India vs England Highlights 2nd Test Day 4 – Bumrah’s Masterclass Shatters England’s Dreams

^{Image Source: India Today}

Jasprit Bumrah, the standout fast bowler of our era, completed the task he initiated in England’s first innings. India weathered a fiercely challenging fourth-innings pursuit from an indomitable England side, securing a hard-fought 106-run victory in Visakhapatnam and leveling the series at 1-1, with three Tests still to play.

While Bumrah’s figures of 3 for 46 in 17.2 overs were not as dazzling as his six-for in the first innings, the timing of his breakthroughs proved crucial on a tense fourth day. His pivotal dismissal of Jonny Bairstow just before lunch marked the turning point, capping a session that saw India claim five wickets and derail England’s chase. Despite England’s spirited start, their pursuit of a challenging 399-run target fell short, culminating in an all-out total of 292 – still higher than any previous successful chase by a visiting team in India.

England will reflect on key moments that derailed their hopes, including a contentious lbw decision against the composed Zak Crawley, moments before Bairstow’s dismissal. Captain Ben Stokes’ uncharacteristic lapse in running and Joe Root’s aggressive yet brief innings also raised questions. Root, nursing a damaged finger, played an uncharacteristically frenzied knock, contributing to England’s challenges.

The day began with Crawley and Rehan Ahmed setting the tone for England’s chase. Crawley displayed composure, reaching a well-measured half-century, while Rehan played aggressively before falling to Axar Patel. Ollie Pope’s cameo featured a reliance on the sweep against Axar but ended with a wily delivery from Ashwin.

Root’s aggressive approach, including reverse sweeps and lofted shots, provided moments of excitement, but Ashwin and Axar’s combined efforts saw him dismissed. Crawley and Bairstow built a promising partnership, but a double-switch from Rohit Sharma, introducing Kuldeep Yadav and Bumrah, shattered England’s hopes. Crawley’s dismissal and Bairstow falling on the stroke of lunch tilted the balance in India’s favor.

Stokes and Ben Foakes attempted to revive England’s innings after lunch, but Stokes’ run-out marked a crucial setback. Despite a resilient partnership between Foakes and Tom Hartley, Bumrah’s return saw the end of their resistance. India’s most lethal bowler induced Foakes’ dismissal and accounted for Hartley’s wicket to seal the victory.