Twitter Reactions: India set WTC final date with New Zealand beating dismal England in Ahmedabad
Ashwin and Axar picked five wickets each in the second innings as England were skittled for 135 runs.
The fourth and final Test between India and England has ended within three days as the hosts wrapped up the series 3-1. With this win, India have also qualified for the final of the World Test Championship (WTC) where they will face New Zealand at Lord’s in June this year. It was yet another dismal performance by the England batsmen who were folded for just 135 runs in the second innings.
Earlier, India resumed at 294/7 and Washington Sundar, along with Axar Patel, frustrated the opposition extending the team’s lead. The duo added 106 runs for the 8th wicket playing sumptuous shots in the first hour of the day leaving the visitors helpless. However, just when one felt that India will stretch the lead beyond 200 runs, they fell apart not adding even a single runs once the 8th wicket fell.
Axar got run out in a mix-up with his partner and in the next over itself, Ben Stokes dismissed Ishant Sharma and Mohammed Siraj for ducks. Sundar, at the other end, was stranded at 96 as India got bowled out for 365 runs, 160 runs ahead of England in the first innings. Sundar missed out a well-deserved ton during 174-ball stay where he hit 10 fours and a six.
Axar and Ashwin pick five-fers to skittle England
The demons were in the mind of England batsmen and frailties in their technique were once again exposed. The surface wasn’t unplayable by any means and the duo of Ravi Ashwin and Axar Patel literally made them dance to their tunes throughout the innings. The former sent back three of the top four England batsmen while the left-arm spinner, playing in his debut series, took care of the middle and lower-middle order.
Both the spin bowlers shared the spoils equally adding five wickets each to their tally. While Axar ended the series with a massive 27 wickets in three matches, Ashwin picked 32 scalps in four Tests. As far as England is concerned, their batsmen didn’t look equipped to face quality spin and by the time they came out to bat in the second innings, it was all but over.
They were bundled out for just 135 runs in 54.5 overs losing the game by an innings and 25 runs and losing the series by 3-1 despite winning the opening Test.
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