Kuldeep Stars as England Capitulate

Kuldeep Yadav spins a web around England with 5-72, as they capitulate from 100-2, to 218 all out on Day 1 of the 5th Test in Dharamsala.

Having already lost the Series, this was an opportunity for England’s Bazballers to salvage some pride before they head off home from India.

The hosts on the other hand, were looking to finish the home season in style with another victory, especially with-it being Ravichandran Ashwin’s 100th Test

England made one change to their lineup, with Mark Wood coming in for Ollie Robinson. India made two changes, with Rajat Patidar and Akash Deep, making way for Devdutt Padikkal, who was making his debut, and Mohammed Siraj.

It was the tourists, who won the toss and elected to bat first.

Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett got them of to a good start putting on 64 in 17.5 overs.

That was until Duckett lofted on-drive of Kuldeep, got a leading edge to Shubman Gill, who took a fine catch at extra cover at 64-1.

Crawley’s fine form was evident to all as he reached yet another 50.

It seemed as if he was batting on another planet, as India had no idea of where to bowl at him.

But Kuldeep yet again got the breakthrough for India as he had Ollie Pope comprehensively stumped by Dhruv Jurel at 100-2.

This was a hammer blow for England, as the Surrey batter fell in the last over before Lunch. Time and time again have England squandered opportunities to win more than one match in this Series, surely, they could not do this again?

Joe Root was as busy as a bee in the middle.

While Crawley was drawing closer to 100.

But just as he was approaching the 80s, Kuldeep bowled him through the gate at 137-3.

Jonny Bairstow began to take the attack to India’s bowlers.

While Joe Root was as busy as ever at the crease.

But Just as Bairstow was beginning to shift gears, Kuldeep deceived him in the air, with Jurel taking a sharp catch at 175-4.

Things did not improve, when England lost the crucial wicket of Root to Jadeja at 175-5. Even though England’s ace batsman sent it for a review, the replay showed that the ball would have cashed into middle and leg stump.

Kuldeep had his fifth wicket of the innings, by trapping the England Captain in the crease at175-6.

Tom Hartley did not help himself, and gave his wicket away to Ashwin at 183-7.

Ashwin soon had Wood as his second scalp of his innings when nicked him off to Rohit Sharma at slip.at 183-8.

When England reached Tea at 194-8 at Tea, fans were starting to wonder whether they could even make it past 100?

The hosts on the other hand were looking to wrap up the tourists’ first innings as quickly as possible.

Ben Foakes had no choice but to take the attack to India’s bowlers.

Shoaib Bashir also chipped in with a couple of boundaries.

But just as they were starting to form a partnership, Foakes attempted sweep of Ashwin, got an under-edge onto his pads, and onto the stumps at 218-9.

And Ashwin wrapped up England’s dismal first innings of 218, by getting the wicket of James Anderson. This was a disappointing effort from England who should have done better on a good pitch for batting.

India still had the best part of 30 Overs to bat. How far could they eat into England’s below par score?

Rohit Sharma got India’s first innings off to a brisk start with some crunching boundaries.

While Yashasvi Jaiswal joined in after his slow start.

England’s bowlers yet again were left puzzled on where to bowl at him.

The opening duo brought up their 50-partnership in 11.4 Overs.

Jaiswal brought up yet another 50 in just 56 balls.

But his overconfidence got the better of him, as he was stumped by Foakes off Bashir for 57, at 104-1.

Shubman Gill came out to bat with a purpose.

The Indian Captain bought up yet another 50 in 77 balls.

Shubman Gill hit some lusty blows.

His father was also present in the stands.

Hartly ended Day 1 spinning the ball past Gill’s outside edge as India finished Day 1 on 135-1, trailing England by 83 runs on first innings.

A big opportunity missed by England, who failed to capitalize on the great start they made in the morning session.

Kuldeep Yadav once again proves what a class act, he is in home conditions.

The first session on Day 2 may just determine which way this final Test is going.

Can India dive home the advantage, or will England and Bazball fight back?

Image Credit: Deposit Photos