Young Indian talents Shubman Gill and Dhruv Jurel showcased outstanding batting performances, guiding the hosts to a five-wicket victory in the fourth Test against England in Ranchi, clinching sealing the series for India.
Gill and Jurel demonstrated great patience, stitching together a 72-run partnership to overcome challenges posed by England’s Shoaib Bashir and Tom Hartley, who had initially caused a flurry of wickets in the morning session on Day 4.
The second session witnessed a pendulum-like shift in momentum, favouring both teams. Despite tough questions from Bashir, Gill and Jurel displayed resilience, steering India to safety. Gill’s exceptional play included consecutive sixes, bringing India within touching distance of victory. The 24-year-old achieved a well-deserved half-century, receiving applause from the crowd for his valiant efforts.
Jurel, who scored two boundaries in his innings, took India over the finishing line with a double. Gill and Jurel ended the match with scores of 52* and 39*, respectively.
In the first session, England managed to shake the game by claiming three wickets. The opening pair of skipper Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jasiwal had shown early promise but faced setbacks, with Jasiwal departing after an 84-run partnership. Rohit, completing his fifty, fell caught behind, and Rajat Patidar had a brief six-ball stay.
Earlier in the Test, England, opting to bat first, posted 353 runs with Joe Root’s impressive 122*. In response, India faced a challenging score of 177/7, but a crucial 76-run stand between Jurel and Kuldeep Yadav propelled them to a competitive total of 307. Ravichandran Ashwin’s impactful performance restricted England to 145.
The focus now shifts to the final match, with India holding a decisive lead in the series. (3-1)
Brief Score: England: 353 & 145 (Zak Crawley 60, Jonny Bairstow 30, Ravichandran Ashwin 5/51) India: 307 & 192/5 (Shubman Gill 52*, Dhruv Jurel 39*; Shoaib Bashir 3/79).