India secured a convincing 106-run victory over England on Day 4 of the second Test in Vizag, leveling the five-match series at 1-1.
In pursuit of a challenging target of 399, England succumbed to India’s bowling prowess, getting bowled out for 292 in their second innings. The hosts dominated the first session, claiming five of the nine remaining wickets.
Jasprit Bumrah and spinner Ravichandran Ashwin starred for India, both securing three wickets in the second innings. Ashwin’s performance marked his 499th Test wicket. England, starting the day at 67/1, suffered setbacks as Axar Patel dismissed Rehan Ahmed and Ollie Pope, while Joe Root fell shortly after, leaving England at 154/4 before lunch.
Kuldeep Yadav removed Zak Crawley, who had an impressive 73, and Bumrah dismissed Jonny Bairstow, further favoring India. The lunch break saw India just four wickets away from victory.
In the second session, Shreyas Iyer’s fielding brilliance ended skipper Ben Stokes’ attempt to steal a quick single, extinguishing England’s hopes. Ben Foakes and Tom Hartley resisted with a 55-run partnership for the eighth wicket, but Bumrah’s return catch off Foakes tilted the balance in India’s favor.
England’s last two wickets fell quickly, marking India’s turnaround after losing the first Test in Hyderabad by 28 runs. Jasprit Bumrah, with a stellar 9-wicket haul, including a six-fer in the first innings, was named Player of the Match.
The third Test of the series is scheduled from February 15-19 in Rajkot.
Brief Scores: India 396 & 255 | England 253 & 292