In an exhilarating display of cricket, India clinched the fourth Test match against England at the JSCA International Stadium Complex in Ranchi, marking a significant victory by five wickets. This win on Monday, February 26, not only showcased India’s prowess on their home ground but also their resilience in overcoming the initial setback in the series. The much-anticipated face-off against England’s “Bazball” approach ended in favor of the hosts, securing a series lead of 3-1 with one game left to play.
The series began with a hiccup for India, as they faced a defeat in Hyderabad by 28 runs. Yet, the team, known for their fighting spirit, bounced back remarkably to claim victory in the next three Tests, demonstrating their dominance in the format.India held their nerve to beat England by five wickets in the fourth Test to seal their 17th straight series win at home in Ranchi on Monday. Ind have now taken an unassailable 3-1 lead in the five-match series with the final game to be played in Dharamsala from March 7.
This is also the first series loss for England ever since Brendon McCullum has taken over the head coach role. Resumed their day at 40 for no loss, and survived some nervy moments before chasing down the 192-run target in the afternoon session.The unbeaten 72-run stand between Shubman Gill (52 not out off 124 balls) and Dhruv Jurel (39 not out off 77) helped get over the line following a middle-order collapse. In the morning session, Rohit Sharma (55 off 81) scored a crucial fifty and shared an 84-run stand with his opening partner Yashasvi Jaiswal (37).
Key Performances that Shaped the Victory for India
The fourth Test in Ranchi was a rollercoaster, beginning with England winning the toss and opting to bat. By lunch on Day 1, India had made significant inroads, reducing England to 112/5. However, Joe Root’s unbeaten 122 off 274 balls, alongside Ben Foakes and Ollie Robinson’s contributions, propelled England to a first-innings total of 353.
In response, India found themselves in a precarious position at 177/7, before Dhruv Jurel mirrored Root’s resilience, scoring 90 runs and lifting to a total of 307. The Indian spin duo of Ravichandran Ashwin and Kuldeep Yadav then turned the game on its head, dismissing England for 145 in their second innings, setting up a chase of 192 for India.
At 120/5, the chase seemed challenging, but Shubman Gill and Dhruv Jurel’s unbeaten partnership guided India safely to victory, with Gill scoring a crucial 52*.
Looking Ahead: The Final Showdown in Dharamsala
With the series now moving towards its conclusion, the fifth and final Test is set to be played at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamsala, starting on March 7. India, riding high on their current series lead, aims to cement their dominance with a 4-1 finish. On the other hand, England is looking to salvage pride with a strong performance to conclude their challenging tour.
The Dharamsala Test offers an intriguing prospect, with none of the series’ matches reaching the fifth day thus far. India’s record at the venue is noteworthy, having won their only red-ball game played there against Australia in March 2017. That victory was characterized by impressive performances from Kuldeep Yadav, Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, and Umesh Yadav, showcasing India’s balanced attack.
– Won the series vs ENG 2016
– Won the series vs AUS 2017
– Lost the series vs ENG 2018
– Won the series vs AUS 2019
– Won the series vs AUS 2021
– Drew the series vs ENG 2022
– Won the series vs AUS 2023
– Won the series vs ENG 2024Dominance of India in Tests. 🤯🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/MGZYEVJblU
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) February 27, 2024
Conclusion: A Series to Remember
The Ind vs England Test series has been a captivating narrative of comebacks, strategic brilliance, and individual heroics. As the teams prepare for the final chapter in Dharamsala, fans and pundits alike anticipate another thrilling encounter. Remarkable turnaround in the series is a testament to their depth and resilience, proving once again why they are considered a powerhouse in the world of cricket.
