An outstanding bowling performance from Shoaib Bashir put India on the driving seat on day three of fourth Test. The young off-spinner has taken four wickets as England was eyeing a huge lead after the first innings. Yashasvi Jaiswal was the lonely warrior for India on a dismal looking scorecard. Dhruv Jurel was still batting with Kuldeep Yadav as his partner. The Indians would look to add atleast fifty more runs to the total if they want to rescue this crucial Test match.
Team Lineups
The Indian camp decided to rest Jasprit Bumrah for this test match after his recent workload in international cricket. The 30 year old pacer from Gujarat is nothing less than sensational as he tore teams apart with his magnificent swing bowling. In his place, Akash Deep made his international debut for the Indian Test side. The 27 year old pace bowler from Bihar has impressed with his bowling on the domestic circuit and the Indian selectors decided to put him in the Indian eleven.
Virat Kohli was still away from the team as he was spending time with his newborn daughter. KL Rahul’s absence extended after suffering another injury setback in his quadriceps. Sarfaraz Khan and Dhruv Jurel – the two debutants from the last game kept their places in an inexperienced middle order. Kuldeep Yadav, Ravindra Jadeja and Ravichandran Ashwin completed a strong spin trio with Akash Deep and Mohammed Siraj chosen as the pacers. The double centurion in consecutive Tests Yashasvi Jaiswal would open the batting for India with Rohit Sharma as his partner.
England made two changes to their team which was humbled by England in the third Test match in Vizag. Mark Wood was dropped to the bench for this encounter. In his place, Ollie Robinson was given a go in the first team. The 30 year old pacer from Sussex last played for the Test side in last year’s Ashes.
e Root has been uncharacteristically meek with the bat for England in this series. James Anderson is also having a poor series so far. Shoaib Bashir also made a comeback to the team after sitting out the last Test match. Rehan Ahmed has shown glimpses of his talent in this series. But the 19 year old had to fly back home and will not be available for selection for the final Test match. Rehan was sent back home due to personal reasons. Young Somerset spinner Bashir has played well in his debut after the visa debacle that saw him miss the opening Test match of the series.
England
1. Zak Crawley 2. Ben Duckett 3. Ollie Pope 4. Joe Root 5. Jonny Bairstow 6. Ben Stokes (Cap.) 7. Ben Foakes (WK) 8. Tom Hartley 9. Ollie Robinson 10. Shoaib Bashir 11. James Anderson
India
1. Rohit Sharma (Cap.) 2. Yashasvi Jaiswal 3. Shubman Gill 4. Rajat Patidar 5. Ravindra Jadeja 6. Sarfaraz Khan 7. Dhruv Jurel 8. Ravichandran Ashwin 9. Mohammed Siraj 10. Akash Deep 11. Kuldeep Yadav
English captain Ben Stokes won the toss for the second time in the series and chose to bat first. The Ranchi surface is made from black soil and looks to be on the slower side. This ground is located in a relatively cooler area compared to the previous three venues, so the moisture in the air would keep the cracks together for a longer period of time. The pitch is made in the mold of a stereotypical sub-continent wicket as it is conducive to batting early on. Eventually, the pitch would crack under dry heat and assist the spin bowlers later on.
The pitch seemed to be breaking from day two. The batsmen were having a tough time out in the middle with some of the deliveries keeping lower than expected. The spinner would receive more assistance from the pitch as it deteriorates on day three and four.
Fixture
The JSCA stadium in Ranchi has previously seen two Test matches played at this ground. India has won one and drawn the other. The first Test match at this ground was played in 2017, India drew that game against a strong Australian side. In the last Test match held at this ground, India provided a battering to the visiting South African team. The Proteas were comprehensively beaten by an innings and 202 runs. The average first innings score at this ground is 474, a clear indication that this surface is fantastic for batting. On both occasions, the toss winning captain chose to bat first.
India and England have met on 134 occasions prior to this Test match. The visitors have the upper hand with 51 wins. The other 50 Test matches ended in a draw. India has emerged victorious on 33 occasions. In Tests in India, the hosts have won 24 games. Two of England’s 15 Test wins came in 2012, the last time a visiting side had toppled the Indians in their own backyard in a series. The first Test match in India’s history was played against England at Lord’s in June. 1932. India is leading the Test match by 2-1 after losing the first Test match in Hyderabad.
| Venue | The second day of the fourth Test match between India and England was played at the Jharkhand State Cricket Association in Ranchi, Jharkhand. |
| Date | The game started on Saturday February 24, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. local time. |
Captaincy & Tactics
Shoaib Bashir spun India into a precarious situation with an impressive four-wicket haul, which paved the way for England to finish the second day of the fourth Test 134 runs ahead. With just three more wickets needed to secure a crucial first-innings lead on a deteriorating pitch in Ranchi, the pressure was building on the Indian side.
The 20-year-old offspinner, Bashir, playing only his second Test match after debuting in Visakhapatnam, showcased his talent by taking 4 for 84 in a marathon spell of 31 overs that spanned from before lunch to after tea. His relentless performance was briefly interrupted only to shift ends in the fading evening light, managing to squeeze out one more crucial over. Among his victims was opener Yashasvi Jaiswal, whose half-century stood out as India’s lone individual score over 40. As the day concluded, Dhruv Jurel stood unbeaten on 30, accompanied by Kuldeep Yadav on 17.
The veteran James Anderson struck early for England, dismissing Rohit Sharma for just 2 runs in India’s first innings. Despite initial expectations of a challenging pitch, Jaiswal found his rhythm alongside Shubman Gill after lunch. Gill’s assertive play, including a couple of boundaries off Anderson, led to a 50-run partnership. Jaiswal, too, joined the attacking spree by lofting Bashir for a six over mid-on. Even though England seemed to have had a breakthrough moment when Jaiswal edged a delivery to the keeper, the third umpire ruled it as not out.
Bashir’s return to the English side proved immensely fruitful as he doubled his wicket count, putting England in a favorable position to potentially level the series at 2-2 with three days of play remaining. His pivotal interventions included dismissing Gill leg-before-wicket after a promising 82-run alliance with Jaiswal, as well as trapping Patidar in front with a delivery that skidded on low.
While Jadeja managed to provide some resistance with consecutive sixes off Hartley, his dismissal to Bashir’s crafty bowling added to India’s woes. Jaiswal’s departure to a low ball that crashed into the stumps further compounded India’s troubles, marking a significant turning point in the match.
Bashir’s stellar performance highlighted his resilience and talent, showcasing a promising future despite facing initial obstacles. Alongside Bashir, left-armer Tom Hartley contributed to England’s cause with crucial wickets, including the dismissals of Sarfaraz Khan and R Aswhin.
Despite England’s morning session success, losing their last three wickets quickly, Root’s unbeaten 122, supported by crucial partnerships, had anchored England’s innings after a shaky start on the first day. The comprehensive effort from the English side positioned them well to capitalize on their momentum heading into the remaining days of the Test match.
Batting Analysis
ndia’s occasional defeats in home Tests over the past decade have typically fallen into two categories. They either occurred on challenging turners in Pune in 2017 and Indore last year, where the balance tilted in favor of the visiting teams with spin-friendly conditions, or on pitches like the one in Chennai in 2021, where the toss played a significant role — offering a flat track initially that gradually aided substantial turn.
Fast forward to the ongoing contest in Ranchi, and India finds themselves staring at the possibility of another rare home defeat. Trailing by 134 runs with seven wickets down in their first innings, the prospect of batting last on a surface that has exhibited a peculiar blend of characteristics from Pune/Indore-style pitches and the toss-influenced Chennai track looms large.
This Ranchi pitch, while not entirely resembling a typical square turner, has presented spinners with variable bounce, notably on the lower side. The uneven bounce, more pronounced on day two, indicates a considerable challenge for batsmen, a challenge that is expected to intensify as the match progresses, making the toss even more crucial in shaping the outcome.
Despite India benefiting from some seam movement and erratic bounce for their fast bowlers early in the match, courtesy of losing the toss, England has made the most of the conditions, showcasing both batting resilience and incisive bowling to seize the initiative. The changing nature of the pitch, with its decreased bounce and increasing difficulty for batsmen to negotiate the unpredictable trajectory of the ball, has played a substantial role in shaping the current scenario where India find themselves on the back foot.
As indicated by bowling coach Paras Mhambrey, the surprise factor lies in the speed with which the pitch dynamics have evolved, catching the home team off guard. The element of uneven bounce has not only directly resulted in chances but has also widened the margin for error for spinners, presenting a tough proposition for England’s inexperienced spin attack to control the flow of runs.
In such conditions, the effectiveness of Shoaib Bashir and Tom Hartley, England’s young spin duo, has not only been about their skill but also about their adeptness in capitalizing on the pitch’s idiosyncrasies. Their extended spells in unison, exploiting their high release points and the pitch’s unpredictability, have played a pivotal role in tightening the noose around the Indian batsmen.
The Ranchi pitch, unlike the spinner-friendly tracks that India has favored in the past, has showcased a different nature, challenging the home team with its variable bounce rather than sharp turn. Despite India’s potential to request a more favorable track following the absence of Jasprit Bumrah, their leading pacer, Mhambrey clarified that there were no specific demands for a turner, highlighting the unpredictability of pitch conditions and the need to adapt accordingly.
With the contest delicately poised and the nature of the pitch continuing to pose challenges, the outcome of this crucial Test match hinges not just on the prowess of the players but also on their adaptability to the ever-evolving dynamics of the game.
Bowling Analysis
When the series itinerary was initially disclosed, Shoaib Bashir was likely envisioning playing against Devon in Newton Abbot while harboring aspirations of embarking on a county career with Somerset. Little did he know that he would soon find himself in India, weaving spells of spin bowling that left both Graeme Swann and Anil Kumble in awe during their commentary, thereby solidifying his place as an England player.
In a sphere where Test cricket is often deemed an insurmountable challenge for young spinners refining their skills, Bashir’s remarkable performance in only his second Test and eighth first-class match stood out. Bowling a relentless spell of 31 overs with figures of 4-84, continuously grinding except for brief breaks for lunch and tea, Bashir played a pivotal role as England took a firm grip on the fourth Test in Ranchi, establishing a 134-run lead with India struggling at 219-7.
Following Joe Root’s composed century, England needed a proficient bowling display to complement their batting effort. Bashir, alongside Tom Hartley, showcased exemplary discipline, allowing the deteriorating pitch to work its magic, evincing a sense of maturity beyond their years.
Hartley’s marathon spell of 18 overs for two wickets at 47 runs exemplified his accuracy and control, while Bashir’s consistency and composure in the face of physical strain – requiring treatment for cramps at one point – highlighted his growing stature in the international arena. Despite the unforgiving conditions, Bashir’s unwavering focus and determination mirrored the confidence instilled by the Bazball environment.
Noteworthy was Bashir’s agility to dismiss four of India’s top five batsmen, including the prized scalp of Yashasvi Jaiswal, often hailed as India’s Steve Smith for his hunger for runs and resilience at the crease.
Walking off the field amidst a guard of honor from his teammates, Bashir basked in the well-deserved accolades, affirming England’s astute decision to entrust a young talent hailing from the West Country Premier Division with a pivotal role in the Test match.
In a tactical display of captaincy, Stokes expertly managed his young spin duo, setting up intelligent field placements and backing their abilities from the onset. England’s calculated approach exploited the challenging conditions, with the unpredictable bounce on offer posing a daunting task for the Indian batting lineup.
Root’s unbeaten 122 and valuable contributions from Ollie Robinson propelled England to a competitive total of 353, marking a significant turnaround from a precarious position at 112-5. Despite Anderson’s early breakthrough and Robinson’s persistent probing, the Indian batsmen found it challenging to combat the guile of the English spinners in favorable conditions.
As the match unfolds, the narrative of Bashir’s meteoric rise and England’s resurgence in the series underscores the significance of every contribution in a fiercely contested Test match. With the game poised delicately, Bashir’s talent, coupled with England’s collective efforts, promises an enthralling culmination as the series heads towards a gripping finale in Dharamsala.
Fielding Analysis
Yashasvi Jaiswal narrowly escaped after wicketkeeper Ben Foakes was unable to complete a catch. The ball was dying on Foakes who dived forward but could not gather the ball in time. Sarafaraz Khan was also given an early reprieve as the ball flew off his edge to the boundary. Joe Root was standing slightly wider and the ball went past him before he could react.
Ben Foakes took a regulation catch to dismiss Rohit Sharma early in the innings. Ollie Pope also took an easy catch to send Ravindra Jadeja back to the pavilion. But the best fielding moment of the day belonged to Joe Root. The English batsman magnificently dived to his left to take a one-handed catch to dismiss Sarfaraz Khan.
Earlier in the Rohit Sharma failed to pouch the ball before bouncing as Root was handed a life late in his innings. Apart from that, the Indian fielding performance was top notch.
Key Performances
Yashasvi Jaiswal continued his impressive form with the bat with another fifty. The 22 year old looked solid during his stay at the crease with an innings of 73 from 117 deliveries. However, there was no single batter to back his effort up. Shubman Gill started impressively, but he eventually threw his wicket away by playing down the wrong line against Shoaib Bashir.
The Punjab batter managed to score 38 from 65 deliveries before returning to the pavilion. Rajat Patidar, Ravindra and Sarfaraz Khan got out after reaching double digits. Dhruv Jurel was the one who was fighting to take India close to the English total. The 23 year old wicketkeeper batsman from Uttar Pradesh is unbeaten at the score of 30 runs from 58 deliveries. Kuldeep Yadav is his partner in the middle who is batting at 17.
Shoaib Bashir bowled an uninterrupted spell of 31 overs that spanned from before lunch to after tea. The 20 year old was excellent throughout the day and picked up our wickets to destroy the momentum of the Indians. Bashir adjusted his bowling to the pace of the pitch and stifled the batsmen who were looking to score quick runs. Tom Hartley also bowled fantastically in his 19 overs and claimed two scalps for 47 runs. Veteran James Anderson dealt an early blow by dismissing Rohit Sharma on the third over of the day.
Earlier on the day, Ravindra Jadeja made sure England would not be allowed to get away with a big score. The Gujarati all-rounder took 4 wickets for 67 runs to sweep the English tail quickly. Mohammed Siraj picked up two with his new ball partner Akash Deep taking three wickets. Joe Root remained unbeaten at 122 with England being bowled out for 353. Ollie Robinson played an invaluable innings of 58 which could potentially be a match decider on a tough track.
Turning Point
The turning point of the day came at the 47th over of the Indian innings. The English spinners were chipping away with regular wickets to unsettle the Indian batting. Yashasvi Jaiswal has shown maturing beyond his age in this series by scoring back to back double centuries. The southpaw batsman from Uttar Pradesh was creating problems for the Englishmen in this innings also. Jaiswal was hitting through the line and sending the ball to the boundary regularly. But Jaisw was also playing defensive shots when necessary.
Shoaib Bashir has been a fantastic find for the English Test side. The young off-spinner has shown he is capability of producing magic deliveries on the Indian surfaces. The fourth delivery of the 47th over was pushed through quicker and the ball skidded on. The ball also kept a little bit low.
Instead of meeting the ball on the front foot, Jaiswal retreated to his crease. He only managed to get an edge to the delivery and it hit the stumps. The English players celebrated fervently after sending back the in-form batter. India kept losing wickets after that and things were looking bleak for them after day two.
Day Result
India are still 124 runs behind the first innings total set by their opponents. The English need to take just three more wickets to take a crucial lead after the first innings.
Brief Scorecard
| England First Innings: 353/10 (104.5 overs) | India First Innings: 219/7 (73 overs) |
| Joe Root 122 (274) | Yashasvi Jaiswal 73 (117) |
| Ben Foakes 47 (126) | Shubman Gill 38 (65) |
| Ravindra Jadeja 4/67 (32.5 overs) | Shoaib Bashir 4/84 (32 overs) |
| Akash Deep 3/83 (19 overs) | Tom Hartley 2/47 (19 overs) |
Day Highlights
Day Wrap-Up
The English are hoping to take a huge lead in the first innings after a dominating display by the young spinner Shoaib Bashir. The 20 year old has relentlessly bowled on the right channels to create discomfort for the Indian batters. The hosts failed to show any resilience on a tough pitch on the second day. It would be interesting to see how much longer the Indians can bat to get closer to the English total.
