India bounced back strongly in the ongoing Test series against England with a commanding victory in the second Test at Visakhapatnam. After losing the opening match in Hyderabad, Rohit Sharma’s men came out firing on all cylinders to level the five-match series 1-1 with three games to go.
Match Breakdown
Playing at home, India capitalized on the familiarity of conditions and produced a far more disciplined effort with both bat and ball. The hosts posted a strong first-innings total of 396, thanks to solid contributions throughout the top and middle order.
In reply, England struggled to cope with India’s spin attack and were bowled out for 253, handing the hosts a crucial 143-run lead. Despite losing wickets early in their second innings, India posted another competitive score of 255, setting England a target of 399 runs.
England, who chased down 231 in Hyderabad with their aggressive ‘Bazball’ approach, started positively but soon lost momentum as wickets fell in clumps. Eventually, India bowled them out for 292, sealing the win by 106 runs on Day 4.
Key Players & Performances
Several players stood out across both innings and played key roles in shaping the result. Here’s a look at the main contributors:
- Yashasvi Jaiswal: The young opener impressed again with a brilliant double century in the first innings (209 off 290). He combined composure with attacking flair and set the tone for India’s big total.
- Ravichandran Ashwin: The seasoned off-spinner continued to be a thorn in England’s side. Ashwin picked up six wickets across both innings, using his variations and bounce to break key partnerships.
- Jasprit Bumrah: Bumrah was at his lethal best, especially in the first innings where he returned figures of 6/45. His reverse-swing in Indian conditions was simply unplayable and drew praise across the cricketing world.
- Zak Crawley: The England opener provided fight with a gritty 76 in the second innings but lacked sufficient support from the middle order.
India’s all-round effort with bat and ball was in sharp contrast to their inconsistent showing in the first Test. Key contributions came from both senior players and rising talents, a promising sign heading into the pivotal middle phase of the series.
Team Impact & Tournament Context
This win was more than just about leveling the series—it restored belief within the Indian camp. After being outplayed in the first Test, concerns had started to creep in regarding team selection, spin depth, and the top-order form. All those questions were addressed in Vizag.
More importantly, this win helps India protect their formidable home record. The Men in Blue have now lost only four Tests at home since 2013, underscoring how difficult they are to beat in these conditions.
From England’s perspective, the aggressive brand of cricket they advocate under Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum took a hit. While it worked wonders in Hyderabad, the high-risk strategy didn’t yield results in Vizag’s more traditional spinning conditions. They’ll need to reassess how they approach the next three matches.
What’s Next
The third Test of the series is scheduled to begin on February 15 in Rajkot. With both sides now evenly matched at 1-1, it’s all to play for in the remaining games.
For India, key areas moving forward will be:
- Maintaining consistency in batting, especially from the middle order
- Managing player fitness, with several first-choice players already unavailable
- Keeping up the pressure with the spin trio operating in favorable conditions
England, on the other hand, will be hoping:
- Joe Root and Jonny Bairstow find form in the middle order
- Spinners like Jack Leach and Rehan Ahmed adapt better to the pitches
- Their bold batting approach adjusts to the match situations
Conclusion
India’s win in Vizag was a timely reminder of their dominance at home and their ability to bounce back under pressure. With Yashasvi Jaiswal’s breakthrough innings and Bumrah’s fiery spells, the hosts have put the series back on even footing. For England, Vizag was a lesson in patience and adaptability. All eyes now turn to Rajkot, where the battle for supremacy continues in what’s shaping up to be a thrilling series.