In a gripping showdown at Ranchi, the fourth Test between England and India took an intense turn as the hosts found themselves in dire straits, trailing at 219 for seven after England posted a respectable 353 in their first innings. Shoaib Bashir’s mesmerizing spin left the Indian batting lineup reeling, claiming four crucial wickets and tilting the scales in favor of the visitors.
The Indian innings got off to a shaky start with captain Rohit Sharma departing early, setting the tone for a challenging battle against England’s bowling attack. Despite promising partnerships, including a resilient effort from Yashasvi Jaiswal, who notched up a half-century, India struggled to counter Bashir’s onslaught.
As wickets tumbled, hopes were pinned on rising star Sarfraz Khan, but England’s pursuit bore fruit as the batting prodigy fell short, unable to replicate his previous heroics. With the pressure mounting and the innings hanging in the balance, Dhruv Jurel and Kuldeep Yadav staged a gritty stand to salvage some pride for India, but the road ahead remains fraught with uncertainty.
Earlier in the day, Joe Root’s majestic century provided a beacon of hope for England, as the skipper etched his name in the record books by surpassing the milestone of 19,000 international runs. Root’s stellar innings exemplified his class and composure under pressure, reaffirming his status as one of England’s finest batsmen.
As the battle rages on, the outcome of the fourth Test hangs in the balance, with both teams locked in a fierce struggle for supremacy. With the pitch offering assistance to spinners, the stage is set for a riveting climax, where every run and wicket will shape the result of the match.
