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In a thrilling second Test at the Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium, off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin and fast-bowler Jasprit Bumrah showcased their brilliance, claiming three wickets each. Their stellar performance led India to a resounding 106-run victory over England, leveling the five-game series at 1-1.
Despite England’s valiant attempt to chase a record 399, the formidable target proved insurmountable, and they were eventually bowled out for 292 in 69.2 overs. Bumrah, with match figures of 9-91, emerged as the standout bowler, complementing his crucial 6-45 spell in the first innings. Ashwin’s bowling prowess, securing 3-72 in Vizag, places him on the cusp of a remarkable milestone—500 Test scalps.
Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, and Mukesh Kumar also made notable contributions as India bounced back from their 28-run defeat in Hyderabad, securing a series-leveling victory at Visakhapatnam.
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The upcoming match in the series is scheduled at the SCA Stadium in Rajkot on February 15.
In the morning session, England exhibited resilience, accumulating 127 runs while losing five wickets, including top-scorer Zak Crawley for 73. This placed India in a favorable position to clinch the match. The Indian bowlers initially faced challenges, but Bumrah’s sharp spell and Ashwin’s precision contributed to England’s downfall.
Joe Root, battling an injured right little finger, displayed attacking intent, but his innings concluded with a mistimed slog off Ashwin. Despite Jonny Bairstow’s solid performance, India regained momentum before lunch with crucial wickets.
The second session witnessed Ben Stokes and wicketkeeper Ben Foakes attempting to steady the ship, but a brilliant run-out by Shreyas Iyer shifted the balance in India’s favor. Although Foakes and Tom Hartley put up a resilient 55-run stand, Bumrah’s breakthroughs ensured India’s convincing win.
-IANS
