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.
Embed from Getty ImagesThat 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.
Embed from Getty ImagesCrawley’s fine form was evident to all as he reached yet another 50.
Embed from Getty ImagesIt 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.
Embed from Getty ImagesThis 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?
Embed from Getty ImagesJoe Root was as busy as a bee in the middle.
Embed from Getty ImagesWhile Crawley was drawing closer to 100.
Embed from Getty ImagesBut just as he was approaching the 80s, Kuldeep bowled him through the gate at 137-3.
Embed from Getty ImagesJonny Bairstow began to take the attack to India’s bowlers.
Embed from Getty ImagesWhile Joe Root was as busy as ever at the crease.
Embed from Getty ImagesBut Just as Bairstow was beginning to shift gears, Kuldeep deceived him in the air, with Jurel taking a sharp catch at 175-4.
Embed from Getty ImagesThings 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.
Embed from Getty ImagesKuldeep had his fifth wicket of the innings, by trapping the England Captain in the crease at175-6.
Embed from Getty ImagesTom Hartley did not help himself, and gave his wicket away to Ashwin at 183-7.
Embed from Getty ImagesAshwin soon had Wood as his second scalp of his innings when nicked him off to Rohit Sharma at slip.at 183-8.
Embed from Getty ImagesWhen 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.
Embed from Getty ImagesAnd 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.
Embed from Getty ImagesIndia 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.
Embed from Getty ImagesWhile Yashasvi Jaiswal joined in after his slow start.
Embed from Getty ImagesEngland’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.
Embed from Getty ImagesJaiswal brought up yet another 50 in just 56 balls.
Embed from Getty ImagesBut his overconfidence got the better of him, as he was stumped by Foakes off Bashir for 57, at 104-1.
Embed from Getty ImagesShubman Gill came out to bat with a purpose.
Embed from Getty ImagesThe Indian Captain bought up yet another 50 in 77 balls.
Embed from Getty ImagesShubman Gill hit some lusty blows.
Embed from Getty ImagesHis 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
India’s stronghold strengthens with Kuldeep Yadav’s brilliance, setting the stage for an enthralling Day 2 battle.