India Stuns England With An Innings And 64-Run Victory In 5th Match, Clinch Series 4-1

DHARAMSHALA: In a masterful display, India triumphed over England by an impressive innings and 64 runs margin, securing victory in the fifth match of the series hosted at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association (HPCA) stadium in Dharmsala on Saturday. With this win, India clinched the series with a commanding 4-1 tally.

Ravichandran Ashwin’s stellar performance, claiming figures of 5 for 77, etched his name alongside spin legends Muttiah Muralidaran, Shane Warne, and Anil Kumble as the only bowlers to achieve a five-wicket haul in their 100th Test match. Supported by Jasprit Bumrah (2 for 38), Kuldeep Yadav (2 for 40), and Ravindra Jadeja (1 for 25), Ashwin led India’s bowling attack with precision.

Prior to England’s innings, India managed to add only four runs to their overnight total, concluding with a score of 477 in response to England’s 218.

The English bowlers wasted no time in wrapping up India’s innings, with veteran James Anderson reaching the milestone of 700 test wickets in less than 20 minutes.

In England’s second innings, young off-spinner Shoaib Bashir showcased his talent, securing his second five-wicket haul of the series, a remarkable feat achieved before the age of 21 and a first for an English bowler.

Indian skipper Rohit Sharma’s absence from the field due to a stiff back saw vice-captain Jasprit Bumrah taking charge alongside Ravichandran Ashwin.

Ashwin’s bowling brilliance dismantled the English batting order, dismissing key players such as Ben Duckett, Zak Crawley, and Ollie Pope early on, leaving England reeling at 36-3.

Despite a brief resistance led by Jonny Bairstow and Joe Root, who added 56 runs for the fourth wicket, India’s bowlers continued to exert pressure. Ashwin’s precision accounted for the crucial wickets of Ben Stokes and Ben Foakes, while Bumrah’s lethal yorkers claimed Tom Hartley and Mark Wood.

Joe Root’s valiant effort, top-scoring with 84 runs, couldn’t salvage England’s innings as Ravindra Jadeja’s breakthrough ended their resistance. Root’s dismissal marked the end of England’s innings, with India securing a comprehensive victory in the series.

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