The job was already done in the morning session of Day 4. Indian bowlers just needed to complete the formalities in afternoon and they did so in style to cruise to a superb win over England in the Vizag Test by a huge margin of 246 runs. With this, India continued their dominant run in 2016 and are yet to lose a Test at home under Virat Kohli’s captaincy.
Talking of first session of the day, Indian bowlers were right on the money as led by Mohammed Shami, hosts got rid of five England batsmen.
Ben Duckett’s poor run of form continued as he returned back to pavilion without even opening his account. He’ll find it difficult now to sustain his place in the playing XI for the next three matches. Moeen Ali was also soon dismissed by Ravindra Jadeja. Ben Stokes was then removed by a beauty from debutant Jayant Yadav, who took three wickets in the innings. Soon Joe Root, who reviewed umpire’s LBW decision, followed him before Adil Rashid, the final wicket before lunch, was surprised by extra bounce from Shami.
It was a great game of cricket where England bowlers marked a comeback in the third innings, dismissing Indian line up on 204, but it was the first innings domination that forced England to go against such a huge target. Alastair Cook will surely aim to rebound like he has done in past two series between the two countries whereas Kohli’s men will continue to stamp their authority in the remaining matches.
The third Test will start from November 26 at Mohali.