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Ben Stokes-led England faced a 106-run defeat against Rohit Sharma's India in the second Test in Visakhapatnam on February 5. Chasing a target of 399 runs on the fourth day of the second Test, England were restricted to 292 runs, thanks to lethal bowling by Jasprit Bumrah. With this win India have levelled the five-match series 1-1. Notably, India suffered a 28-run defeat at the hands of England in Hyderabad. However, after losing the Visakhapatnam Test, the English team has decided to leave India. They will be heading to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) from India, where they were already training before the series started.
England to train in UAE
England has decided to stay and train in Abu Dhabi in UAE for the remaining three Test matches against India. The team will remain there until before the third Test, which is scheduled to begin in Rajkot on February 15. It is yet to be confirmed when the English players will travel to the UAE. The second Test between India and England was scheduled to be played from February 2 to February 6, but it ended within four days. Therefore, it is possible that the English team may return by the February 6th evening or the morning of February 7.
England had practiced in the UAE for their tour of India which saw many criticising their decision. Former English fast bowler Steve Harmison had said that if they prepare in the UAE and play just a few matches before heading to India, how will they win? However, Ben Stokes' team responded strongly to these criticisms. Their young spinners have understood the Indian conditions well and delivered excellent bowling performances. Additionally, the batsmen have learned from their previous experiences and exhibited strong batting. As a result, in the first Test, England managed to come back and secure a victory after initially trailing in the first innings.
Bumrah's fury diffuses England's Bazball
England, in pursuit of a 399-run target for victory, appeared to be holding their ground at 95-1 before experiencing a downturn in the morning session, which shifted the momentum in favor of India. Opener Zak Crawley managed to score 73 runs, while Ben Foakes and Tom Hartley contributed resilient 36s lower down the batting order. However, England eventually succumbed, being bowled out for 292 during the second session on the fourth day of the match. The left-arm spinner, Axar Patel, was responsible for dismissing Rehan Ahmed, who had taken on the role of England's nighhawk, after a quick 23-run contribution. Ashwin then disrupted England's batting lineup, dismissing Ollie Pope and Joe Root in consecutive overs. Pope managed to score 23 runs before edging a delivery from Ashwin to Rohit Sharma at slip, while Root, nursing a finger injury, was caught attempting a big shot off Ashwin and ended up offering a top-edge to Patel at backward point. While individual sessions may not determine the outcome of a Test match, the intensity of the first session provided a strong indication of the match's direction, as India made significant progress by taking five English wickets. Crawley showcased aggressive batting, and Jonny Bairstow (26) also appeared settled before both departed in successive overs just before lunch. England's chances were further diminished when Ben Stokes was run out for 11 runs. The third Test in Rajkot is scheduled to commence on February 15.
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