A five-match series in India, starting from January 25, will provide England with what is perhaps the toughest test of their newly established regime under captain Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum. While England will be seen exercise their ‘Bazball’ approach, Rohit Sharma-led India will brandish their ‘Viratball’ approach in the five-match fierce contest.
England's New Chapter
Under the leadership of Brendon McCullum, who assumed the role of coach for the Test squad in 2022, England have maintained an undefeated record in the Test series, both at home and abroad. They have achieved four victories and three draws. In the same span, they have achieved a Test win-loss record of 14 triumphs and six defeats. England suffered a 3-1 defeat during the last visit to India. They emerged victorious in the initial Test but suffered heavy defeats in the following three matches, losing by margins of 317 runs, 10 wickets, and an innings and 25 runs, respectively. Since their notable 2-1 triumph in the 2012-13 season, England have only won one Test out of nine matches played in India. They have suffered seven defeats and settled for a draw in the remaining game.
When Ashwin topped Kohli in batting
Cut to 2024, India will look to extend their supremacy on home soil against England, especially with a star studded team which features superstars like Rohit Sharma (C), Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (WK), KS Bharat (WK), Dhruv Jurel (WK), Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohd. Siraj, Mukesh Kumar, Jasprit Bumrah (VC), Avesh Khan.
While Virat Kohli will lead the India's batting pack, R Ashwin will spearhead the spin attack. But when India hosted England the last time in a Test series, R Ashwin not only dazzled with the ball but also shone with the bat. To an extent, that he ended up racking up more runs than India's batting juggernaut Virat Kohli. To everyone's surprise Ashwin amassed a total of 189 runs in a span of four matches riding on a splendid century with an average of 31.50. As far as Kohli is concerened, he could only score 172 runs in a total of four matches riding on two fifties.
Notably, Joe Root notched the most runs (368) in that four-match Test runs while India skipper Rohit Sharma remained the second best with 345 runs riding on a century and as many half-century.
A Look Back at India vs England's 2021 Test Series in India
1st Test in Chennai
The 2021 Test series between India and England began on February 5th in Chennai, with Joe Root leading England and Virat Kohli captaining India. The series opener was a spectacular display, highlighted by Joe Root's outstanding double-century (218) in the first innings.
England clinched the first Test with a comprehensive 227-run victory in Chennai, bolstered by a strong bowling performance in the final innings. Key contributors Jack Leach and James Anderson claimed a combined seven wickets on the crucial last day, ensuring a win before the tea break. Root's exceptional performance not only won him the Player of the Match award but also set the stage for a compelling series ahead.
2nd Test in Chennai
The second Test, hosted in Chennai on February 13, saw India bounce back with a dominating victory. Axar Patel made a memorable debut, taking five wickets. This win was a significant response to England's earlier 1-0 lead in the series.
Rohit Sharma's remarkable 161 runs in the first innings, combined with Ashwin's total of eight wickets and a century, led him to be named Player of the Match in India's emphatic 317-run victory.
3rd Test in Ahmedabad
With the series balanced at 1-1, the third test, held in Ahmedabad on February 24, became a pivotal match. Axar Patel's extraordinary bowling, claiming 11 wickets across both innings, propelled India to take a 2-1 lead in a Test that concluded in just two days.
England's performance was lackluster, scoring 112 and 81 in the first and second innings respectively, and they faced a ten-wicket defeat. This marked a significant shift in the series momentum. Axar Patel, for his exceptional bowling, was awarded the Player of the Match.
4th Test in Ahmedabad
India concluded the series with a commanding innings victory in the final Test at Ahmedabad on March 4, wrapping up a 3-1 series win over England, who struggled with India's spin attack. Washington Sundar's performance was noteworthy, as he remained unbeaten at 96, just shy of his maiden Test century.
The match was marked by Rishabh Pant's impressive century and the outstanding bowling of Axar Patel and Ravichandran Ashwin, who took 9 and 8 wickets respectively, showcasing India's all-around dominance.
Pant was named Player of the Match for his century, and Ashwin was honored as Player of the Series, having accumulated a remarkable 32 wickets and 189 runs throughout the series.
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