India has beaten England in the second test by 106 runs. Chasing 399 runs, England got off to a good start and remained competitive, but some quick wickets pushed them out of contention.
India should celebrate this win, but they should also be concerned about the way the match unfolded. Only Yashasvi Jaiswal’s heroics in the first innings and Jasprit Bumrah’s exceptional spell in the second innings allowed India to secure a comfortable victory in the end.
Zak Crawley looked threatening in both innings, but India were clinical when it mattered and capitalized on their opportunities. Without a doubt, Jasprit Bumrah was adjudged the player of the game for his 9 wickets in the match. Yashasvi Jaiswal’s double century and Shubman Gill’s century were impressive performances for India.
With the series now tied at 1-1, it was the 400-run chase that saved India. Honestly speaking, a target of 260 against any other team might have felt defendable, but it was only England that made them think outside the box and push for every hard-earned run.
Now England and India will move to Rajkot for the third test of the 5-match test series.
Here are the reactions from England and India captains and player of the game:
Player of the Match, Jasprit Bumrah: “As I said before, I don’t look at numbers. As a youngster I did that and it made me excited. But now it’s an added baggage. As a youngster that is the first delivery I learned (yorker). Had seen the legends of the game. Waqar, Wasim and even Zaheer Khan.
Not the leader of the pack, we’re going through a transition so I feel it’s my responsibility to help them in any way I can. We discuss certain things. Have been playing with him for a long period of time (Rohit). No not really (competition with Jimmy?).
Before a cricketer, I’m a fast bowling fan. If somebody’s doing well, kudos to them. I look at the situation, at the wicket and think what are my options. I should not be a one-trick pony.”
Rohit Sharma, India captain: “He is a champion player for us (Bumrah). When you win a game like that, you have to look at the overall performance as well. We were good with the bat. You know winning a Test in these conditions is not easy.
Wanted our bowlers to step up and they did that. He looks like a good player (Jaiswal), understands his game really well. Long way to go for him, has got a lot to offer for our team. Hope he stays humble. Wickets was really good to bat on.
If I have to point anything, lot of the batters got starts but couldn’t get big score. But I understand they’re young and new to the game. Important for us to give them confidence.
Very proud of such a young squad to come up against a team like that. Lot of the guys are quite young in terms of playing this form of the game. It’ll take some time to be absolutely spot on. Want them to play freely without any pressure”.
Ben Stokes, England captain: “Coming into this last innings, we had full belief in ourselves that we’ll chase it down. In moments like that, in games with scoreboard pressure, that’s where we get the best out of ourselves. Another great game to be a part of.
There’s no suggestion whatsoever about how to play. Everyone in the dressing room is a quality player. They are good enough to go out there and assess the conditions, and decide how to go about it. I absolutely loved it (captaining the spinners).
To put in the performance Rehan and Tom did yesterday was incredible. They showed a lot of maturity beyond the years. He’s amazing, two guys who’re incredible bowlers (Anderson and Bumrah).”
