India countered England’s ultra-attacking style, known as Bazball, in a thrilling Test match at the famous Eden Gardens. They staged a wonderful rearguard action, battling fiercely to earn a fully deserved draw. Ben Stokes proved a masterclass in leadership and determination to take England to victory in this nail-biting clash. He took 5 wickets and completed a brilliant century, signalling an incredible start to his stint as captain.
The contest lasted five exciting days, with Stokes showing his all-around skills as a batsman and bowler. He claimed figures of 5-72 in India’s first innings and followed it up with a notable score of 141, becoming the fourth player in England’s history to achieve the rare feat of taking five wickets and scoring a century in the same Test match.
Although you could see the pain etched in his shoulder and leg, Stokes was undeterred as he delivered blow after blow to help take important wickets. His second dismissal of KL Rahul for 90 at the start of Day Five was especially impactful. Stokes’s skidding in-swinger had the measure of Rahul, who was trapped leg-before wicket.
This was a Test to remember for Shubman Gill, who dazzled spectators, scoring a monumental century (103 runs). Contributions As usual, his innings was a series of swerves, his resilience undoing Stokes’s strike of the morning. Just as Gill was closing on his century, one delivery unaccountably jumped from a back-of-a-length spot and knocked his helmet off. It was the most intense scene of the entire competition. He was not to be denied, driving a four and then hitting a single to cover that took him to the milestone from 228 balls.
Gill and Rahul forged an unbroken partnership which was key to India setting a daunting target for England to chase down in the final. In their own ways, their efforts inspired tremendous belief and kept India’s aspirations alive for as long as the match lasted. More importantly, under Gill’s leadership, the Indian team displayed extraordinary restraint and poise even while under the heavy weight of expectation.
Stokes continued to lead by example, urging his fragile body through two bowling spells after not taking the ball on Day Four. His desire from the outset to add to an English cause here came through. Though he held different body parts in agony he still produced some of the most critical wickets.
“It’s been a back-and-forth series so far. We’ve been throwing punches, India have been throwing punches. It’s just been really high-quality cricket between two very good teams.” – Ben Stokes
As that match neared its end, India’s spirit won hearts of tournament-goers and TV audiences around the world. Captain Shubman Gill expressed his satisfaction with the team’s performance, stating, “I am extremely pleased with our batting effort over the past couple of days. I think we were put under a lot of pressure, but the way we responded, especially after losing two wickets, was a very brave effort.”
Leave a Reply