Joe Root finally made his presence felt with a gritty innings to keep England in the contest after a fascinating day of Test cricket. India made a sensational start to the day with debutant Akash Deep shining with the new ball. The hosts looked like they would bowl their opponents out on the first day before Root stood tall on a tricky surface. The 33 year old posted the 31st century of his Test career to take the team total over 300. The Indian bowling looked toothless in the final 40 overs and the prospect of using a second new ball did not improve the situation.
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 in 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 that 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.
e 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, 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 for batting early on. Eventually the pitch would crack under dry heat and assist the spin bowlers later on.
Fixture
The JSCA stadium in Ranchi has previously seen two Test matches played at this ground. India has won one and drawn the other game. 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 first 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 Friday February 23, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. local time. |
Captaincy & Tactics
The Ranchi Test’s first day unfolded like a captivating thriller, with Akash Deep’s dream debut colliding head-on with Joe Root’s redemption narrative. Forced into a must-win scenario after Rajkot’s humbling defeat, England stared down the abyss at 57/3 and later 112/5. Akash, the young Indian pacer, had ignited the home crowd with a triple-wicket burst in quick succession.
His fiery spell, however, was tempered by the composed presence of Joe Root. Shunning the flamboyant “Bazball” approach that had yielded mixed results, Root reverted to his classical style, crafting a gritty century that epitomized resilience. Each run felt hard-earned, a testament to his ability to weather the storm and stabilize the innings.
Akash’s joy was short-lived as his no-balls gifted England valuable runs. Crawley capitalized on one with a six, while Robinson later used another to raise the fifty partnership with Root. These small mercies, coupled with Root’s unyielding determination, gradually shifted the momentum.
The middle session witnessed a crucial partnership blossom between Root and Ben Foakes. They absorbed the pressure, patiently building a 113-run stand that calmed the English nerves and frustrated the Indian bowlers. Foakes, unfortunately, couldn’t convert his patient innings into a fifty, but his contribution was invaluable in supporting Root’s marathon knock.
England’s resurgence wasn’t without its hiccups. Stokes’s dismissal to a mesmerizingly low delivery from Jadeja left them reeling once again. However, Root found another able ally in Ollie Robinson. The duo defied the odds, adding an unbeaten 57 runs to take England to a respectable 302/7 at stumps.
The day’s narrative, therefore, became a battle between individual brilliance. Akash’s fiery debut, marked by both promise and inconsistency, was countered by Root’s masterful display of grit and determination. The stage is set for an intriguing day two, with England needing to build on their momentum while India seeks to exploit the remaining wickets quickly.
Batting Analysis
On an exhilarating opening day of the pivotal fourth Test match in Ranchi, Joe Root’s resolute century countered the fervent debut of Akash Deep, recalibrating England’s fortunes from the brink of adversity. Root, under scrutiny for his unconventional stroke play during the previous encounter’s first innings, reverted to a more orthodox approach, reaping substantial rewards with his maiden century of the series – a masterful innings, his first significant score surpassing 29, and his 10th century against India in Test cricket. This pivotal knock steered England to a commendable 302 for 7 at stumps, a remarkable recovery from a precarious position of 57 for 3 initially and later 112 for 5, as Akash Deep, in a dream debut, clinched three wickets within two overs.
Akash Deep, the 27-year-old pace sensation drafted in to replace the rested Jasprit Bumrah, alongside Mohammed Siraj, formed a potent bowling duo that immediately troubled the English batting lineup. Exploiting the subtle nuances of a dry pitch already bearing early signs of wear and tear, Akash’s precision and movement posed consistent challenges. Despite his initial disappointment of overstepping, Akash showcased his mettle by rattling the English top order. His delivery to Zak Crawley, albeit nullified by a no-ball, epitomized sheer skill and guile, hinting at the tumultuous battle ahead.
However, Crawley, resolute after the initial scare, momentarily countered Akash’s threat, launching a flurry of boundaries off Siraj’s bowling. Yet, England’s peril resurfaced as Akash swiftly dismantled their middle order. Dismissing Ben Duckett and Ollie Pope in quick succession, Akash’s jubilation echoed through the crowd, signifying a watershed moment in his nascent Test career.
Amidst the chaos, Jonny Bairstow and Root forged a crucial partnership, offering a semblance of stability before Bairstow succumbed to R Ashwin’s guile. Ben Stokes, too, fell victim to the unpredictable nature of the pitch, his dismissal epitomizing the challenges posed by the Indian spin duo.
Nevertheless, Root’s resilience shone through as he anchored England’s revival alongside Ben Foakes, orchestrating a steadfast partnership that thwarted India’s wicket-taking endeavors. Root’s century, a testament to his unwavering determination and adaptability, provided England with a lifeline amidst the tumultuous contest.
As the day progressed, Ollie Robinson’s cameo and Root’s unwavering resolve propelled England past the 300-run mark, a feat unforeseen during the earlier stages of the match. Robinson’s audacious stroke play, complemented by Root’s unwavering composure, underscored England’s resurgence in the face of adversity.
In a moment of poetic justice, Root’s century, consummated with a graceful cover drive off Akash, encapsulated the essence of his redemption, juxtaposed against the scrutiny of his previous dismissal. As twilight descended upon Ranchi, England’s resolve remained unyielding, laying the foundation for a riveting battle ahead.
Bowling Analysis
There was an uncanny familiarity to the scene unfolding on the cricket pitch. The bowler’s receding hairline, his graceful yet forceful delivery stride, and the elegance of his follow-through all evoked memories of iconic bowlers like Mohammed Shami in his prime.
As Akash Deep embarked on what was supposed to be the defining moment of his Test career, echoes of Shami’s impeccable bowling technique reverberated through the stadium. The 11th ball of Akash’s Test debut could have easily been plucked from a highlights reel featuring Shami’s finest moments—a testament to the young bowler’s potential and promise.
However, Akash’s jubilation was abruptly halted by the piercing sound of the no-ball siren. Yet, amidst the disappointment lingered the assurance that he would claim his target soon enough. The manner in which Zak Crawley’s off stump was sent cartwheeling bore semblance to the artistry of Shami’s dismissals—an aesthetic spectacle for cricket aficionados.
Reflecting on the encounter, Crawley offered insights into the challenges of facing Akash. Describing him as a “skiddy bowler” with deceptive pace and variable bounce, Crawley highlighted the relentless pressure imposed by Akash’s ability to generate movement off the pitch.
India’s decision to include Akash in the playing XI for the crucial fourth Test marked a significant alteration to their bowling lineup. His induction, replacing the influential Jasprit Bumrah, underscored the selectors’ confidence in the young pacer’s abilities.
In a mesmerizing display of skill and precision, Akash dismantled England’s top order within the first hour of play. Employing subtle variations in line and length, he outfoxed the likes of Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, and Zak Crawley, showcasing maturity beyond his limited Test experience.
For Akash, the journey to this pinnacle moment had been arduous and fraught with adversity. Hailing from Sasaram and honing his craft in Durgapur, his path to Test cricket was marked by personal tragedy and unwavering determination. The loss of his father and brother within a short span fueled his resolve to pursue cricket against familial objections, embodying a spirit of resilience and fortitude.
In many ways, Akash epitomizes the essence of Bengal’s cricketing legacy—a tradition enriched by the migration of talent from neighboring states like Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. Alongside stalwarts like Mukesh Kumar, he symbolizes a new generation of cricketers who seamlessly integrate into Bengal’s rich cricketing tapestry.
The competition between Mukesh and Akash for a spot in the playing XI exemplifies the depth of talent within Indian cricket. While both possess formidable skills, Akash’s ability to extract pace and movement from the Ranchi pitch tilted the scales in his favor—a decision vindicated by his stellar performance on the field.
An astute observer might notice nuances in Akash’s bowling technique reminiscent of elite pacers like Mitchell Starc. The deliberate delay in his bowling arm’s rotation, aimed at enhancing arm speed and generating extra pace, underscores his commitment to mastering the craft of fast bowling.
Fielding Analysis
The Indian fielding has been fantastic throughout this Test series. Their catching has been phenomenal with crucial chances taken at the right moments. The fielders are also agile and quick through the ground. The first day of the fourth Test did not provide enough catching opportunities for the Indian fielders. Dhruv Jurel enjoyed a fantastic debut behind the stumps in the last Test.
The wicketkeeper completed a regulation catch to dismiss the centurion from the last Test match, Ben Duckett. After showing patience for a long period of time, Ben Foakes had a rush of blood while facing Mohammed Siraj. The wicketkeeper batsman perfectly found Ravindra Jadeja at midwicket with an attempted pull shot. Jadeja made no mistake as India found a crucial breakthrough just at the right moment. The ground fielding was impressive throughout a tough day of Test cricket that saw the bowlers getting regularly frustrated during the second portion of play.
Key Performances
Akash Deep made his debut memorable with a three wicket haul in the first session. The 27 year old showed all the weapons in his arsenal to make life hard for the English batters with new cherry. Akash Deep sent Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett and Ollie Pope back to the pavilion in an inspired spell of pace bowling. Mohammed Siraj struggled early on but made a fine comeback during the third session. The pacer from Hyderabad sent Ben Foakes and Tom Hartley back to the pavilion to thwart the progress of the Englishmen. Legendary spin duo of Ashwin and Jadeja took one wicket each. Kuldeep Yadav bowled well but did not take any wicket.
Zak Crawley started playing shots as England were trying to take the attack to the Indians by adopting the much debated “Bazball” approach. The right-handed opening batsman raced to 42 from 41 deliveries before getting dismissed by a wonderful delivery from Akash Deep. Ben Foakes provided much needed support to Joe Root in a 113 run sixth wicket partnership. The wicketkeeper batsman survived 126 deliveries to add 47 runs to the team total. Ollie Robinson also played an important knock of 31 runs from 60 deliveries to keep the Indian attack at bay. Jonny Bairstow looked to be in great touch to reach 38 from 35 deliveries.
Turning Point
The Indians were flying high after sending half of the English lineup packing before the 25th over. The inspired spell of Akash Deep followed by the spin bowling exploits by Jadeja-Ashwin left England reeling at a score of 112 for 5. Joe Root was batting well but he was quickly running out of partners at the other end. After Ben Stokes was dismissed by Jadeja, Ben Foakes came in at no. 7. He steadied the English ship along with Joe Root by adding 113 runs for the sixth wicket partnership.
The partnership fended 42 overs of the Indian bowling to frustrate Rohit Sharma. Joe Root played in a typical Test temperament rather than attacking the bowlers. He was not eager to play improvised shots and played the ball well along the ground. Ben Foakes also showed the right temperament by scoring 47 from 226 deliveries. This partnership made sure England would bat out the whole of the first day and get the team score past 300.
Day Result
England are 302 runs ahead at stumps on day one. The visitors returned to the pavilion having scored 302 runs with 7 wickets to spare.
Brief Scorecard
| England First Innings: 302/7 (90 overs) | India First Innings: Yet to bat |
| Joe Root 106* (226) | |
| Ben Foakes 47 (126) | |
| Akash Deep 3/70 (17 overs) | |
| Mohammed Siraj 2/60 (13 overs) |
Day Wrap-Up
The Indians were only one Root wicket away from taking the control of the crucial fourth Test match of this intriguing series. However, there would be ample opportunities for the Indians to bowl England during the first session of day two with the English tail exposed. The English fans on the other hand would love to see Joe Root batting for as long as possible to take the team total beyond 400. The outcome of the first session would have a lasting impact on the result of this Test match and the series as well.
