India vs England: Indian bowlers on fire, England's tail exposed
The Indian bowlers continued to dominate England in the second session on Day 2 of the ongoing second Test. Off-spinners Ravichandran Ashwin and Axar Patel operated in tandem, decimating the English batting line-up. The dismissal of Ben Stokes, Ollie Pope, Moeen Ali and Olly Stone disarrayed them. England are reeling in the match, having lost eight wickets (106/8). Here is the session report.
How did the session pan out?
The tourists started the post-lunch session at 39/4. In his third over after lunch, Ashwin cleaned up Stokes, giving England a massive dent. Although Ollie Pope and Ben Foakes showed some resistance, Mohammed Siraj struck on his very first ball of the match to dismiss Pope. Wicket-keeper Rishabh Pant took a brilliant catch. At the stroke of tea, Axar sent back all-rounder Moeen Ali.
The dismissal of Stokes became a turning point
Senior off-spinner Ashwin outfoxed Stokes with a sensational delivery. He looped it on the middle-stump from round the wicket, getting the right amount of drift. While Stokes looked to play all around it, the ball exploded off the pitch and knock out the off-stump. The wicket became a turning point just when England hoped for a partnership.
Ashwin climbs up in the elite club
Ashwin now has the second-most wickets (266) by an Indian bowler in home Tests. By dismissing Stokes, he eclipsed Harbhajan Singh (265) on the tally. Notably, the elite list is led by the great Anil Kumble, who has 350 Test wickets at home.
Siraj strikes on his first ball at home (Tests)
Fast bowler Mohammed Siraj has had a dream run in Test cricket since the 2020/21 Australia tour. After taking his maiden five-wicket haul in the Brisbane Test, Siraj made his presence felt against England. Bowling the 39th over, Siraj took a wicket on the very first ball as he dismissed Pope. This was his maiden ball in Test cricket at home.
