Advertisement
In a remarkable display of dominance, India clinched the Test series against England with a resounding win in the fifth and final Test at Dharamsala. Ravichandran Ashwin’s fifer and exceptional centuries from Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill propelled India to a historic 4-1 triumph. The Bazball technique crumbled in Indian conditions as the hosts outplayed Ben Stokes’ team with an innings and 64 runs victory on day 3 at the HPCA Stadium.
The Indian bowlers, led by Ashwin’s milestone 100th Test, wreaked havoc on the English batting line-up, securing an emphatic win. After England conceded their advantage in the first innings, being bowled out for 218, Ashwin’s four-wicket haul set the tone. In the second innings, his fifer dismantled England, leaving them struggling at 113/6. Jasprit Bumrah and Kuldeep Yadav contributed crucial wickets to seal the comprehensive victory.
This triumph marks a historic achievement, as it is the first time in 112 years that a team has won a five-match Test series by a margin of 4-1 after being 1-0 down. England’s last similar feat was in Ashes 1911/12 against Australia.
The only glimmer of joy for England on day 3 was James Anderson reaching his 700th Test wicket, dismissing Kuldeep Yadav. However, Shoaib Bashir’s fifer and India’s lead of 259 runs after posting 477 put the hosts in a commanding position.
In the first innings, England appeared strong at 100/1, but Kuldeep Yadav’s brilliant performance, securing a fifer with England at 175/6, shifted the momentum. Ashwin then wrapped up the tail, claiming four wickets.
India’s batting innings showcased a stellar performance, with Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill’s outstanding centuries leading the way. Contributions from Yashasvi Jaiswal, Devdutt Padikkal, and Sarfaraz Khan, who all scored fifties, highlighted India’s batting prowess. The series victory underscores India’s dominance and resilience against England in a historic Test series.
