It was another thrilling Test match in what has been a fantastic series.
England fought hard, taking wickets before and after lunch. When they dismissed Ravindra Jadeja and Sarfaraz Khan, it looked like the match could go either way.
Shubman Gill showcased his class and composure, while Dhruv Jurel has been a revelation in his two matches, impressing both as a wicketkeeper and with the bat.
India Clinch Series Win After Thrilling Fourth Test Finale
Scorecard: India vs England, Fourth Test, Ranchi
Shubman Gill scored his third Test century against England, helping India recover from 120-5 and move into a 3-1 series lead. England fought hard, but the real turning point came yesterday, when they let slip a potentially big first-innings lead, collapsing from 100 runs ahead to just 46. In the third innings, England found themselves indecisive, struggling with their approach as they were reduced to 37-5 in 26 overs.
No Shame in Losing to India
India's victory is a testament to their mental toughness and skill, particularly considering they were missing several star players like Virat Kohli, Jasprit Bumrah, KL Rahul, and Rishabh Pant. Ravi Ashwin's five-wicket haul in the second innings was crucial, and despite their absences, India showed remarkable depth. England’s defeat in this series is no disgrace, particularly against a team with such a strong home record.
Positives for England
England had their own standout moments. Despite fielding an inexperienced spin attack, Tom Hartley and Shoaib Bashir showed significant improvement throughout the series. Bashir was particularly impressive in this match, taking five wickets in the first innings and eight in the match overall. Both he and Hartley have grown with each game, and their performances will be a positive takeaway for England.
The Key Moments
Throughout the series, there were moments where England could have done better, such as when they gave India a significant first-innings lead despite Ollie Pope’s brilliant 196. However, India consistently won more sessions, which ultimately made them deserving winners.
Is Shoaib Bashir the New Star for England?
The key, whether as a player or pundit, is to stay grounded — not to get too low when things go wrong, nor too high when a few good performances come together. Shoaib Bashir and his fellow spinners have bowled exceptionally well in conditions that offered just the right amount of turn without being overly spin-friendly.
A New Threat with the Ball
In terms of spinning in England, the challenges are different. Graeme Swann, for example, would often deceive batsmen with his drift and drop before the ball even landed. Bashir shares that ability. He’s tall with a high release point, giving him the perfect foundation to generate significant drop on the ball, a key reason why England chose him for this tour. England did their homework, understanding that spinners with high release points thrive in India's conditions, and Bashir's ability to deceive batters before the ball even lands could be a potent weapon in England as well.
Bashir's Potential with Stokes' Guidance
A crucial factor for Bashir's development is having a captain like Ben Stokes, who understands the nuances of spin bowling. Stokes has shown immense skill in guiding young spinners through tough conditions, and Bashir is benefiting from that leadership. Bashir now has a chance to prove himself further in the final Test in Dharamshala, where England will need a strong performance to maintain momentum. The young spinner's future looks bright under Stokes' captaincy, and he could emerge as a key asset for England in the years to come.
