This is India’s golden era in Test cricket: Thoughts on India’s splendid victory at Oval.
Winning in overseas is no more a rare instance. Kohli and boys have mastered the art and well and truly are showcasing their mettle to the world. India have yet again emerged victorious after having a set back in the first innings to defeat the hosts by 156 runs.
India were reeling at 127/7 in the first innings before Shardulkar's blistering knock saved sone face. Though we started well with the ball, Pope and Bairstow fetched the lead and it looked really tough for India to seize a win.
Yet, nothing is tough for those who believe. Indian batters put up their best batting performance in the series. Rohit continued his great form while Pujara looked like he was practicing for the upcoming IPL. Kohli and Jadeja chipped in with useful contribution. Thakur and Pant added more agony to the Brits as they each scored fifty. Even Bumrah and Umesh Yadav made handful contribution to set the target for England 367.
367 looked a tall target to chase. Yet English openers stitched their first ever 100 run partnership in 4th innings since 2016. With the pitch had nothing to offer, India looked at a probable defeat. Yet, thanks to the black magic merchant Shardul Thakur dismissed Rory Burns with a Jaffa.
Bumrah and Jadeja stifled the England batters with tight lines and accurate bowling. Bumrah in particular looked absolutely unplayable. The 2 wickets he dismissed of Pope and Bairstow can easily enter the ball of the year contest and might as well win it. I am truly laughing at those who said Bumrah needs to be dropped after his poor showing in WTC final. There are certain things you don’t doubt, mother’s love, bestfriend’s loyalty, Bumrah’s place in the team. Bumrah is the fast bowler that we fans have craved to have for decades.
With 147/6, win was very much achievable for India. Root and Woakes battled against our bowlers. Root who could survive Bumrah's fiery spell couldn't survive a single ball of Shardul Thakur. From there it was just a matter of time before Kohli and boys get an unassailable 2-1 lead in the series.
As expected, India sealed the game to defeat the Brits by 156 runs. The major overlooked point about the game is that this was a team victory. Unlike England and Root, everyone of the player chipped with useful contribution (except Rahane). If this win after facing a setback doesn't convince you that this is golden era of Indian test cricket, don't know what will.
Truly elated by the win and I end this article reiterating the fact that Winning in overseas is just a norm for this champion team.
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