India regsitered a commanding 434-run victory over England within the third Check in Rajkot, laying naked vulnerabilities within the guests’ normally aggressive techniques. The formidable Indian bowling assault, spearheaded by Ravindra Jadeja‘s exceptional performance with figures of 5/41, proved insurmountable for England. Their second-innings collapse to 122 while pursuing a challenging 557-run target further solidified India’s dominance, giving them a 2-1 lead within the five-match collection.
England’s defensive method: A departure from Bazball techniques
England, famend for his or her aggressive ‘Bazball’ type of play, displayed an uncommon defensive method on the outset of their innings within the 557-run chase on Day 4. The openers, Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett, usually fast to search out early boundaries, confirmed warning from the very first ball. This hesitation turned evident between them, ensuing within the fall of Ben Duckett attributable to a run-out by Dhruv Jurel following a misunderstanding.
This marked the primary occasion in alongside whereas the place England tried to play Check cricket in a extra orthodox method, deviating from their accustomed Bazball discuss. Jadeja, the hometown hero, skillfully spun an online over the touring batters on the Niranjan Shah Stadium.
Additionally WATCH: Dhruv Jurel’s sharp cricketing thoughts ends in a superb run-out of Ben Duckett on Day 4 of the Rajkot Check
Joe Root’s defensive play and Jasprit Bumrah’s hilarious sledge
As England discovered themselves struggling at 28/4, Joe Root and Ben Stokes tried to stabilize the innings. The star batter, Root, had been going through scrutiny attributable to a collection of low scores and had obtained criticism for his aggressive but weird reverse ramp shot towards Jasprit Bumrah within the earlier innings of the third Check, resulting in his dismissal.
Within the pursuit of the daunting goal, Root opted for a defensive technique, aligning his play with the match scenario, notably towards the outstanding bowler, Bumrah. Regardless of Bumrah delivering a slower ball at an nearly half-volley size, Root selected to defend it with a sturdy front-foot stroke. Observing the England batters adopting a extra reserved method, Bumrah humorously remarked to considered one of his teammates on the finish of the eleventh over, stating that the England gamers have been now not attacking, emphasizing the noticeable change of their gameplay.
“Ab toh maar hi nahi rahe hain, dekh zara (Now they’re not attacking at all, just look at that!),” Bumrah mentioned with a smile to a teammate.
Right here’s the video:
missed it reside however this has ended me, how does he sound well mannered even when sledging 😭😭 https://t.co/5nHkVdoPhv pic.twitter.com/2DC9ND0HJA
— Rahul (@exceedingxpuns) February 19, 2024
England’s largest defeat
The vacationers finally succumbed, being bundled out for 122 in simply 39.4 overs, marking their most vital defeat when it comes to the margin of runs since 1934 towards Australia in Oval by 562 runs. India’s decisive triumph not solely underscored their cricketing dominance but additionally highlighted England’s struggles in adapting to a defensive technique, resulting in a historic victory for the house staff within the third Check. Regardless of their pleasure in chasing large totals with a white ball-like batting method in Check cricket, the vacationers confronted a actuality examine.