England registered a 60-run victory over India in the fourth test at Southampton to seal the specsavers test series 3-1 with last test scheduled in Oval from 7th September.
India were chasing a tricky target of 245 runs which was always going to be a tough task in the fourth innings. Indian openers once again failed to fire and an in-form Cheteshwar Pujara also got out cheaply that added to India’s agony. The veterans in Stuart Broad and James Anderson again created a havoc in India’s top order
Virat Kohli and Ajinkya Rahane stitched a 101 run partnership to rescue India from 22-3. The match looked evenly balanced but after the departure of Kohli (58) the pendulum swung in England’s favour and wickets started to tumble.
Hardik Pandya once again failed with the bat and he didn’t trouble the scorers after falling to Ben Stokes.
Rishabh Pant tried to show some aggressive approach but he could just manage quick fire 18 runs.
Ajinkya Rahane(51) was the lone survivor left in the match for India but he was soon dismissed by Moeen Ali that set it up nicely for Joe Root’s men.
Lower order batsman were the greatest strength of England in the ongoing series but India’s lower order failed to contribute which has become one of the reason of their downfall.
Ravichandran Ashwin showed some resistance but was short of partners as India got bundled out on 184 runs.
Moeen Ali was the star of the show as he chipped in with 49 runs and 9 wickets in the match. For his efforts he was adjudged the man of the match.
India has never chased 200+ target in the fourth innings at the overseas tour from last 30 years and the history books will continue to oppose the Indian team.
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