ENG VS IND TESTS

Right then, this long Test series is over. England delivered a win after nine months and their 'Bazball' era is off to a ruthless start. Now, these two teams collide in the shorter formats of the game as India are scheduled to play 3 T20Is and 3 ODIs on this tour. The first T20I is on Thursday, 7th July 2022, at 10.30 pm IST (5 pm GMT). Do join us in advance for the build-up. Until then, it's goodbye and cheers!

Ben Stokes, the captain of England, starts by saying that when the lads play like this, it makes his job easier. Talks about the clarity of mind that they have in the dressing room which makes chasing totals like these easier. Adds that chasing 378 five-six weeks ago would have been scary but now it's good. Mentions Root and Bairstow will get applauded for what they did but also adds the names of the two openers who pulled the momentum back in their favour. Regarding the bowling effort in the second innings, Stokes says that it was really good and it was all about picking wickets. States that they are trying to rewrite how Test cricket is played in England and this is something they want to take forward. He wants to give new life to Test cricket and the support he has received is incredible. Feels that they are bringing a new set of fans to the game and looking forward to leaving a mark in Test cricket.

Jasprit Bumrah, the stand-in captain of India, is also India's Player of the Series for taking 23 wickets. Starts by saying that he is not an all-rounder yet but he wants to contribute with the bat. Tells that this is the beauty of Test cricket, even if you have three good days. Admits that on Day 4 they fell short with the bat and they let the opposition in. Mentions that ifs and buts will always be there but this is how the game of cricket goes. He praises England for playing well and admits that they played better than them in the second innings. Feels that both teams played good cricket and at the end of the day, a lot of good cricket was on show. On Rishabh Pant, Bumrah replies that Pant takes his chances and his stand with Jadeja brought them back. On Rahul Dravid, Bumrah shares that he is always there to guide them. Regarding their bowling plans after Tea on Day 4, Bumrah shares that they focused on their strength and looked to bowl a lot straighter. States that the energy goes up as soon as you pick wickets. On leading the team, Jasprit replies that it was a good challenge and he always likes responsibilities, and a lot of learning came his way.

Joe Root has been picked for England's Player of the Series award for scoring 737 runs at an astonishing average of 105.28. Says that he loves batting and the environment in the camp has been outstanding. Adds that there is belief and clarity now and it has been working. Professes his love for the team and says that he is happy that his mate Ben Stokes is doing so well. Feels that they need to be working every day and keep doing what they do. He gives Jonny Bairstow as an example and says he loves the game and they all just need to keep it simple and make the game fun for themselves. Mentions that they were riding the wave of confidence after winning the series against New Zealand, and they converted it here. Mentions about the opening partnership and says that it helped them set up the chase, and with the kind of confidence they have, they were able to achieve the target and win the game.

Jonny Bairstow is chosen for the Player of the Match award! Smiles and says that the last month has been fantastic for him and the rest of the team. Regarding his current form, Jonny replies that he is taking all the simple things and doing the basics right. Credits the players, coaches and even the crowd back home for being outstanding. Adds that they have not been afraid of failing and want to put the pressure back on the opponent. Mentions that the positive brand of cricket is exciting to play and watch for the viewers. Chuckles and says that the chase was all under control and mentions that India have got some world-class bowlers. Admits that when they get on top of you, it gets intimidating. States it's all about concentration. Also says that there was a period when it started reversing as well and they dealt with it carefully. Shares that he has grown up playing with Root and it's an absolute pleasure to have a partnership with him.

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Consider that you are chasing a hefty target, and two of your weaker links in batting click and take out 100 odd runs from the target. That's a massive bonus. Alex Lees and Zak Crawley struck form at the right time. They went bonkers at the start, and their sudden attack stole the momentum away from India. The tourists responded by picking three wickets quickly to gain some control back, but then Joe Root and Jonny Bairstow joined forces to blunt the Indian bowling attack. Dropping Jonny when he was on 14 could be considered a massive moment in this Test match, and wondering how Hanuma Vihari will feel about that dropped catch.

The story of the second segment wasn't as dominating for India as the first one. Their batting was decent to swell the lead to 377, but they could have added more had they not suffered a collapse. The English bowlers got their act together, and their comeback started in this Test match. That said, to chase down a target of 378 was always going to be challenging against an Indian bowling group boasting of some great fast bowlers.

To be honest, this match, after the morning session on Day1, was thoroughly dominated by India. Their batting recovery was led by Rishabh Pant and Ravindra Jadeja's double-century alliance, and then Bumrah's record-breaking cameo put India on top. After that, Bumrah, the bowler, did the early damage to corner the home team. It was once again Jonny Bairstow's blitz with the bat that was the saving grace, but still, England conceded a hefty 132-run lead.

A Test match of the highest class culminates with England achieving a record chase and levelling the Test series 2-2. This game ebbed and flowed, and that's how we love it. The pendulum started to swing in favour of the home team on Day 4, and here they are registering their highest ever chase in Test cricket. This is also the highest chase by any team against India in Test cricket, bettering Australia's 339 at Perth in 1977.

No drama this morning as England scaled down the remaining 119 runs with ease. India didn't bowl with any control and leaked runs at a quick rate. Joe Root stroked a lovely century, and Jonny Bairstow was not behind as he extended his newly-found purple patch. Their unbeaten stand of 269 runs drove England to a commanding win.

ENGLAND WIN BY 7 WICKETS! Flighted again, full and around leg, Root goes down and reverse-sweeps it towards point and crosses for the winning run. Jonny Bairstow is pumped up and the English balcony is all smiles.

Loopy and around leg, Joe defends it down safely.

FOUR! Scores level now! Tossed up, around leg and landing on the rough, Joe Root kneels down and reverse-sweeps it delightedly through point.

Flighted and full, around leg, Jonny steps back and drives it through point for one.

Around leg, it's tickled down to fine leg for a single.

A well-directed bouncer, Bairstow moves away at the last second.