IND vs ENG, 4th Test, Day 2: Bashir 4-84 stifles India to 219-7, hosts still 134 in arrears

India vs England, 4th Test, Day 2: Shoaib Bashir 4-84 stifles India to 219-7, hosts trail by 134 runs. Session-wise highlights of Day 2, Ranchi Test.

India vs England, 4th Test, Day 2: Shoaib Bashir took 4-84 and derailed India _ Walking Wicket (Images_ ©englandcricket_Twitter) — India vs England: Shoaib Bashir's 4-84 derailed India (Images: ©englandcricket/Twitter)

Brief Scores: ENG 302/7 (Root 106*, Foakes 47, Akash 3/70) lead India (Jaiswal 73, Jurel 30*, Bashir 4/84) by 134 runs at Stumps on Day 2.

As the curtains fall on Day 2, England firmly holds a dominant position in the test match. After setting a formidable total of 353 in the first innings, England's spinners exerted dominance, leaving India a staggering 219 for 7 by stumps.

An unbroken 42-run partnership between Dhruv Jurel and Kuldeep Yadav prevented the deficit from escalating, leaving England with a substantial cushion of 134 runs.

Talking point: India’s struggle against spin continues, landing them in major trouble on Day 2.

India's ongoing struggle against spin was again glaringly evident on Day 2, where they failed to capitalize on a promising start of 86/1. The spin duo of Shoaib Bashir and Tom Hartley played pivotal roles in India's batting collapse, sharing six wickets between them.

Despite the solid foundation, India couldn't withstand the spinning web of Bashir and Hartley, leading to a significant setback in their innings.

Jaiswal's Resilience and England's Late Surge Set Stage for Intriguing First Session

On Day 2, England successfully added 51 runs to their overnight score, reaching 353 before getting bowled out. The innings majorly revolved around Joe Root, who played a crucial role, including a notable 113-run stand with Foakes for the 6th wicket and a 102-run partnership with Ollie Robinson for the 8th wicket.

Ravindra Jadeja took four wickets, Akash Deep claimed three, and Siraj picked up two, guiding India's bowling effort—England's recovery from 112 for 5 to 353 showcased resilience.

With the new ball, Anderson struck early, dismissing India’s captain, Rohit Sharma, putting England in a favorable position.

Yet, the spotlight shifted to the resilient Yashasvi Jaiswal once again, who has displayed solidity at the crease and a knack for converting starts into substantial scores. The test hung in the balance, with Jaiswal's performance holding the key to India's prospects as both the teams went for lunch.

India vs England, 4th Test, Day 2_ Yashasvi Jaiswal-Shubman Gill added 82 runs for 2nd wicket _ Walking Wicket (Images_ ©BCCI_Twitter) — Jaiswal-Gill added 82 runs for 2nd wicket (Images: ©BCCI/Twitter)

Bashir's Spin Magic puts England in command as India faces difficulty in 2nd session

In the post-lunch session of Day 2, England asserted their dominance with the spin brilliance of Bashir. The narrative shifted as Bashir claimed a triple wicket haul, skilfully dismissing Shubman Gill and Rajat Patidar by trapping them leg-before-wicket. Then, he orchestrated Jadeja's dismissal through a bat-pad catch. The early promise of India's innings, starting at 86 for 1, quickly faded as they reeled at 131 for 4.

Jaiswal remained a beacon of confidence at one end, showcasing resilience in the face of England's bowling onslaught. Unfortunately, the young batter experienced a shortage of strike opportunities in the last 30 minutes, adding to India's woes.

With a significant deficit of 222 runs before Tea, England looked well-positioned to establish a commanding first-innings lead, particularly as the pitch already began to exhibit increasing assistance to the spinners.

Jurel-Yadav partnership provides some assistance to trailing India at the end

The English spinners further solidified their team's advantage by reducing India to a precarious position at 219 for 7 post Tea. The Indian batting lineup faced a stern test against the spin duo, struggling to counter their effectiveness.

However, the hosts found hope through a resilient 42-run, unbroken partnership between Jurel and Yadav. This late resistance was crucial in preventing the deficit from escalating to a more challenging level for the Indian team.

With the deficit kept in check, India will build on this partnership and strive for a competitive position in the test match the next day.

What’s to come

England will look to clean up India’s tail as soon as possible to ensure they have a 100-plus lead when they go to bat next. On the other hand, India will try to stick around as long as possible to shorten its trail and have some chances in this game.

Statistical highlights from India vs England, 4th Test, Day 2

Ollie Robinson made his maiden fifty in the Test.
Ollie-Root struck England's second-highest eighth-wicket stand in India.
74 sixes have been hit in the India vs England 2024 ongoing series, the most sixes hit in a Test series ever.
Shubman Gill has had no first-inning hundred since his 128 vs Australia game in March 2023.