India level series in Chennai

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  • Post published:February 16, 2021

India secured a convincing 317-run victory over England in Chennai on Tuesday to level the four-match Test series at 1-1.

The hosts were clinical from day one, knowing a response was needed after losing the opening Test last week.

Rohit Sharma was the star with the bat in the first innings, hitting a brilliant 161 to get India going. Ravi Ashwin then pinned England down with a clinical bowling display by claiming figures of 5-43, dismissing the visitors for only 134.

Ashwin proved his ability with the bat thereafter by stabilising India’s second innings with a heroic century. His 106 appeared to be the killer blow to England’s chances of securing a result on the Chennai pitch.

Chasing a mammoth target, England’s batsmen were always going to be tested against the India spinners.

England resumed the fourth day’s play on 55-3, still 429 runs behind. Joe Root’s men were under pressure from the start as wickets fell regularly throughout the morning session.

Axar Patel and Ashwin were the main destroyers with the English batsmen struggling to put runs on the board.

Root made 33 and Moeen Ali struck a quick-fired 43 as the only two worthy contributors before India cleaned up the England tail shortly after lunch.

Patal finished with figures of 5-60 and Ashwin 3-53, as England were bowled out for only 164.

The two teams will now head to Ahmedabad for the third Test match in a week’s time.