Indian Batsmen Face Challenges on Low Bounce Pitch: IND vs ENG 4th Test Match

Paras Mhambrey, India’s bowling coach, disagreed with labeling the pitch as a turner, emphasizing that it wasn’t the spin but the low bounce that made batting difficult. Variable bounce can make batting a nightmare, affecting judgment, confidence, and introducing doubt, akin to watching a suspenseful horror movie.

Several balls kept low in Ranchi, making it challenging for batsmen. Yashasvi Jaiswal fell victim to a ball with low bounce, adding to the difficulty faced by Indian batsmen. Mbambrey admitted that they didn’t expect such conditions this early in the match.

Also Read: Indian Batsmen Face Challenges on Low Bounce Pitch

Static feet

Despite the challenging bounce, Indian batsmen contributed to their struggles with static feet and hesitant movements. Shubman Gill, known for his fluid footwork, faced issues against Shoaib Bashir, with his front foot seemingly chained to the crease. Gill’s indecisiveness impacted the umpire’s decision during a review, highlighting the challenge of facing uneven bounce.

Also Read: Indian Batsmen Face Challenges on Low Bounce Pitch

Patidar’s struggles

Rajat Patidar, an experienced domestic player, faced an ungainly dismissal due to poor footwork. His short strides, combined with indecisive movements, led to his downfall. Ravindra Jadeja, sent in at No.5, appeared in haste, making 12 runs in 12 balls with two sixes but getting out. His aggressive approach seemed like a tribute to his past reckless self.

Sarfraz Khan, after twin half-centuries on debut, struggled against Bashir’s deliveries. The confusion in the minds of India’s batsmen became evident as they faced low-bouncing balls under the gloomy Indian skies.

In summary, Indian batsmen grappled with the challenges posed by a low-bounce pitch, adding complexity to their already tough situation in Ranchi.

Also Read: Indian Batsmen Face Challenges on Low Bounce Pitch

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Jasprit Bumrah Absent for Ranchi Test Against England

In the previous selection committee meeting, selectors highlighted the need to rest Bumrah, considering the upcoming IPL, T20 World Cup, and other significant events. Although Bumrah wished to play all five Tests, the team management and selectors advised him to skip the Ranchi Test, preserving him for the crucial final game in Dharamsala.

In the series so far, Bumrah, rather than the spinners, has been the tormentor for England with his lethal reverse-swing. With India entering a Test without him, the focus is now on his replacement.

Also Read: Jasprit Bumrah Absent for Ranchi Test Against England

The decision might hinge on the pitch conditions in Ranchi. India, known for selecting traditional slow pitches that deteriorate as the Test progresses, is contemplating a turner for the first time in the series.

If that’s the case, India might bring in Washington Sundar or Axar Patel for Bumrah to bolster the batting lineup. Ranchi, like the previous venues, has black soil pitches, and the pitch preparation seems to follow the pattern seen in Hyderabad, Vizag, and Rajkot. However, if India opts for a turner, the groundstaff can adjust the watering accordingly.

For the pace-bowling slot alongside Mohammed Siraj, India has Mukesh Kumar and uncapped Akash Deep as options. However, Mukesh struggled on a flat deck in Vizag. With a 2-1 lead, India is cautious not to lose momentum, especially since Dharamsala could favor England due to the conditions.

Also Read: Jasprit Bumrah Absent for Ranchi Test Against England

Considering Akash Deep’s good performance against England Lions, playing an extra spinner is being considered, although it comes with its risks for a newcomer in Bazball. Even at Vizag, where Siraj was rested, the initial plan to play Washington changed, and Mukesh was chosen.

Whether or not it’s a turner, India believes adding another spinner would strengthen the team, with both Washington and Axar being reliable with the bat. India is hesitant about a rank turner due to the inexperienced batting unit. The final decision will likely come when head coach Rahul Dravid assesses the pitch on Wednesday afternoon.

India’s Squad for the 4th Test

Rohit Sharma (C), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, Rajat Patidar, Sarfaraz Khan, Dhruv Jurel (WK), KS Bharat (WK), Devdutt Padikkal, R Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohd. Siraj, Mukesh Kumar, Akash Deep.

Also Read: Jasprit Bumrah Absent for Ranchi Test Against England

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Jasprit Bumrah Released from Indian Squad for 4th Test in Ranchi

The BCCI issued a statement on Tuesday, saying, “Jasprit Bumrah has been released from the squad for the 4th IDFC First Bank Test against England in Ranchi. The decision was taken considering the series duration and the amount of cricket he has played recently.”

According to reports, Bumrah expressed interest in playing all five Tests, but with the IPL, T20 World Cup, and other significant events approaching, the team management and selectors advised him to skip the Ranchi Test. They believe he will be crucial for the final game in Dharamsala, where conditions favor seamers.

Also Read: Jasprit Bumrah Released from Indian Squad for 4th Test in Ranchi

In other updates, KL Rahul, who suffered an injury in Hyderabad earlier in the series and missed the Visakhapatnam and Rajkot Tests, is also ruled out for the match in Ranchi.

Mukesh Kumar, who made his Test debut for India last year and was left out of the squad for the Rajkot Test, has been recalled.

After losing the first match, India made a strong comeback in the five-Test series with a 434-run victory in Rajkot following a 104-run win in Vizag.

India’s Squad for the 4th Test

Rohit Sharma (C), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, Rajat Patidar, Sarfaraz Khan, Dhruv Jurel (WK), KS Bharat (WK), Devdutt Padikkal, R Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohd. Siraj, Mukesh Kumar, Akash Deep.

Also Read: Jasprit Bumrah Released from Indian Squad for 4th Test in Ranchi

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India to Dominant Victory over England in Rajkot: #INDvsENG

Despite missing key players like KL Rahul and Virat Kohli, India, in a transitional phase, demonstrated their strength. Captain Rohit Sharma and the team addressed the pre-Test talks by dominating England in Rajkot, taking a 2-1 lead in the series.

Ravindra Jadeja was named the Player of the Match for his remarkable performance on Day 4 at the Niranjan Shah Stadium, complementing his century in the first innings. However, the standout performance before Jadeja’s brilliance was Yashasvi Jaiswal’s second consecutive double century, marking an impressive start to his Test career.

Also Read: India to Dominant Victory over England in Rajkot

Yashasvi Jaiswal’s Remarkable Feat

At just 22, Yashasvi displayed maturity in his game, strategy, and a penchant for big scores. Following his impressive 209 in the second Test against England, he secured an unbeaten 214 in Rajkot. This made him the third youngest player in history to achieve two double centuries in Test cricket, joining the ranks of Sir Donald Bradman and Vinod Kambli, both achieving this feat at 21. Additionally, he became the third Indian, after Kambli and Virat Kohli, to register consecutive double centuries.

The most striking aspect of his 236-ball innings was the 12 sixes he hit, now sharing the record for the joint-most sixes in a Test innings with Wasim Akram. In this series, he has hit a total of 22 sixes, setting a new record for the most sixes by a batter in a bilateral Test series, surpassing Captain Rohit’s previous record of 19 in 2019 against South Africa.

Also Read: India to Dominant Victory over England in Rajkot

Collective Six-Hitting Record

India collectively hit 28 sixes in the Test match, a record for any team in a single match. The series total stands at 48 sixes for the home team, another record for the most sixes by a side in a bilateral contest.

Ravindra Jadeja’s Outstanding Performance

Jadeja achieved his 13th career five-wicket haul, finishing with figures of 5 for 41. He now ranks seventh among Indian bowlers with the most five-wicket hauls, surpassing SP Gupte. Notably, 11 of his fifers were on home soil, placing him at par with the legendary Kapil Dev, as they both stand fourth among Indian bowlers.

Also Read: India to Dominant Victory over England in Rajkot

This Test match in Rajkot marked the second instance where Jadeja scored a century and picked up a five-wicket haul, a feat he previously accomplished in 2022 against Sri Lanka. He becomes the second Indian all-rounder to achieve this double in a Test match at least twice in his career, following Ravichandran Ashwin.

India’s Historic Victory

The Rajkot Test became the third occasion where India scored over 400 runs in both innings. The team had previously achieved this against Pakistan in 2005 and Sri Lanka in 2009. India’s triumph by 434 runs is their largest-ever win in Test cricket, surpassing their previous best of 372 runs against New Zealand in 2021. Consequently, it marked England’s second-largest defeat after a margin of 562 runs against Australia in 1934.

Also Read: India to Dominant Victory over England in Rajkot

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India vs England 3rd Test Day 3 Report: Siraj shines with 4 wickets, while Kuldeep dominates a whole session

Talking about the India vs England 3rd Test Day 3 Report, the day began with the unfortunate news that R Ashwin had to leave the Test match due to a family emergency. With the absence of the senior off-spinner, the other bowlers stepped up, forcing England into a collapse. They went from 224/2 to 319 all-out, giving India a significant lead of 126 runs on a challenging pitch.

According to the India vs England 3rd Test Day 3 Report, the Indian bowlers adjusted their strategies, focusing more on keeping the ball outside the off-stump. This change in approach proved effective as they took crucial wickets, with Kuldeep troubling the England batters. Ben Duckett, who scored a century on Day 2, was dismissed by Kuldeep, contributing to England’s downfall.

After lunch, the Indian team continued their strong performance, not giving any room to England. Ben Stokes and Foakes were dismissed by Jadeja and Siraj, respectively, as they bowled out England for 319. Considering the challenges faced the previous day and Ashwin’s absence, the bowlers’ performance was commendable.

Jaiswal’s Explosive Century Turns the Tide for India

India’s opening stand of 30 runs was broken by Root, dismissing Rohit Sharma lbw. However, Jaiswal and Gill built a solid platform, with Jaiswal later unleashing a spectacular century. Scoring 104 runs off 133 balls, including 9 fours and 5 sixes, Jaiswal displayed remarkable batting skills. Unfortunately, he had to retire hurt due to back pain.

Shubman Gill also contributed with some impressive shots, hitting a couple of sixes, including an elegant pull against Wood. Despite Rajat Patidar’s quick dismissal, the partnership between Gill and Jaiswal of 155 runs has put India on track for a substantial lead of 450 in the match.

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Ashwin Joins Exclusive 500 Test Wickets Club

Day 2 of the 3rd Test between India and England proved challenging for the home team. Despite a strong start on Day 1, India faced early setbacks today, losing two wickets. Ashwin and Dhruv Jurel contributed to pushing the score past 400, and a quick inning of 26 runs from Jasprit Bumrah helped the team finish their innings at 445.

The match highlights revolve around Ashwin’s milestone achievement of 500 Test wickets. England, in response, has been steadily building their innings and currently stands at 182 for the loss of two wickets, aiming for a first-innings lead.

As per Ravichandran Ashwin Joins Exclusive 500 Test Wickets Club. Ben Duckett provided England with a solid start, while Zak Crawley supported in the opening partnership until Ashwin dismissed Crawley.

Heading into this match, Ashwin had 499 Test wickets. The moment he dismissed Crawley marked his entry into an elite group, becoming only the ninth bowler in Test cricket history to achieve 500 wickets. The all-time record is held by Sri Lankan legend Muthiah Muralidaran with 800 wickets, while India’s Anil Kumble is the leading Indian wicket-taker with 619 wickets, ranking fourth in Test history.

Ashwin also became the second-fastest player to reach the 500-wicket milestone, achieving it in 98 matches. The fastest remains Muralidaran, accomplishing the feat in just 87 matches.

In order to Ravichandran Ashwin Joins Exclusive 500 Test Wickets Club. Although two active bowlers, James Anderson and Nathan Lyon, have more Test wickets than Ashwin, the Indian spinner boasts better average, strike rate, and wickets per match.

To secure victory in the ongoing match, India will rely on Ashwin to surpass the 500-wicket mark and dismiss a few more English batters.

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IND vs ENG Test Absence of Virat Kohli in Rajkot

However, the disappointment for fans lies in the absence of India’s talisman, Virat Kohli, who is ruled out due to personal reasons. Despite this setback, there’s unanimous agreement that Kohli’s decision to take a break is justified.

The Saurashtra Cricket Association (SCA) Stadium in Rajkot will host only its third Test match as India and England face off. Though not a frequent venue for international cricket, Kohli has left his mark in the limited games played there. The stadium hosted its first Test between India and England in November 2016 and the first Test against the West Indies in October 2018. Additionally, it has been the setting for four ODIs and five T20Is between 2013 and 2023.

Also Read: IND vs ENG Test Absence of Virat Kohli in Rajkot

Kohli’s Rajkot Performances

In both Tests at Rajkot, Kohli led the Indian team. The match against England concluded in a draw, while India secured a victory against the West Indies by an innings and 272 runs. Kohli contributed with scores of 40 and an unbeaten 49 against England. Facing the West Indies, he showcased a stellar performance, scoring 139 off 230 balls. Kohli’s partnerships, especially a 133-run stand with Rishabh Pant, were crucial in the victory.

Kohli shares the record for the highest Test runs in Rajkot with Cheteshwar Pujara, both scoring 228 runs in three innings, including a century each. In ODIs, Kohli is the top scorer with 226 runs in four matches at an average of 56.50. His T20I stint in Rajkot comprises two matches, scoring 98 runs at a strike rate of 146.87 with one half-century.

Also Read: IND vs ENG Test Absence of Virat Kohli in Rajkot

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Is the Ollie Pope Yorker His Best Delivery?: Jasprit Bumrah Said

However, when Crawley got out to Axar Patel’s bowling, the game changed in favor of the visitors. Bumrah then came back and delivered an incredible spell, which will be remembered as one of the highlights of his Test career.

During a recent interview, Jasprit Bumrah spoke about the valuable role first-class cricket played in his development and how it taught him the technique of reverse swing. He emphasized that his strategy is to strategically plan and set up the batsman, rather than relying on extraordinary deliveries every ball.

Also Read: Is the Ollie Pope Yorker His Best Delivery?

The delivery that dismissed Ollie Pope was particularly exceptional, as it completely shattered the stumps, bringing immense joy to the bowler. Pope’s wicket was crucial because, in the previous match, he scored an impressive 196 runs, which significantly impacted the outcome of the game in favor of India.

Here is Bumrah’s Magical Delivery to Ollie Pope:

In addition, Bumrah shared his approach to dismissing England’s top batsman, Joe Root. By cleverly alternating between outswingers and inswingers, he managed to bowl one delivery that moved away from Root, causing him to edge the ball straight into the hands of Shubman Gill at first slip. This showcased a brilliant demonstration of skillful reverse swing bowling.

Also Read: Is the Ollie Pope Yorker His Best Delivery?

Bumrah also mentioned that he prioritized learning the technique of reverse swing before focusing on conventional swing, as it is crucial for achieving success in Indian conditions.

As per the Is the Ollie Pope Yorker His Best Delivery? Bumrah played a key role in dismissing Jonny Bairstow, Ben Stokes, Tom Hartley, and James Anderson, which significantly weakened England’s batting lineup. In his initial spell, he faced a tough challenge when Zak Crawley hit him for four consecutive fours in an over.

However, Bumrah showcased his brilliance by making a strong comeback and bringing India back into the game. Eventually, England’s innings came to an end with a total score of 253. As the day concluded, India completed their second innings with a score of 28-0. Currently, they hold a lead of 171 runs with all ten wickets intact.

Also Read: Is the Ollie Pope Yorker His Best Delivery?

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Shubman Gill Open Up On His Nervousness and Pressure: IND vs ENG Test Series

Although Gill was dismissed for 34 runs in the first innings, he bounced back impressively by scoring a century in the second innings. This century held great significance, not only for Gill personally, but also for the overall match situation. It helped India gain a valuable lead.

As per Shubman Gill Open Up On His Nervousness and Pressure in IND vs ENG 2nd Test, Shubman Gill spoke with Sports18 after India’s triumph in Visakhapatnam on how he felt after reaching his century:

Also Read: Shubman Gill Open Up On His Nervousness and Pressure

Gill said that he was unhappy because he couldn’t convert his starts and added:

In the game, Shubman Gill scored an exciting 100 runs, while Yashasvi Jaiswal achieved a remarkable 200 runs. Jasprit Bumrah also impressed by taking nine wickets. Thanks to these outstanding performances, India won the match against England by a margin of 106 runs. This victory also helped to even out the series.

Also Read: Shubman Gill Open Up On His Nervousness and Pressure

Shubman Gill reveals his preference for No. 3 position in Test Cricket

Some people have raised doubts about whether No.3 is the ideal position for Shubman Gill in Test cricket. Others propose that he should bat lower in the lineup. However, Gill confidently states that he is accustomed to achieving high scores in that position during domestic matches.

On this, he said:

Shubman Gill is expected to keep his place in the team because of his impressive century. The third Test match between these two teams will begin in Rajkot on February 15th.

Also Read: Shubman Gill Open Up On His Nervousness and Pressure

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The Controversy Behind the LBW Decision Explained: ICC

It appeared that Team India’s off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin had secured his 500th Test wicket when Tom Hartley attempted a reverse sweep and was caught by a fielder nearby. However, the England player quickly asked for a review, and upon reviewing the footage, it was discovered that the ball had hit his arm instead of his glove.

Also Read: The Controversy Behind the LBW Decision Explained

However, since the ball made contact with Tom Hartley’s arm and was heading towards the stumps, the third umpire decided to review the LBW (leg before wicket) appeal. The Decision Review System (DRS) showed that the umpire’s decision regarding the impact on the stumps was very close.

The third umpire declared the batter safe even though they were first called out on the field. This decision confused the Indian team. Rohit Sharma, the captain, promptly went up to on-field umpire Chris Gaffaney to ask for an explanation.

The ‘out’ call was specifically for catching the ball, not for LBW (Leg Before Wicket). The initial appeal was made for a catch behind, not for LBW.

Also Read: The Controversy Behind the LBW Decision Explained

In this particular case, the batter was given the benefit of the doubt by the umpire because there was no clear decision made on the field. As a result, Tom Hartley was allowed to continue batting.

Tom Hartley’s defiance gives England hope in record chase

Tom Hartley has not only been doing well as a bowler in the series, but he has also proven himself to be a capable batsman. He is currently playing a crucial role for England by scoring important runs lower down the batting order. As of now, he remains unbeaten with 30 runs from 42 deliveries.

Team India is very close to a victory as they have just taken the eighth wicket of the innings. Jasprit Bumrah cleverly deceived Ben Foakes with a slower delivery, leading to a caught and bowled decision. Currently, England stands at 280-8 after 67 overs, which means they are 119 runs behind their target.

Also Read: The Controversy Behind the LBW Decision Explained

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