India are struggling in the ongoing fourth Test in Ranchi, with England's bowlers left hosts clueless. Replying to England's first innings score of 353, India are reeling at 219/7 despite Yashasvi Jaiswal's resilient knock. Meanwhile, former England's star pacer Stuart Broad pointed out a significant mistake made by Rohit Sharma-led India, criticising the decision to rest Jasprit Bumrah.
Root's century take England past 350-run mark
Joe Root's impressive unbeaten 122, along with a crucial half-century from Ollie Robinson, propelled England to 353. India's innings got off to a rocky start as Rohit Sharma was out for just two runs. Nonetheless, Yashasvi Jaiswal stood out as the series' top batter, scoring 73 runs from 117 deliveries, including 8 fours and a six, and forming an 82-run stand with Shubman Gill, who contributed 38 runs.
Rajat Patidar (17), Ravindra Jadeja (12), Sarfaraz Khan (14), and Ravichandran Ashwin (1) were unable to make significant contributions. The bowling trio of Shoaib Bashir (4 wickets), Tom Hartley (2 wickets), and James Anderson (1 wicket) maintained a tight grip on the Indian batting lineup.
In addition, Jasprit Bumrah was given a break for the fourth Test as part of managing his workload, after having bowled over 100 overs and securing 17 wickets in the previous three matches.
India's decision to rest Bumrah left Broad clueless
Broad found it hard to understand the logic behind Indian team's decision to rest Bumrah for the all-important fourth Test against England, where they have a chance to pocket the series with a match to spare. But going by India's performance in the first two days, they look in bad shape as England continue to take charge of the Ranchi Test.
“Haven’t seen much of this Test match as of yet, just clicked on now. England massively on top. Spinners bowling accurately, uneven bounce. Cracks. Bowlers dream. 350 looks 100 above par. Toss in this series seems crucial. Bat first, dominate the game. Bumrah ‘rested’- can’t understand it. 8 overs in his last innings. Handed initiative back to England,” he wrote on X.
Bashir breaks India's back
Shoaib Bashir-inspired England kept Indian batters in check to take the Day 2 honours in the fourth Test despite Yashasvi Jaiswal's resilient show on February 24, Saturday. At the end of Day 2's game, India found themselves reeling at 219/7 as England maintain the lead of 134 runs to consolidate grip on Ranchi Test. Dhruv Jurel (30 off 58) and Kuldeep Yadav (17 off 72) hold India's fort after hosts found themselves reeling at 177/7. Bashir ran through India's batting line-up, removing four of top five batters earlier in the day.
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