TEST-2 DAY-4
Ashwin and Bumrah each claimed three wickets, showcasing their impressive bowling prowess.
INDIA 396 & 255
ENGLAND 253 & 292
India secured victory with a 106-run margin.
PLAYER OF THE MATCH
JASPRIT BUMRAH
India faced the challenge of missing several key players in this Test but managed to secure a victory, propelled by standout performances, notably Bumrah’s exceptional bowling.
The decision of England to opt for three spinners might be questioned in hindsight, as the conditions didn’t favor much turn, and the ball exhibited movement, especially in the morning sessions, with Anderson delivering masterfully.
Nevertheless, the visitors displayed resilience, concluding with the second-highest fourth innings score by a visiting team in India.
As we wrap up, two thrilling Tests have set the series at 1-1 heading to Rajkot after a 10-day break.
Bumrah, named Player of the Match, expressed, “As I mentioned earlier, I don’t focus on numbers.
As a young player, I used to get excited about statistics, but now I consider it as additional baggage.
The yorker was the first delivery I learned as a youngster, inspired by legends like Waqar, Wasim, and even Zaheer Khan.
Currently, we are undergoing a transition, and I believe it’s my responsibility to assist the younger players in any way possible.
I engage in discussions with them, especially having played alongside Rohit for an extended period.
Regarding the competition with Jimmy, I don’t see it that way.
Before being a cricketer, I’m a fan of fast bowling.
If someone is performing well, I give them credit.
My approach is to assess the situation, evaluate the wicket, and consider my options; I don’t want to be a one-trick pony.”
Rohit praised Bumrah, saying, “He is a champion player for us.
When you win a game like that, you have to consider the overall performance.
We were solid with the bat, and winning a Test in these challenging conditions is no easy feat.
I wanted our bowlers to step up, and they delivered.
Bumrah appears to be a promising player, understanding his game exceptionally well.
He has a long way to go, with much to offer our team, and I hope he remains humble.
Although the wicket was good for batting, I note that many batters got starts but couldn’t convert them into big scores.
However, I recognize that they are young and new to the game, and it’s crucial for us to instill confidence in them.
I am very proud of this young squad facing a formidable team.
Many players are relatively new to this format, and it will take time to be consistently spot on.
We want them to play freely without undue pressure.
Over the last couple of years, England has been playing good cricket, and we knew this series wouldn’t be easy.
With three more Tests to go, we’ll stay vigilant and ensure we do most things right.”
Stokes reflected on the last innings, stating, “Entering the final innings, we had full belief that we could chase it down.
In moments like that, especially in games with scoreboard pressure, that’s where we bring out the best in ourselves.
It was another fantastic game to be a part of.
There are no set suggestions on how to play; everyone in the dressing room is a quality player, capable of assessing the conditions and deciding on the approach.
I thoroughly enjoyed captaining the spinners.
Their performance yesterday was exceptional, displaying a level of maturity beyond their years.
Anderson is amazing, and having two incredible bowlers in him and Bumrah is a significant asset to the team.”
Yashasvi Jaiswal expressed his joy, saying, “It’s a wonderful feeling, and I really enjoyed the game.
Winning a game for your country is one of the best moments.
We were focused on our process, particularly our fielding, and I believe it went well.
Regarding the pitch, there were a few cracks, and there was some seam movement, making it challenging to play in the fourth innings.
The difference between white ball and red ball cricket is significant.
In these red-ball games, I try to play till the end, whereas in white-ball games, I go for it from the first ball with the intent to score.
Speaking about Bumrah, the way he bowled was incredible; the deliveries were coming in fast, even posing a challenge to the slip cordon.
In the second innings, my intent was the same; I aimed to play out the new ball and build my innings.”
STAT: Jasprit Bumrah’s impressive bowling performance in this match marks the second-best match figures for an Indian seamer against England, following Chetan Sharma’s 10/188 at Edgbaston in 1986.
Best match figures for Jasprit Bumrah:
- 9/86 vs Aus, Melbourne 2018
- 9/91 vs Eng, Vizag 2024
- 9/110 vs Eng, Nottingham 2021
This Test also witnessed the highest fourth innings total by a visiting team in India:
- 299/5 – SL, Delhi 2017 (draw)
- 292 – Eng, Vizag 2024 (lost)
- 276/5 – WI, Delhi 1987 (won)
- 272/6 – NZ, Ahmedabad 2003 (draw)
- 270/7 – WI, Chennai 1967 (draw)
England did put up a commendable effort, with Crawley’s elegant innings of 73 anchoring them in the game until his departure.
However, the visitors might rue a couple of missed chances due to key dismissals.
Joe Root’s unfortunate shot selection and captain Ben Stokes’ casual running leading to his dismissal were missed opportunities on a pitch that still offered favorable conditions and didn’t provide much turn.
Had these two stayed longer, the match could have been much more closely contested.
Nonetheless, the series remains exciting, and we’ll soon have the presentations.
Stay tuned for more updates.
India staged a remarkable comeback after the defeat in Hyderabad to clinch the Vizag Test, with two standout performers making a significant impact.
Yashasvi Jaiswal’s exceptional double century in the first innings, where the next highest score was just 34, played a pivotal role.
Jasprit Bumrah’s extraordinary spell on the second afternoon, despite the pitch offering minimal assistance, was nothing short of incredible – a display that has become synonymous with his prowess.
Bumrah’s figures of 6/45, exploiting reverse swing brilliantly, provided India with a substantial first-innings lead.
His contributions continued in the second innings with three crucial wickets, ultimately extinguishing England’s resistance.
In addition to Bumrah’s heroics, Ravichandran Ashwin showcased his bowling mastery with a beautifully crafted three-for, leaving him tantalizingly close to the milestone of 500 Test wickets.
The collective efforts of Jaiswal, Bumrah, and Ashwin played a pivotal role in India’s triumph in the Vizag Test.
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