India managed to level the series 1-1 against England by securing a resounding victory in the Vizag Test. After a disappointing defeat in Hyderabad, the Indian team showcased remarkable resilience, led by standout performances from Yashasvi Jaiswal and Jasprit Bumrah.
Yashasvi Jaiswal’s stellar double century in the first innings played a pivotal role in India’s success. Facing a challenging pitch, Jaiswal exhibited exceptional skill and composure, scoring 200 runs when the next-best score was a mere 34. His innings provided India with a commanding lead and showcased the young batsman’s ability to anchor the innings under pressure.
However, it was Jasprit Bumrah who stole the show with an extraordinary spell on the second afternoon. Despite a pitch offering minimal assistance, Bumrah’s reverse swing masterclass yielded impressive figures of 6/45 in the first innings. His ability to exploit the conditions showcased why he is considered one of the best fast bowlers in the world. Bumrah’s crucial contributions continued in the second innings, where he claimed three more wickets, effectively ending England’s resistance.
Ravichandran Ashwin complemented the pace attack with his crafty spin bowling, securing a three-for and leaving him on the cusp of a historic 500 Test wickets milestone. The Indian team’s collective effort, despite missing several key players, underscored their depth and ability to bounce back in challenging situations.
Best match figures for Jasprit Bumrah
9/86 vs Aus Melbourne 2018
9/91 vs Eng Vizag 2024
9/110 vs Eng Nottingham 2021
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, to their credit, put up a commendable fight. Zak Crawley’s elegant 73 kept them in the game but missed opportunities and avoidable dismissals proved costly. Captain Joe Root’s ill-judged shot and Ben Stokes’ careless running were turning points that could have swung the match in England’s favor on a pitch that still played well.
Questions were raised about England’s decision to go in with three spinners, considering the conditions that favored seam bowling, especially in the morning sessions. The hindsight analysis suggests that the visitors might have erred in their team selection. James Anderson’s exceptional bowling, exploiting the seam movement, underscored the potential impact of a more balanced attack.
Despite the tactical considerations, England’s second innings displayed resilience, ending with the second-highest fourth-innings score by a visiting team in India. The series now stands at 1-1, setting the stage for an exciting decider in Rajkot. The 10-day break before the next Test will allow both teams to regroup and strategize for the crucial contest.
The Vizag Test was a rollercoaster of emotions, showcasing the unpredictable nature of Test cricket. Yashasvi Jaiswal’s batting masterclass and Jasprit Bumrah’s exceptional bowling were the defining moments that helped India bounce back. England’s missed opportunities and strategic decisions added intrigue to the contest. As the cricketing world awaits the Rajkot Test, the series is finely poised, promising more riveting action between these two competitive sides.