IND vs ENG 1st Test Day 4: Not many gave England a chance. But Ben Stokes & Co have registered a faous 28-run win to stun India in Hyderabad and take 1-0 lead in the five-match India vs England Test series. Ollie Pope with 196 was the hero while debutant Tom Hartley was the other hero with the ball, scalping 7 wickets for 62 runs. India were dismissed for 202 in 231-run chase after England posted 420 in the second innings.
Day 4 Lunch: IND vs ENG
At Lunch on penultimate day of Hyderabad Test, Ollie Pope, bathed in warm applause and pats on the back from his teammates. He walked off to a well-deserved standing ovation from every Indian player. He crafted a historic innings (196), steering England from the brink at 163/5 yesterday to set a colossal target of 231 for India.
His magic was in the unorthodox – audacious sweeps and reverse sweeps against the bewildered Indian spinners. Pope wasn’t a lone warrior; he built three crucial partnerships (112, 64, and 80) with the lower order, refusing to let India roll them over. England added a blistering 104 runs this morning, showcasing their fighting spirit.
Yesterday belonged to Pope, who weathered the storm of early wickets to craft a magnificent innings of 148. With Rehan Ahmed providing able support (16*), England closed the day on 316/6, their sights set firmly on extending their lead. However, India knows the importance of striking early today to reignite their hopes of a series-opening victory.
The Indian bowlers, particularly Jasprit Bumrah and Ravindra Jadeja, showed flashes of brilliance on Day 3. Bumrah’s reverse swing claimed the prized scalps of Ben Duckett and Joe Root, while Jadeja’s cunning spin sent Johnny Bairstow packing. Ravichandran Ashwin also chipped in with the important wicket of Ben Stokes, leaving England’s middle order in tatters.
India vs England: Hosts optimist?
Despite Pope’s heroics, England’s remaining batsmen still face a daunting task. The Indian spinners, who wreaked havoc in the first innings, will undoubtedly look to exploit the cracks in the depleted batting lineup. Additionally, the pace of Mohammed Siraj and Jasprit Bumrah will pose a formidable challenge.
India’s own batting prowess offers another source of optimism. With a 190-run first innings lead in their pockets, they are well-positioned to chase down whatever total England manages to set. Skipper Rohit Sharma and his men will be eager to get onto the field and make the most of the home advantage.
The stage is set for a nerve-wracking Day 4. Can India capitalize on the early England wickets and restrict them to a modest total? Or will Pope continue his monumental effort and guide England to an unassailable lead? The answers will unfold under the Hyderabad sun, with both teams hungry for a crucial victory in this five-match series.
Editors pick
