Ashwin secures five-wicket haul as India pursues 192-run target in England test

Spinner Ravichandran Ashwin showcased a stellar performance, clinching five wickets, as India successfully bowled England out for a total of 145 runs on the third day of the fourth Test on Sunday.

This achievement positions India to chase a target of 192 runs to seize victory and secure their third consecutive win in the ongoing five-Test series. At the close of play, India stood at 40-0, requiring another 152 runs for triumph, with Skipper Rohit Sharma leading the charge at an unbeaten 24, accompanied by Yashasvi Jaiswal at 16.

Despite opener Zak Crawley’s commendable contribution of 60 runs, England struggled against India’s spin bowling prowess, with Ashwin claiming remarkable figures of 5-51 and Kuldeep Yadav bagging 4-22. The English batting lineup faltered, losing wickets at regular intervals during the final session, intensifying the pressure on their bowlers to level the series and force a decisive fifth Test in Dharamsala.

India’s bowling unit, led by Ashwin, demonstrated remarkable efficiency following a resilient performance by wicketkeeper Dhruv Jurel, who notched an impressive 90 runs in the morning session. With India commencing the day at 219-7, Jurel’s contribution significantly reduced the deficit. Ashwin’s strategic use of the new ball on a pitch displaying cracks and unpredictable bounce proved instrumental as he swiftly dismissed key English batsmen, including Ben Duckett and Ollie Pope, setting the stage for India’s dominance.

Despite an initial partnership between Joe Root and Crawley, Ashwin’s precision and India’s meticulous review of lbw appeals disrupted England’s momentum. Yadav’s decisive bowling, coupled with Ashwin’s relentless attack, dismantled England’s batting order, leaving them reeling at 145 all out. Notably, spinner Shoaib Bashir’s impressive five-wicket haul in England’s first innings further fueled India’s momentum, setting the stage for an enthralling pursuit of victory.

India’s determined fightback in the morning session, highlighted by Jurel’s resilient batting display and Yadav’s crucial partnership, underscores their unwavering resolve. As veteran fast bowler James Anderson inches closer to a historic milestone of 700 Test wickets, the intensity of the ongoing battle between bat and ball adds an intriguing dimension to the contest. With the series delicately poised, India’s pursuit of the 192-run target promises an exhilarating finale to the enthralling Test series against England.