed a strong spin trio with Akash Deep and Mohammed Siraj chosen as the pacers. The double centurion in consecutive Tests Yashasvi Jaiswal would open the batting for India with Rohit Sharma as his partner.
England made two changes to their team which was humbled by England in the third Test match in Vizag. Mark Wood was dropped to the bench for this encounter. In his place, Ollie Robinson was given a go in the first team. The 30 year old pacer from Sussex last played for the Test side in last year’s Ashes.
Joe Root has been uncharacteristically meek with the bat for England in this series. James Anderson is also having a poor series so far. Shoaib Bashir also made a comeback to the team after sitting out the last Test match. Rehan Ahmed has shown glimpses of his talent in this series. But the 19 year old had to fly back home and will not be available for selection for the final Test match. Rehan was sent back home due to personal reasons. Young Somerset spinner Bashir has played well in his debut after the visa debacle that saw him miss the opening Test match of the series.
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. Tom Hartley 9. Ollie Robinson 10. Shoaib Bashir 11. James Anderson
India
1. Rohit Sharma (Cap.) 2. Yashasvi Jaiswal 3. Shubman Gill 4. Rajat Patidar 5. Ravindra Jadeja 6. Sarfaraz Khan 7. Dhruv Jurel 8. Ravichandran Ashwin 9. Mohammed Siraj 10. Akash Deep 11. Kuldeep Yadav
English captain Ben Stokes won the toss for the second time in the series and chose to bat first. The Ranchi surface is made from black soil and looks to be on the slower side. This ground is located in a relatively cooler area compared to the previous three venues, so the moisture in the air would keep the cracks together for a longer period of time. The pitch is made in the mold of a stereotypical sub-continent wicket as it is conducive to batting early on. Eventually, the pitch would crack under dry heat and assist the spin bowlers later on.
The pitch seemed to be breaking from day two. The batsmen were having a tough time out in the middle with some of the deliveries keeping lower than expected. The spinner would receive more assistance from the pitch as it deteriorated on days three and four. The third day pitch assisted the spin bowlers with providing enough turn and grip. The roster of Indian spinners was able to make the most of this pitch. The turn and bounce of this surface made batting an arduous task for the visitors.
Fixture
The JSCA stadium in Ranchi has previously seen two Test matches played at this ground. India has won one and drawn the other. The first Test match at this ground was played in 2017, India drew that game against a strong Australian side. In the last Test match held at this ground, India provided a battering to the visiting South African team. The Proteas were comprehensively beaten by an innings and 202 runs. The average first innings score at this ground is 474, a clear indication that this surface is fantastic for batting. On both occasions, the toss winning captain chose to bat first.
India and England have met on 134 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 33 occasions. In Tests in India, the hosts have won 24 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. India is leading the Test match by 2-1 after losing the first Test match in Hyderabad.
| Venue | The second day of the fourth Test match between India and England was played at the Jharkhand State Cricket Association in Ranchi, Jharkhand. |
| Date | The game started on Saturday February 24, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. local time. |
Captaincy & Tactics
India found themselves in a tantalizing position, merely 152 runs away from clinching victory in the gripping third Test match against England in Ranchi. The day witnessed an enthralling display of spin bowling prowess by India’s stalwarts, R Ashwin and Kuldeep Yadav, whose combined efforts propelled India towards a feasible target for victory in the series. The two spinners took nine wickets between them to dismantle the Indian batting lineup. The visitors were unable to deal with the turn and grip of Ranchi wicket.
The experienced campaigner, R Ashwin, showcased his mastery with a spectacular five-wicket haul, while Kuldeep Yadav complemented him with an economical spell, securing a commendable 4 for 22 from his 15 overs. Their stellar performance restricted England’s advantage to a manageable 191 runs, setting the stage for an exhilarating chase.
Earlier in the day, the spotlight fell on 23-year-old wicketkeeper-batsman Dhruv Jurel, who exhibited remarkable resilience, notching up his maiden Test fifty and steering India’s innings with finesse. Despite falling just short of a century, Jurel’s contribution proved pivotal as India rallied to post a total of 307 runs, narrowing the first-innings deficit to a mere 46 runs.
England, reeling under the pressure of India’s spin barrage, faltered in their second innings, losing wickets at regular intervals as the pitch offered increasing assistance to the spinners. The emergence of young talents from both sides added an intriguing dimension to the contest, with England’s 20-year-old off-spinner Shoaib Bashir making significant inroads with his four-wicket haul.
However, it was India’s spin duo of Ashwin and Kuldeep who stole the show, dismantling England’s batting lineup with precision and guile. Ashwin’s artistry accounted for crucial wickets, including that of first-innings centurion Joe Root, while Kuldeep’s deceptive spin left the English batsmen struggling for answers.
As the day drew to a close, India’s openers, Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal, exhibited composure and resilience, providing a solid foundation for the pursuit of the 152-run target. With the momentum firmly in India’s favor, the stage is set for an enthralling conclusion to what has been a captivating Test match, characterized by twists and turns at every juncture. Team India looks to be on course for yet another home series victory. They have recovered well after the initial hiccup in the First Test match where they threw the match away.
Batting Analysis
In the annals of cricket history, the Test match in Ranchi between England and India will be remembered as a tale of unexpected twists and turns, akin to a high-stakes political by-election where fortunes swung dramatically from one side to the other. At the outset of the match, England appeared to hold a commanding lead, much like a political party with a 20,000-vote majority. However, as the game progressed, the tide shifted dramatically in India’s favor, leaving England reeling and questioning their strategies in the face of impending defeat.
The WinViz swingometer, akin to the political pulse of the electorate, oscillated wildly in India’s favor as they closed in on a series win, leaving England in disarray at 40 for none, chasing a target of 192. The Bazballers, known for their aggressive batting approach, found themselves stifled by India’s spin bowlers on a turning pitch, highlighting the importance of adaptability and resilience against top-class opposition.
England’s downfall was marked not by reckless slogging but by their inability to pass the stern spin test posed by Kuldeep Yadav and Ravi Ashwin. Losing seven wickets for a mere 35 runs, England’s batting lineup faltered, operating at a sluggish strike rate of just 2.6 runs per over, the lowest in the Bazball era. Despite starting the day with a deficit of 134 runs and seven wickets down, India managed to trim the deficit to a mere 46 runs, dispiriting England, who suffered a day-three meltdown for the second Test match running.
In the realm of cricket, as in politics, fortunes can change swiftly. England, reminiscent of a golfer leading the leaderboard, watched helplessly as India surged ahead with a flurry of wickets, dropping crucial catches and failing to pose a significant threat with their bowling. However, credit must be given to India for their unwavering spirit, epitomized by wicketkeeper Dhruv Jurel’s gritty innings, which bolstered India’s confidence and drained England’s resolve.
Ravi Ashwin emerged as the catalyst for India’s resurgence, seizing momentum with a stellar bowling performance, supported ably by Kuldeep Yadav. Despite England’s valiant efforts, their famed batting lineup crumbled under pressure, with Zak Crawley and Jonny Bairstow contributing a significant portion of England’s meager total. Ollie Pope’s vulnerability and Ben Stokes’ struggles against spin further compounded England’s woes, leaving them grasping for solutions in the face of adversity.
In the throes of an engrossing Test match, 13 wickets fell, with Shoaib Bashir’s five-wicket haul standing out as a testament to individual brilliance in a losing cause. Dhruv Jurel’s innings, characterized by composure and IPL-style aggression, further underscored India’s dominance on home turf. As the match concluded, England found themselves grappling with the harsh realities of Test cricket, where resilience, adaptability, and mental fortitude reign supreme.
The Ranchi Test match served as a poignant reminder of the unpredictable nature of cricket, where fortunes can shift in the blink of an eye. England’s defeat underscored the importance of adaptability and resilience in the face of adversity, while India’s triumph highlighted the indomitable spirit of a team determined to emerge victorious. As the cricketing world reflects on this riveting encounter, it serves as a testament to the enduring allure and unpredictability of the sport.
Bowling Analysis
When the series itinerary was initially disclosed, Shoaib Bashir was likely envisioning playing against Devon in Newton Abbot while harboring aspirations of embarking on a county career with Somerset. Little did he know that he would soon find himself in India, weaving spells of spin bowling that left both Graeme Swann and Anil Kumble in awe during their commentary, thereby solidifying his place as an England player.
In a sphere where Test cricket is often deemed an insurmountable challenge for young spinners refining their skills, Bashir’s remarkable performance in only his second Test and eighth first-class match stood out. Bowling a relentless spell of 31 overs with figures of 4-84, continuously grinding except for brief breaks for lunch and tea, Bashir played a pivotal role as England took a firm grip on the fourth Test in Ranchi, establishing a 134-run lead with India struggling at 219-7.
Following Joe Root’s composed century, England needed a proficient bowling display to complement their batting effort. Bashir, alongside Tom Hartley, showcased exemplary discipline, allowing the deteriorating pitch to work its magic, evincing a sense of maturity beyond their years.
Hartley’s marathon spell of 18 overs for two wickets at 47 runs exemplified his accuracy and control, while Bashir’s consistency and composure in the face of physical strain – requiring treatment for cramps at one point – highlighted his growing stature in the international arena. Despite the unforgiving conditions, Bashir’s unwavering focus and determination mirrored the confidence instilled by the Bazball environment.
Noteworthy was Bashir’s agility to dismiss four of India’s top five batsmen, including the prized scalp of Yashasvi Jaiswal, often hailed as India’s Steve Smith for his hunger for runs and resilience at the crease.
Walking off the field amidst a guard of honor from his teammates, Bashir basked in the well-deserved accolades, affirming England’s astute decision to entrust a young talent hailing from the West Country Premier Division with a pivotal role in the Test match.
In a tactical display of captaincy, Stokes expertly managed his young spin duo, setting up intelligent field placements and backing their abilities from the onset. England’s calculated approach exploited the challenging conditions, with the unpredictable bounce on offer posing a daunting task for the Indian batting lineup.
Root’s unbeaten 122 and valuable contributions from Ollie Robinson propelled England to a competitive total of 353, marking a significant turnaround from a precarious position at 112-5. Despite Anderson’s early breakthrough and Robinson’s persistent probing, the Indian batsmen found it challenging to combat the guile of the English spinners in favorable conditions.
As the match unfolds, the narrative of Bashir’s meteoric rise and England’s resurgence in the series underscores the significance of every contribution in a fiercely contested Test match. With the game poised delicately, Bashir’s talent, coupled with England’s collective efforts, promises an enthralling culmination as the series heads towards a gripping finale in Dharamsala.
Fielding Analysis
Sarfaraz displayed a fine performance in the field with two catches taken on day three. The Mumbaikar batter brilliantly caught Tom Harley at deep mid-on after a desperate drive. He also pouched Ben Duckett safely at fine short leg. After his fine performance with the bat, Dhruv Jurel also showed his skills with the gloves by taking a sharp catch to dismiss James Anderson. Rajat Patidar caught Jonny Bairstow at cover.
The Indian fielding performance has been commendable throughout the series so far. They have managed to hold on to their chances. Moreover, the ground fielding performance is also impressive with players showing proper commitment to save runs.
Key Performances
In the high-stakes Test match between India and England, the hosts find themselves on the brink of victory, poised to secure an unassailable 3-1 lead in the five-match series. As the sun set on the penultimate day of the match, Indian skipper Rohit Sharma and young talent Yashasvi Jaiswal held firm at the crease, laying the foundation for what could be a decisive chase on the final day.
The turning point of the match came courtesy of India’s spin maestros, Ravichandran Ashwin and Kuldeep Yadav, who wreaked havoc on the England batting lineup in their second innings. Ashwin’s masterful display of off-spin yielded him figures of 5/51, while Kuldeep’s left-arm wrist spin accounted for four wickets, conceding just 22 runs. Together, they orchestrated England’s downfall, bowling them out for a paltry 145 runs and setting India a modest target of 152 for victory.
However, before Ashwin and Kuldeep spun their web, it was young wicketkeeper-batsman Dhruv Jurel who stole the spotlight with a sublime innings of 90 runs. Displaying remarkable game awareness and composure beyond his years, Jurel anchored India’s lower order, forging crucial partnerships to bolster their first-innings total to 307 runs. His 76-run stand with Kuldeep and a further 40-run partnership with Akash Deep proved instrumental in extending India’s lead to a formidable 46 runs.
The performance of Jurel epitomized India’s depth and resilience, showcasing their ability to thrive under pressure and capitalize on key moments in the game. His innings not only shifted the momentum firmly in India’s favor but also highlighted the burgeoning talent pool within the team, with young players stepping up to deliver when it mattered most.
As the match enters its final day, all eyes will be on India’s pursuit of victory and England’s last-ditch efforts to salvage a draw. With Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal at the crease, India will look to approach the chase with patience and calculated aggression, while England’s bowlers will be tasked with mounting a spirited defense to keep their hopes alive in the series.
The significance of this Test match extends beyond the confines of the playing field, serving as a testament to the intensity and drama that Test cricket embodies. Each session has been marked by gripping contests, individual brilliance, and strategic battles, captivating audiences and enthusiasts alike.
For India, a series victory would affirm their status as a dominant force in world cricket, while England will be eager to rally and salvage pride in the final match of the series. As the sun rises on the fifth day, the stage is set for a thrilling conclusion, where fortunes can change in the blink of an eye and heroes can emerge in the most unexpected of circumstances.
Turning Point
Dhruv Jurel turned the match in the favour of the hosts. Jurel’s innings of 90 runs epitomized his adaptability and composure under pressure. Amidst the unpredictable bounce and turn of the pitch, Jurel exhibited a calculated approach, recognizing the need to anchor the innings and bat for an extended period. His partnership with Kuldeep Yadav, particularly their eighth-wicket stand of 76 runs, proved instrumental in narrowing the deficit and bolstering India’s total to a competitive 307 runs in the first innings.
What stood out in Jurel’s innings was his astute shot selection and execution. Despite the limitations imposed by the challenging conditions, he demonstrated versatility in his strokeplay, capitalizing on scoring opportunities while minimizing risks. His ability to switch gears when necessary, evident in his aggressive strokes against loose deliveries, showcased his maturity and cricketing acumen beyond his years.
Furthermore, Jurel’s approach to preparation and visualization highlighted his dedication to the game. His meticulous study of opposition bowlers and strategic planning enabled him to anticipate challenges and formulate effective strategies to counter them. In the face of adversity, he relied on his mental fortitude and adaptability to navigate through difficult phases of the game.
As Jurel’s innings progressed, he maintained a fine balance between defense and attack, showcasing solidity in defense while seizing moments to assert his authority with calculated aggression. His ability to rotate the strike and build partnerships, coupled with his selective aggression, played a pivotal role in India’s resurgence against England’s potent bowling unit.
Despite falling agonizingly short of a maiden Test century, Jurel’s contribution was instrumental in shaping the course of the match and instilling belief within the Indian camp. His selflessness and team-first approach, coupled with his unwavering focus on the ultimate goal of securing victory for India, exemplified the ethos of Test cricket and underscored his commitment to the team’s cause.
As the match unfolded, Jurel’s innings emerged as a defining moment, symbolizing the resilience and determination of the Indian team in the face of adversity. His performance not only showcased his individual brilliance but also epitomized the collective effort and spirit of the Indian cricket team in pursuit of excellence on the international stage.
In the aftermath of his innings, Jurel’s unwavering focus on the team’s success underscored his maturity and humility, reaffirming his status as a promising talent destined for greater heights in the world of cricket. As India’s quest for victory continues, Jurel’s contributions will undoubtedly serve as a source of inspiration and motivation for his teammates, reflecting the indomitable spirit of the Indian cricketing fraternity.
Day Result
The Indians are 152 runs away from the victory with 10 wickets in hand. A India victory would ensure another series win for them.
Brief Scorecard
| England First Innings: 353/10 (104.5 overs) | India First Innings: 307/10 (103.2 overs) | England Second Innings: 145/10 (53.5 overs) | India Second Innings: 40/0 (10 overs) |
| Joe Root 122 (274) | Dhruv Jurel 90 (149) | Zak Crawley 60 (91) | Rohit Sharma 24* (31) |
| Ben Foakes 47 (126) | Yashasvi Jaiswal 73 (117) | Jonny Bairstow 30 (42) | Yashasvi Jaiswal 16* (29) |
| Ravindra Jadeja 4/67 (32.5 overs) | Shoaib Bashir 5/119 (44 overs) | Ravichandran Ashwin 5/51 (15.5 overs) | James Anderson 0/10 (3 overs) |
| Akash Deep 3/83 (19 overs) | Tom Hartley 3/68 (27.2 overs) | Kuldeep Yadav 4/22 (15 overs) | Shoaib Bashir 0/20 (5 overs) |
Day Highlights
Day Wrap-Up
The Indians are on the brink of another home series win with their spin bowlers dominating. Ravichandran Ashwin picked up a fifer and Kuldeep Yadav claimed four wickets as England were swept aside in a spin frenzy. The English batters had no answer to the spin duo bamboozling them constantly with wonderful deliveries. The English bowlers would have to give a perfect performance on day 4 if they want to salvage something from this series. Otherwise, it would be a dominating series win for the hosts.
