India completed a crushing 157 run victory over England at the Kia Oval to take a 2-1 series lead. England were set an unlikely 368 for victory and were going along well at 100 without loss before India hit back.A brilliant spell of bowling from Jasprit Bumrah along with the Indian pace attack reduced England to 147 for 6. The hosts were eventually dismissed for 210 as India went 2-1 up in the series with one to play.
India favourites to win series heading into final test
India only have to avoid defeat in the final test at Old Trafford starting on Friday to win a series in England for the first time since 2007.
On the opening morning of the test England won the toss and elected to bowl. India progressed to 28 for 0 before Chris Woakes- playing his first match for over a year- removed Rohit Sharma(11). Ollie Robinson trapped KL Rahul(17) leg before with Anderson having Pujara(4) caught behind, India slumped to 39 for 3.
Virat Kohli rescued India with a half century despite being dropped on 22 and received excellent support from Shardul Thakur with an attacking 57 off 36 balls. The home side continued to take wickets and were eventually dismissed for 191 with Woakes taking 4 for 55 and Robinson 3 for 38.
England make slow start
The hosts closed the opening day on 53 for 3 after losing Joe Root shortly before the close of play. Dawid Malan was joined by nightwatchman Craig Overton to see England to safety.
On the second day England quickly lost Overton(1) and Malan(31) to Yadav as the hosts slipped to 62 for 5. England were rescued by 81 from local boy Ollie Pope and a swashbuckling 50 off 60 balls from Woakes, to give England a lead of 99.
India’s response on a good batting wicket was impressive. The visitors lost Rahul(46) to Anderson but Sharma and Pujara prospered. Sharma made a superb 127 before pulling Robinson to long leg. Pujara went four balls later to Robinson for 61 as India closed on a healthy 270 for 3.
Indian captain coming back into form
The Indian captain looked in good touch until he went for 44, but some good lower order batting from Pant(50) Thakur(60) as the tail wagged. India were eventually dismissed for 466 with a lead of 367.
England’s pursuit of 368 to win started off on the front foot with Rory Burns and Haseeb Hameed putting on 77 undefeated for the opening wicket as England closed day four still requiring a further 291 for victory.
Burns and Hameed posted a century stand before India got themselves right back into the game with some inspired bowling. The hosts lost four wickets for six runs inside six overs to give India a sniff of victory.
By the time Root(36) had played on off Thackur it was a case of when would India win. The last three wickets were claimed quickly with Yadav taking 3-60 to round off yet another India win on the final day of a test match.