On February 25, the Indian cricket team took a significant step towards winning the series against England in the fourth Test match at the JSCA International Stadium in Ranchi. Adding to the joy, Indian captain Rohit Sharma achieved a remarkable milestone by completing 4000 runs in Test cricket.
As the day concluded, India, chasing 192 runs for victory, reached 40/0 in eight overs. Captain Rohit Sharma, with an unbeaten score of 24, showcased his skills against England spinner Tom Hartley’s deliveries. His adept handling of full and overpitched balls resulted in four boundaries. Yashasvi Jaiswal also played well, remaining unbeaten on 16. The Indian team headed into stumps with smiles, needing 152 more runs to win the fourth Test, with two days remaining.
Partnership of Dhruv Jurel and Kuldeep Yadav
The day began with India trailing England’s first innings score by 134 runs with only three wickets in hand. However, a crucial 76-run partnership between Dhruv Jurel and Kuldeep Yadav (28 off 131 balls) helped India make a comeback. Despite Kuldeep falling to James Anderson, Jurel, playing in his second Test, impressed with a superb 90 off 149 balls, becoming India’s top-scorer.
In England’s first innings, Ravichandran Ashwin’s brilliance with the new ball led to his 35th five-wicket haul in Tests, finishing with figures of 5-51. Kuldeep contributed with 4-22, while Ravindra Jadeja also took a wicket. During the final session, England struggled, losing five wickets for just 25 runs in 21 overs.
The session saw Jonny Bairstow dismissed on the first ball, and Kuldeep took two wickets, dismissing Tom Hartley and Ollie Robinson. Ben Foakes survived an under-edge off Ashwin but fell to a carrom ball. Ashwin completed his five-wicket haul when James Anderson attempted a reverse sweep, resulting in a sharp catch by Jurel.
India’s outstanding performance continued as Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal capitalized on loose deliveries from England, heading into the next day with all wickets in hand, poised to secure the series victory in Ranchi. Overall, it was a brilliant day for the Indian cricket team, showcasing resilience and skill in both batting and bowling departments.
