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India staged a stunning comeback in the ongoing fourth Test against England in Ranchi on February 25 as Dhruv Jurel and Ravichandran Ashwin's charismatic performances saw hosts chasing an easy target of 192 runs to secure a series victory in the five-match contest. England were dismissed for 145 during the third day's play, with the Indian spinners dominating on a pitch that increasingly favored slower bowlers as the match progressed.
At the end of Day 3's play, India were firm on 40 for no loss with Rohit Sharma (24 off 27) and Yashasvi Jaiswal (16 off 21) intact on the crease.
Ashwin's spin wizardry
R Ashwin achieved a five-wicket haul, leading India to dismiss England for mere 145 in their second innings during the fourth Test. Sealing the deal, Ashwin removed James Anderson for a duck, marking his 35th five-wicket haul in Tests and establishing a victory target of 192 runs for India. England's batting faltered in their second outing, with Zak Crawley being the solitary batter to cross fifty, scoring 60 off 91 balls. Jonny Bairstow contributed 30 runs, while three English batsmen were out without scoring, clearly troubled by the Indian spin attack. Ashwin's haul was 5 for 51 in 15.5 overs, with Kuldeep Yadav taking four wickets for 22 runs, and Ravindra Jadeja also taking a wicket, showcasing a dominant performance by the spinners. The Indian bowling trio, comprising Kuldeep Yadav, R Ashwin, and Ravindra Jadeja, was responsible for taking all 10 wickets, leading to the visitors' collapse just about a half-hour before the day's play ended.
When India take on field on Day 4, they will need just 152 more runs to win the fourth Test and secure the series.
Dhruv Jurel stages India's comeback
By the close of the second day, India found themselves in a difficult position, with the day decidedly swinging in England's favor. The home team was in dire need of a turnaround, which Dhruv Jurel and Kuldeep Yadav spectacularly provided in Ranchi, delivering a performance that evoked memories of the legendary MS Dhoni.
Jurel, who has openly expressed his admiration for Dhoni, hoped to meet the former Indian captain after the game. His display was so reminiscent of Dhoni's style that even Sunil Gavaskar drew comparisons, as Jurel and Kuldeep forged an extraordinary partnership to steer India out of trouble.
Jurel skillfully countered the England attack, choosing his shots wisely, while Kuldeep offered crucial support, contributing 28 runs from 131 balls before his dismissal in a stroke of bad luck.
Reaching his half-century in 96 deliveries, Jurel then intensified his attack against the English spinners, who had dominated the second day. He quickly advanced to 90 runs, on the verge of scoring his first century at Dhoni's home ground.
However, Hartley's delivery brought an end to Jurel's impressive innings, but not before significantly reducing England's lead to 46. Despite England maintaining a lead, the momentum had shifted to India, prompting Rohit Sharma to employ his spinners in an attempt to dismiss England for a low score.
India eye series victory
A victory in Ranchi would give India an unassailable 3-1 series lead in the five-match contest. After England clinched the series opener, India bounced back to win the following two matches consecutively. India have maintained an undefeated home record since a surprising loss to England in 2012, achieving victories in 16 straight home Test series. This streak would extend to 17 if India manage to meet the set target.
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