The ongoing Test series between India and England has been a cauldron of high drama and intense emotions, with the latest chapter unfolding on Day 3 of the Ranchi Test, leaving Joe Root, including his teammates and support staff, in a state of disbelief and agitation. The England batter, who had been wielding his bat with grace and potency, found his promising innings abruptly halted by the cunning spin of Ravichandran Ashwin.
Root, fresh off a magnificent first innings performance in Ranchi, was sent packing early in his second outing, adjudged LBW to a delivery from Ashwin. The controversy surrounding his dismissal has since ignited a fervent discussion among the cricketing elite, adding fuel to the fire of the ongoing DRS (Decision Review System) saga in this riveting series.
DRS debate in India vs England Test series
This incident is not an isolated grievance from the English camp regarding the DRS. Following a heartbreaking loss in the third Test at Rajkot, England's captain, Ben Stokes, made headlines with his bold critique of the 'Umpire's call' element of the DRS, advocating for its removal from the sport. This statement underscores the deepening frustrations and the mounting stakes of this fiercely contested series.
A gripping Test match unfolds in Ranchi
The fourth Test has been a rollercoaster of emotions and fortunes, marked by a series of dramatic turnarounds and electrifying performances. England's batting order initially faltered, collapsing under the pressure of the Indian bowlers. However, it was Joe Root's masterful 122 off 274 balls that breathed life into England's innings, guiding them to a respectable total of 353.
In a mirror image of England's batting woes, India too faced early dismissals of their key players, leaving fans on the edge of their seats. The tide began to turn with an exhilarating 77-run partnership for the 8th wicket between Dhruv Jurel and Kuldeep Yadav, slashing England's lead to a slender 46 runs, injecting a fresh dose of suspense into the match.
Ashwin, Kuldeep turn the match on its head
As the contest progresses, the scales have tipped back in favor of India, thanks to Ashwin's lethal spin claiming 3 wickets, alongside Kuldeep's crucial contribution. The duo's efforts have ratcheted up the pressure on the English batters, setting the stage for an epic showdown as the match heads towards its climax. England were reduced to 135/8 in 43 overs, with the lead extending to 181 runs.
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