Welcome to my coverage of the exciting England vs India five-match Test series. On this page, you’ll find daily video highlights from TNT Sports’ official YouTube channel, alongside comprehensive summaries of each day’s play. This series is a thrilling showcase of cricket, featuring a blend of strategic depth, individual brilliance, and intense competition.
Led by Ben Stokes, England seeks to assert their prowess overseas, while India, under Rohit Sharma, aims to maintain their dominance at home. Each Test brings unique challenges and narratives, from the artistry of spin and pace bowling to the resilience of batsmen. This series isn’t just a cricket contest; it’s a demonstration of skill, strategy, and endurance.
Sadly the Welcome to Yorkshire ambassador Harry Brook is absent from this series, as he had to return home shortly before the tour for personal reasons, as did Indian superstar Virat Kohli.
Join me in exploring this cricketing spectacle, offering something for every cricket enthusiast.
Table of Contents
Day Four Highlights – India v England 2024 – First Test
ENGLAND WIN in INCREDIBLE STYLE
Truly, this was one of the most impressive test matches in my living memory, and I remember Ben Stokes winning at Headingley in 2019. This was the best England win since Headlingley 1981 (which I was not around for) and the best ever England test match victory in the subcontinent. It was a truly remarkable turnaround, particularly sweet as so many commentators (some of whom call themselves “fans”) had written off this new-look England side on the first two days play.
Test matches last for 5 days – and this one didn’t even need that to be utterly enthralling. England won in the last over of the additional half hour, with India clawing their way towards a victory which had looked entirely assured after carrying a 190 run lead from the first innings.
Ollie Pope finished on an amazing 194, before debutante Tom Hartley had one of those days which will give him goosebumps to remember for the rest of his life, collecting 7 truly deserved wickets on a fourth day wicket in Hyderabad.
Day Four Summary: England’s Historic Victory in Hyderabad
England Stuns India with a Dramatic Win
England clinched an extraordinary 28-run victory over India on the fourth day of the first Test in Hyderabad, marking one of their greatest away wins in recent history. Fueled by Ollie Pope’s magnificent 196 and debutant Tom Hartley’s sensational 7-62, England overturned a daunting first-innings deficit to set India a target of 231, eventually bowling them out for 202.
Pope’s Pivotal Knock and England’s Gritty Batting
Resuming the day at 316-6, England’s innings was anchored by Pope’s masterful batting. He narrowly missed a double century but achieved the highest score by an England batter in a second innings in India. His resilience, coupled with contributions from the lower order, propelled England to a total of 420, setting the stage for a thrilling finale.
Hartley’s Debut Magic and England’s Bowling Assault
Hartley, the surprise pick of the series, spun a web around the Indian batsmen, claiming seven wickets in a display of control and guile. His impressive performance was critical in dismantling India’s batting lineup. England’s bowlers, even with Jack Leach hampered by injury, showed remarkable tenacity, creating pressure from both ends.
India’s Fightback and Dramatic Collapse
India’s chase began cautiously, but a dramatic collapse, triggered by Hartley’s spin, left them reeling. Despite a valiant rearguard effort from KS Bharat and Ravichandran Ashwin, who added 78 crucial runs, India couldn’t withstand England’s persistent attack. The tension reached its peak in the extra half-hour, as the last Indian pair attempted to salvage the game, only for Hartley to seal the win with Siraj’s stumping.
England’s Historic Comeback and Series Outlook
This victory is significant for England, who came back from a first-innings deficit of 190, a feat rarely achieved in Test history. It also marks India’s first home defeat after taking a lead of over 100 runs. The win sets an electrifying tone for the rest of the series, with England demonstrating their ability to triumph in challenging conditions against a formidable opponent.
In summary, day four in Hyderabad will be remembered as a day of historic achievement for England, showcasing exceptional individual performances and a collective fighting spirit. The series, now ignited by this stunning result, moves to Visakhapatnam for the second Test, with all eyes on how the teams respond to this dramatic turn of events.
Day Three Highlights – India v England 2024 – First Test
Day Three Summary: India vs England First Test in Hyderabad
Ollie Pope’s Masterful Century Revives England’s Hopes
Day three of the first Test in Hyderabad saw a remarkable turnaround with Ollie Pope’s majestic century breathing life into England’s campaign. His unbeaten 148 led England to 316-6, a lead of 126 runs, setting the stage for an intriguing day four.
Pope’s Resilient Knock Under Pressure
Pope’s innings, characterized by resilience and skill, marked one of the finest by a visiting batsman in India. He overcame a shaky start and, with support from Ben Foakes, helped England recover from a precarious 163-5. Pope’s partnership with Foakes was crucial, adding 112 for the sixth wicket. Even after Foakes’ dismissal, Pope continued his vigil, ending the day not out, giving England a glimmer of hope.
Bumrah’s Destructive Spell and England’s Recovery
The day began with England quickly wrapping up India’s tail, with Joe Root claiming two wickets in two balls. India managed only 15 runs in the morning session, finishing at 436. However, Jasprit Bumrah’s reverse-swing mastery then came to the fore. His spell post-lunch rattled England’s top order, reducing them to 163-5 and bringing India back into the game.
England’s Top Order Shows Grit
Despite the challenges, England’s top order showed determination. Ben Duckett and Zak Crawley made significant contributions, playing crucial knocks in challenging conditions. Their partnership set the platform for Pope’s heroics later in the day.
Pope’s Tactical Mastery and England’s Prospects
Pope’s innings was not just about resilience; it was tactically astute. He successfully countered India’s spin threat with an array of reverse sweeps and clever shot selection. His approach not only stabilized England’s innings but also shifted the momentum.
England’s Challenge Ahead
Despite Pope’s brilliance, England’s task remains daunting. The pitch, although losing some pace and bite, still poses challenges for batting. England will need to build on their lead, hoping for contributions from the lower order. They face the prospect of the second new ball early on day four, which could be pivotal.
India’s Position and England’s Hopes
India, despite losing ground, still remain favorites given the match situation and their formidable batting lineup. However, England, with Pope at the crease, have a chance to set a challenging target, potentially turning the match into a gripping contest.
In summary, day three saw England, led by Pope’s exceptional century, fight back valiantly to stay in the game. The match heads into day four finely balanced, with all outcomes still possible. England’s resilience has set the stage for an exciting next day in this gripping Test match.
Day Two Highlights – India v England 2024 – First Test
Day Two Summary: India vs England First Test in Hyderabad
India Takes Command with Strong Batting Display
On day two of the first Test in Hyderabad, India firmly established their dominance, finishing on 421-7, a substantial lead of 175 runs over England. Key performances from KL Rahul and Ravindra Jadeja were instrumental in India’s commanding position, leaving England facing a daunting task.
Rahul and Jadeja Shine Amidst England’s Struggles
KL Rahul, given a reprieve on nought, capitalized brilliantly, scoring an impressive 86. His innings, combined with Jadeja’s unbeaten 81, underscored India’s batting depth. Jadeja, who twice successfully reviewed dismissal decisions, played a resilient knock, showcasing his ability to bat under pressure.
England’s spinners showed some improvement from the previous day but still lacked the control and potency of their Indian counterparts. Joe Root emerged as the most effective with his off-breaks, claiming two wickets. However, England’s bowling attack, particularly the inexperienced spin duo of Hartley and Ahmed, struggled to consistently challenge the Indian batsmen.
Leach’s Fitness and England’s Spin Dilemma
Jack Leach’s limited bowling due to a knee issue added to England’s woes. The reliance on Root and debutant Hartley, who conceded 131 runs, exposed the inexperience in England’s spin department. The lack of control and threat from England’s spinners contrasted starkly with the effectiveness of their Indian counterparts.
England’s Fielding and Tactical Challenges
England’s fielding was also a concern, highlighted by a missed chance by Ben Foakes to dismiss Rahul early in his innings. The decision to exhaust all reviews on the first day came back to haunt England, as they felt aggrieved by some close umpiring decisions on day two.
India’s Batting Prowess and England’s Mounting Challenge
The day belonged to India, who showcased their batting strength even in the absence of Virat Kohli. Rahul and Jadeja’s partnership was crucial in steering India to a commanding position. The Indian lower order, particularly Axar Patel, contributed significantly, further deepening England’s challenges.
Outlook for England
For England, the task is now monumental. They must find a way to curtail India’s first-innings lead and then bat exceptionally well in their second innings. India, enjoying a strong position, will look to extend their lead and put England under even more pressure.
In summary, day two in Hyderabad was dominated by India, both with the bat and in the field. England, facing a significant deficit, has a mountain to climb in the remaining days of the Test. The match is set for an intriguing continuation, with India firmly in the driver’s seat.
Day One Highlights – India v England 2024 – First Test
Day One Summary: India vs England First Test in Hyderabad
A Dynamic Opening Day with India Gaining an Upper Hand
The first Test between India and England in Hyderabad commenced with an enthralling day of cricket. England, after being put into bat, were bowled out for 246, a total that seemed competitive considering the spin-friendly conditions. However, India’s response, particularly from debutant Yashasvi Jaiswal, left England reeling.
England’s Battling Innings
England’s innings was a tale of struggle against quality Indian spin. Losing early wickets and reduced to 137-6, it was captain Ben Stokes who led the fightback. His valiant 70, marked by aggressive hitting and crucial partnerships with the tailenders, propelled England to a respectable total. Stokes, playing his first match post knee surgery, showed his class with three sixes, imparting some respectability to England’s score. Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja were the pick of the Indian bowlers, each claiming three wickets.
Jaiswal’s Impressive Debut
The highlight of the day was undoubtedly Yashasvi Jaiswal’s aggressive batting. Making his debut, Jaiswal played with an authority that belied his experience. He raced to 76 not out, treating England’s spinners, particularly debutant Tom Hartley, with disdain. His rapid half-century came off just 47 balls, putting India in a commanding position at the close of play.
England’s Review Woes and Spin Dilemma
England’s decision to go with three spinners, including the inexperienced Hartley and 19-year-old Rehan Ahmed, was a major talking point. The effectiveness of this strategy remains to be seen, as the Indian batsmen looked quite comfortable against the English spin attack. Additionally, England exhausted their reviews, adding to their on-field challenges.
The Pitch and Conditions
The pitch at Hyderabad lived up to its reputation of assisting spinners. England’s bowlers found early success, but the tide turned when Indian spinners got into the act. Despite the conditions favoring spin, the debate over England’s selection of three spinners, given their relative inexperience, adds an intriguing subplot to the Test.
Stokes’ Heroics and India’s Strong Response
Ben Stokes’ gritty innings was a testament to his skill and determination, keeping England in the game. However, the ease with which Jaiswal scored runs against England’s spin attack later in the day shifted the momentum in India’s favor. India finished the day at 119-1, trailing by 127 runs, with Jaiswal at the crease poised for a big score.
Looking Ahead
The match is intriguingly poised. India, with a formidable home record and a strong start, will look to build a significant first-innings lead. England, on the other hand, will hope for early wickets and a better show from their spinners to claw their way back into the contest. The pitch, showing signs of wear, is likely to deteriorate, making the second day’s play crucial for both teams.
In summary, the opening day of the first Test was a gripping contest, with India finishing strongly after England’s spirited batting performance. The stage is set for an enthralling day two in Hyderabad.
Conclusions and Comments!
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