India defeats England in the 4th test at the Oval cricket ground. Indian bowlers ensured a comprehensive victory against the hosts to go 2-1 up in the series with one match to go. India just needs a draw in the final test to earn the test series win in England.
Team India was put in to bat by England in the 4th test at the Oval. There were changes in both the India and England camps after the previous match. Shardul Thakur and Umesh Yadav came in in place of Ishant Sharma and Mohammad Shami for India. Ollie Pope in place of Jos Buttler, while fit-again Chris Woakes replaced Sam Curran for England.
India got off to a shaky start after losing their openers early. Pujara too didn’t affect the scoreline much and got out cheaply after an impressive 91 in the previous game. Captain Kohli steadied the ship and played a beautiful knock of 50 runs before falling to Robinson again. Wickets were tumbling at intervals until Shardul Thakur produced a masterclass. He scored 57 runs off 36 balls and took India to a decent total. He carried India from 127-7 to 190-7.
England put up a decent total of 290 runs in their first innings thanks to late contributions from Ollie Pope(81), Bairstow(37), Moeen Ali(35) and Chris Woakes(50). Umesh Yadav was the pick of the bowlers claiming 3 wickets including the important wicket of Joe Root.
Indian top-order came out to bat with intent and purpose. Rohit Sharma scored his first overseas test century. He scored 127 runs off 256 balls. Rahul(46), Pujara(61), and Kohli(44)were among the runs as well. Rishab Pant and Shardul Thakur’s down-the-order contributions of 50 and 60 runs respectively propelled India to a daunting score of 466 runs and giving England a mammoth target of 368 runs to chase down.
In the final innings of the match, England started off well as the openers put up 100 runs without losing a wicket. India’s good luck charm Shardul Thakur provided the breakthrough for the visitors after picking up Rory Burns. That was the beginning of England’s downfall as they lost the next 9 wickets for 110 runs. Bumrah and Jadeja bowled brilliantly claiming 2 wickets each. Thakur too chipped in with 2 wickets including the prized scalp of captain Root. Umesh Yadav then finished off the tailenders as India won the match considerably by 157 runs.
Hitman Rohit Sharma was awarded the man of the match for his brilliant knock of 127 runs. India now is only a draw away from winning the test series in England.
