England’s Bashir claims three crucial wickets, puts pressure on India in 4th test
In the ongoing fourth Test between England and India, held in Ranchi, England’s spinner Shoaib Bashir showcased an impressive performance, clinching three crucial wickets to shake the Indian batting lineup.
Despite the formidable presence of Indian opener Yashasvi Jaiswal, who remained unbeaten on 54, England managed to restrict the hosts to 131-4 at tea on the second day of the match.
While India trails by 222 runs, with Jaiswal partnered by Sarfaraz Khan at the crease, England is determined to level the series, currently standing at 2-1 in favor of India. Earlier in the game, England’s skipper Joe Root displayed remarkable prowess, notching an unbeaten 122 runs, bolstering England’s total to 353 in the first innings.
The early breakthrough for England came through fast bowler James Anderson, who dismissed Indian opener Rohit Sharma for a mere two runs before lunch. However, Jaiswal’s resilient batting, coupled with an 82-run partnership with Shubman Gill (38), provided India with stability amidst the early setbacks.
Jaiswal, who has been a standout performer throughout the series with over 600 runs under his belt, including two match-winning double centuries, once again proved his mettle by reaching yet another fifty. The 22-year-old prodigy, eyeing the milestone of 1,000 runs, survived a close call on 40, adding to the intensity of the game.
Bashir, who was sidelined in the opening match due to visa issues, made a significant impact by dismissing Gill and Rajat Patidar (17), followed by the crucial wicket of Ravindra Jadeja (12) caught at short-leg. Meanwhile, Anderson’s stellar performance in the first session propelled him closer to the elite 700-wicket club, standing at 697 wickets.
As England resumed their innings at 302-7, Root’s partnership with overnight batsman Ollie Robinson added valuable runs to the scoreboard. However, England’s innings concluded swiftly after Robinson’s departure, with left-arm spinner Ravindra Jadeja wreaking havoc and finishing with figures of 4-67, dismantling the English tail.
With the match finely poised, the clash between England’s bowling attack and India’s resilient batting lineup promises an enthralling continuation in the days to come, as both teams vie for supremacy in this crucial Test encounter.