In a compelling display of cricket, India has conquered the English Bazball approach on home soil with a stunning victory in the captivating fourth Test held in Ranchi. Demonstrated with adept poise by the impressive partnership of Shubman Gill and Dhruv Jurel, India effortlessly chased down the target of 192, placing them in an unassailable series lead of 3-1.
India’s dominance in the five-match series is not merely about the recent wins but an impending historical achievement. As the series stands in favour of the Men in Blue, a win in the final Test at Dharamsala will see them match a very rare 112-year-old Test record. This feat involves winning a five-match Test series 4-1 post losing the inaugural match, a triumph last achieved in 1912.
Until now, this extraordinary outcome in Test series has graced the grounds only three times. Australia celebrated this milestone twice in the years 1897/98 and 1901/02 against England. Following their footsteps was the English team itself, who turned the tables in the 1911/12 series achieving a similar victory despite a first-match defeat.
The beginning was rough for the Indian team in the ongoing series as they succumbed to England in Hyderabad. Despite heading the game initially, the visitors’ resilience shone through with Ollie Pope’s stunning hundred, catapulting them to a lead. However, the Indian squad, undeterred by the setback, struck back. Yashasvi Jaiswal’s remarkable double century in the first innings and Gill’s ton in the second innings, combined with Jasprit Bumrah’s formidable bowling, drew the series level at 1-1.
The next win for India came even when the events seemed unfavorable. England, comfortably ahead by 238 runs in the third Test, appeared to solidify their advantage with Ben Duckett’s eye on a 150 and seven wickets in hand at the close of day two. Yet, India delivered a stunning comeback, orchestrated by Mohammed Siraj’s and other bowlers’ spellbinding performances and Jaiswal’s consecutive double ton.
The fourth test shed light on India’s tenacity and strategic prowess, especially on day three when it overturned a troubling deficit of 134 runs behind England’s first-inning score. With only three wickets remaining at the close of day two, Dhruv Jurel, Kuldeep Yadav, and Ravichandran Ashwin led India’s comeback tale, mastering both bat and ball. The chase, set in motion by Rohit Sharma’s resilient foundation, was clinched through the diligent efforts of Gill and Jurel.
This series has been a testament to the Indian team’s relentless spirit and tactical acumen. It also marks England’s first series defeat since Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum assumed their roles as captain and head coach in 2022. Their combination, popularized as ‘Bazball’ for its aggressive and unorthodox strategy, finally met its match in India’s home conditions.
As India stands poised to rewrite history books in Dharamsala, a question hangs in the air – will they accomplish the glory of a record paralleled only by the greats of yesteryears? For a nation brimming with cricketing prowess and a passion that resonates with millions, this potential victory is not about the numbers alone. It symbolizes an era of Indian cricket that beautifully intertwines tradition with ambition, skill with strategy, and ultimately, history with the making. With eyes set firmly on the prize, India eagerly anticipates the final act of this dramatic series.
