India wins Vizag test by 246 runs, leads series by 1-0

Vishakhapatnam: Backed by spinning trio, India beat England comprehensively in the second cricket test match of five match series played at Dr YS Rajshekhar Reddy cricket stadium here on Monday.

Setting a target of 405 runs, India bowled out England on 158 in the second inning. Registering a victory by 246 runs India leads the series 1-0.

None of England batsman could really stand up to Indian spinners on a tricky track except captain Alastair Cook who top scored with 54. The spinning trio of Ashwin, Jadeja and Jayant Yadav shared 8 wickets among themselves.

It was India which dominated the proceedings on almost all five days barring one session on day 4 when the hosts faltered in their second inning to be all out for 204.

Such close-knit proved to be Indian team that the failure of openers in both the innings coupled with poor form of Ajinkya Rahane could not jeopardise their chances. It was sheer brilliance of Virat Kohli, who scored 167 in the first outing followed by 82 in the second, which did the trick for India. Kohli’s dream run as captain also continued as after whitewashing touring New Zealand, it got past England in style.

Fittingly, Virat bagged the ‘man of the match ‘ award for his display of grit, technique and temperament. In fact, his second inning of 82 must be ranked very high on his list as it came under some trying moments. But for this inning, India would not have set a daunting target of 405. Pujara again reminded of his calibre and class as in both the innings, he had to come out to bat early in view of the failure of opening pair on both the occasion.

Indian team management’s strategy to play five specialist bowlers with three spinners paid off well on the new pitch which had turn and uneven bounce helping Ashwin, Jadeja and debutant Jayant Yadav a great deal. Ashwin once again stood out in the match claiming 8 for 119 while spinners accounted for a total of 15 wickets in the match reminding of good old days. Jayant Yadav also impressed with the ball as well as bat though the numbers not backing him totally.

Such was the dominance of Indian bowlers specially the spinners that none of England batsmen except Cook could cross fifty mark in the second inning.

India will lock horns with England in the third Test match of the five-match series at Punjab Cricket Association Stadium from November 26.

Brief Score:

India- 1st innings: 455 runs (Pujara 119, Kohli 167; Anderson 3/68)

England- 1st innings: 255 runs (Stokes 70, Root 53; Ashwin 5/67)

India- 2nd innings: 204 runs (Kohli 81; Broad 4/33)

England- 2nd innings: 158 runs (Cook 54; Jayant 3/30)