England’s Tour Of India (1st Test)
In an epic test match that will be etched in cricketing history, England pulled off a remarkable victory against India, seizing a crucial 1-0 lead in the five-match series. The closely contested battle swung both ways until the very end, with a stunning performance from debutant Tom Hartley, who claimed 7 wickets in the final innings.
Opting to bat first, England found themselves in a precarious position, managing only 246 runs in the opening innings. India’s bowlers, led by Mohammed Siraj, impressed, restricting England’s total. In reply, India dominated with the bat, with notable contributions from Ravindra Jadeja and KL Rahul, posting a substantial 436 runs.
The pendulum swung again in England’s favor as Ollie Pope played a masterful innings of 198 to get England to a total of 421. England had set India a below par score of 230 with two days to go.
However, the visitors showcased resilience and determination, not giving up even after India’s batsmen looked like they could potentially finish with more than 5 wickets in hand and a day to spare. Tom Hartley, amidst the tension, picked up seven wickets in the second innings, securing a famous win for England. India were bundled out 28 runs short of the target, and England walked away with a one nil lead over India at home.
Chief Scores :
England – 246 for 10 in 64.3 overs (Ben Stokes 70, Jonny Bairstow 37, Ravichandran Ashwin 3 for 68, Ravindra Jadeja 3 for 88)
India – 436 for 10 in 121 overs (Ravindra Jadeja 87, KL Rahul 86, Joe Root 4 for 79, Rehan Ahmed 2 for 105)
England – 420 for 10 in 102.1 overs (Ollie Pope 196, Ben Duckett 47, Jasprit Bumrah 4 for 41, Ravichandran Ashwin 3 for 126)
India – 202 for 10 in 69.2 overs (Rohit Sharma 39, Srikar Bharat 28, Tom Hartley 7 for 62, Jack Leach 1 for 33)