Team India faced a harsh reality check in Hyderabad when Ben Stokes and his team pushed them to the brink of defeat, extending the match to a thrilling finish on the fourth day. The unexpected challenge posed a threat to India’s dominance at home, with ‘Bazball’ momentarily shaking their stronghold.
However, the second Test in Visakhapatnam witnessed a remarkable turnaround. Rohit Sharma and his squad showcased a brilliant performance, securing a morale-boosting 106-run victory. This not only levelled the series with three matches remaining but also established a psychological advantage for India heading into the third Test in Rajkot.
Several factors contributed to India’s resurgence in Vizag. Yashasvi Jaiswal’s impressive 209 in the first innings, along with Shubman Gill’s resilient 104 in the second, played pivotal roles in setting a challenging target of 399. Jasprit Bumrah’s exceptional bowling, particularly with reverse swing, dismantled the English batting lineup with figures of 6/45, showcasing a masterclass at home.
While individual performances dominated the first three days, India sealed the victory on the fourth day by functioning cohesively as a unit. Bumrah’s strategic brilliance with the ball continued in England’s chase, using variations like changes in the width of the crease to outsmart the opposition.
Here are some reactions:
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Most wickets by fast bowlers for India in International #Cricket:
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687 – Kapil Dev
597 – Zaheer Khan
551 – Javagal Srinath
448 – Mohammed Shami
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Hope Virat Kohli will comeback from 3rd Test match onwards against England. Team India needs him badly in the middle order. And fans also badly wanted to see him.
— cricket informer 8055 (@Crickinformer) February 5, 2024
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Some people get upset just because of a bad game, they should understand that this is cricket. And when it comes to #India, they not only make comebacks but also win the series.
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Despite challenges, Bumrah’s crucial breakthroughs, including a well-executed slower delivery, dismantled crucial partnerships. England’s aggressive start, reminiscent of the ‘Bazball’ era, was curtailed by spin, with Axar Patel and Ravichandran Ashwin contributing vital wickets. Ashwin’s astute changes in line and length dismissed key batsmen, reaching a milestone of 499 Test wickets.
Kuldeep Yadav further dented England’s hopes with his left-arm wrist spin, deceiving Zak Crawley and securing a successful LBW review. The fourth day showcased not only Bumrah and the spinners but also elevated fielding standards by Team India. Outstanding catches, run-outs, and a collective effort to restrict runs added to the pressure on England.
In the end, India’s comprehensive victory in Visakhapatnam marked a turning point, shifting the momentum in their favor. The team’s ability to overcome challenges and perform collectively sets a promising tone as they approach the remaining matches in the series.
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