The Indian team’s exceptional performance continued as their bowlers delivered an inspired display to defend a modest total under the floodlights.
Kuldeep Yadav produced a remarkable delivery, deceiving Jos Buttler with a drifting ball that sharply spun in, leaving Buttler looking out of sorts. The spectators, numbering 46,000, were left in awe as they rose to their feet. Buttler’s dismissal during England’s innings was a classic example, emphasizing that Indian spinners are executing their strategies to perfection, even in the presence of dew, which typically affects spinners in the latter part of a match.
Kuldeep had expressed his eagerness to bowl under the floodlights during a post-match press conference in Ahmedabad, saying, “I enjoy bowling in the second innings, but Rohit bhai doesn’t listen to me.”
During India’s recent 100-run victory over England in Lucknow, Kuldeep backed up his words with actions. Every Indian bowler played their role brilliantly in defending a low total. The challenge was unique: they had to protect a target of 230 runs, with little scoreboard pressure to rely on and the presence of dew that could complicate matters.
However, India’s bowlers remained relentless. From the first over to the last, they maintained aggression, minimized loose deliveries, built pressure, and subjected England to intense scrutiny. The fast bowlers made the pitch appear conducive to their strengths, while the spinners transformed it into a turning track. It was the illusion created by India’s bowlers.
Dew was the bowlers’ biggest adversary. During the innings break, with India managing to score only 229 for 9, the main concern was whether the bowlers could defend the total with dew making the ball slippery. At the beginning of the second innings, Rohit Sharma, fielding at short cover, had to wipe the ball each time it came to him. Ravindra Jadeja and wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav had to contend with bowling with a damp ball. However, they did not let the dew hinder their performance.
The spinners rose to the challenge. Kuldeep and Jadeja, despite the wet ball, did not concede a single loose delivery. They maintained precise lengths and deceptive lines. Surprisingly, it was the pace duo of Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami that broke the back of England’s batting lineup.
Jasprit Bumrah set the tone, while Mohammed Shami, with a spell of 4-1-5-2, solidified India’s position. England opener Dawid Malan struggled against Bumrah, who had him bowled after a couple of close calls. Shami further shattered England’s confidence by dismissing key batsmen.
England’s innings crumbled as they lost wickets rapidly. Skipper Jos Buttler fell victim to Kuldeep, while Shami and Jadeja claimed crucial wickets. England’s batsmen seemed to have learned from their Indian counterparts’ struggles, as both teams faced difficulties early in their innings. In the end, India successfully defended a low total under the lights, marking another remarkable achievement in their campaign.
