England Seize Control in Ranchi as Bashir Stars with Four-Wicket Haul
England clawed their way back into contention in the fourth Test against India at Ranchi, thanks to a brilliant bowling performance by young off-spinner Shoaib Bashir and a crucial century from Joe Root.
Bashir, playing only his second Test, ripped through the Indian batting order with a career-best 4-84, including a crucial wicket of in-form batsman Yashasvi Jaiswal (73).
His relentless control and marathon spell, spanning 31 overs across three sessions, put England firmly in control after they had conceded a first-innings lead of 134.
Earlier, Root had anchored the England innings with a masterful 122, guiding his side to a respectable 353 before Ravindra Jadeja cleaned up the tail. Ollie Robinson chipped in with a valuable 58, his maiden Test fifty, as the lower order added crucial runs.
India, resuming at 101-3, were pegged back early by Bashir. He removed Shubman Gill (38) and Rajat Patidar (17) in quick succession before dismissing the dangerous Jadeja (12) to leave India reeling at 130-4.
Jaiswal and Dhruv Jurel (21*) then attempted to rebuild the innings with a 42-run stand, but Bashir found his magic touch again, dismissing Jaiswal with a delivery that took his toe end on the way to the stumps.
Left-arm spinner Tom Hartley also chipped in with two wickets, dismissing Sarfaraz Khan (1) and Ravichandran Ashwin (9) as India finished the day on 219-7, still 134 runs behind.
England’s pace attack, despite James Anderson claiming his 697th Test wicket with the dismissal of Rohit Sharma (21), struggled to match Bashir’s impact. Robinson, returning from injury, looked rusty and lacked pace, while others failed to generate consistent swing.
Robinson, Root Shine as England Set Imposing Target at Ranchi
The visitors, however, benefitted from three contentious lbw decisions that went their way, raising questions about the Decision Review System once again.
Despite trailing, India still have a fighting chance if they can weather the storm early on day three. However, England, with a strong bowling performance and a handy lead, are well-positioned to push for a series-leveling victory.
Bashir’s emergence has been a major positive for England. The 20-year-old, picked ahead of the experienced Jack Leach, has shown remarkable maturity and control, justifying the selectors’ faith in him.
His marathon spell and wicket-taking prowess have been instrumental in shifting the momentum in England’s favor.
The third day promises to be an enthralling battle, with India needing to show grit and determination to stay in the contest, while England will be aiming to capitalize on their bowling dominance and press for a win.
