The ACA-VDCA Stadium pitch maintained its composure on the penultimate day of the second Test, presenting minimal challenges despite the typical wear and tear. However, the Bazball threats kept India on their toes intermittently. Ultimately, India’s consistent bowling performance sealed the victory.
From the memorable 2020-21 Australia tour to the recent 106-run triumph over England, bowlers have consistently delivered pivotal performances for Team India over the past three years.
Jasprit Bumrah and Ravichandran Ashwin, key architects of these victories, once again showcased their prowess against a formidable English side. With the absence of KL Rahul and Virat Kohli, India’s batting lineup faced further depletion. Despite individual brilliance from Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill, concerns linger over the team’s batting form, with skipper Rohit Sharma also enduring a lean patch.
Head coach Rahul Dravid expressed satisfaction with the team’s performance, especially considering setbacks in the previous match and injuries to key players. Dravid highlighted the importance of a collective effort to secure victory, emphasizing the need for higher first-innings totals in favorable conditions.
While Rohit Sharma’s batting form may be under scrutiny, the standout performances of Bumrah and Ashwin in this Test should alleviate some pressure. Bumrah’s exceptional spell in both innings, claiming a match haul of nine wickets, proved decisive for India’s victory. Meanwhile, Ashwin’s crucial dismissals of Ollie Pope and Joe Root disrupted England’s momentum, showcasing his skill in testing the patience of opposition batsmen.
Ashwin’s nearing milestone of 500 Test wickets underscores his contribution to India’s success. In the fourth innings, Bumrah’s pivotal wickets, particularly the breakthroughs against Jonny Bairstow and Ben Foakes, played a crucial role in India’s triumph.
Despite moments of resistance from England’s lower order, Bumrah’s accuracy and Ashwin’s guile ensured India’s victory, highlighting their importance to the team’s success.