IND vs ENG: 4th Test, Day 4, Talking Points – India hand Bazball their first series defeat

In a gripping match, India faced a daunting chase of 192 runs on Day 4 against England. Despite England’s valiant effort, taking five wickets around lunch, their missed opportunities on Day 2 haunted them. Dhruv Jurel’s stellar 90 in the first innings played a pivotal role. Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal set a solid foundation, while Shubman Gill’s gritty fifty bolstered India’s pursuit.

Ultimately, India clinched victory by 5 wickets. Their unbeaten home streak since 2012 remains intact. Jurel’s innings proved decisive, making the chase less tense. It was a testament to India’s resilience and depth in batting. The series continues to showcase promising talents and intense cricketing battles from both teams filled with youngsters.

Talking points from Day 3:

1. Yashasvi Jaiswal equals Virat Kohli’s record

Yashasvi Jaiswal, the young India opener, matched Virat Kohli’s home Test series run record, totalling 655 runs on the fourth day of the 4th Test against England in Ranchi. Jaiswal’s knock of 37 ended with a spectacular diving catch by James Anderson off Joe Root’s bowling at backward point. This places Jaiswal among the elite, showcasing his prowess on the international stage.

2. James Anderson and Rohit Sharma get involved in a heated exchange

Amid India’s formidable run accumulation, skipper Rohit Sharma displayed his authority by launching a massive six-off seasoned English pacer James Anderson, marking a confident Indian start to the day. Shortly after, Sharma narrowly escaped a run-out scare when partner Yashasvi attempted a quick single in the 13th over. Anderson, frustrated by the missed opportunity, engaged in a brief verbal exchange with the Indian captain, adding spice to the contest.

3. Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum duo lose their first series

India secured a decisive victory over England in the Ranchi Test on Monday, February 26, clinching a commanding 3-1 lead in the ongoing five-match Test series. This marks England’s first Test series loss during the tenure of Ben Stokes as captain and Brendon McCullum as a coach, known as the Bazball era. Notably, England remained undefeated in the Test series for the past two years, winning four out of six series before facing defeat in the seventh encounter against India.