England outclass India, win the series opener: Match report
Skipper Virat Kohli's 24th Test fifty went in vain as India lost the first Test by 227 runs. England were in complete control of the match right from the beginning. They were powered by an incredible double-century from captain Joe Root in the first innings. Eventually, England successfully defended 420 as James Anderson and Jack Leach destroyed India's batting. Here is the match report.
England put a mammoth 578 in first innings
England captain Root won the toss and elected to bat on a batting-friendly Chepauk pitch. Despite struggling on 63/2 at one stage, the tourists managed to dominate the Indian bowlers. Root went on to slam his fifth Test double-ton as England put up 578 in the first innings. He was also supported by Dominic Sibley (87) and Ben Stokes (82).
Root made his 100th Test memorable
Root smashed a historic double-century in Test cricket, his second in less than a month (after SL). With a fifth double-ton, he equaled the feat of Sir Alastair Cook (5). Root also emulated legends Graeme Smith and Rahul Dravid in terms of double-centuries in Test cricket. Interestingly, he became the only player to score a double-hundred in Test match number 100.
Two 100+ stands for England in the Test
During the first innings, England registered two 100+ partnerships. Root shared a 200-run stand with Sibley that rescued the visitors after they lost two wickets in quick succession. Later on, Root added 124 runs along with all-rounder Stokes to solidify their position.
Ashwin's five-for trumped England in second innings
Indian spin ace Ashwin remained the pick of Indian bowlers in the second innings as he scalped another five-wicket haul. This was his 28th five-wicket haul, fourth against England and third in Chennai. Interestingly, he took a wicket on the first ball of England's innings, an event that has happened in Tests after over a century. Previous: Bert Vogler dismissed England's Tom Hayward (1907).
India were bowled out on 337, but bounced back later
In reply to England's 578, India finished on 337 in 95.5 overs. Once again, Cheteshwar Pujara (73) and Rishabh Pant (91) were at the helm, having shared a century stand. Washington Sundar also chipped in with an unbeaten 85. For England, off-spinner Dom Bess scalped four wickets. In quest of extending the lead, England didn't enforce a follow-on, but were bundled out for 178.
The Indians struggled on the Chepauk's uneven track
England made the most of the uneven Chepauk wicket on Day 5 as India began their run-chase. Only opener Shubman Gill, who scored a brisk fifty, looked comfortable against the bowlers. However, Anderson uprooted him, disarraying India's middle-order. Off-spinner Jack Leach also took four wickets. The dismissal of Kohli (72) was the final nail in the coffin as India lost by 227 runs.
