IND vs ENG 2024: A Breakdown of the First Day’s Play in the 5th Test

As the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamsala hosted the fifth and final Test match between India and England on Thursday, March 7, cricket enthusiasts were treated to a day of exhilarating action. Day 1 witnessed a captivating battle between the bat and ball, with both teams leaving no stone unturned to make an impact.

The day’s play unfolded with India asserting their dominance in the bowling department. Kuldeep Yadav and Ravichandran Ashwin showcased exceptional skill, dismantling the English batting lineup. Kuldeep Yadav’s stellar performance of 5-72 left the English batsmen struggling, while Ashwin, playing his 100th Test, claimed 4-51.

Opting to bat first after winning the toss on a surface described by Ben Stokes as a ‘belter,’ England’s openers, Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett, started strong, amassing 64 runs in 18 overs. However, their partnership was shattered when Duckett attempted an aggressive shot against Kuldeep, only to be caught brilliantly by Shubman Gill.

The English batsmen’s struggle continued, with Ollie Pope falling victim to Kuldeep’s cunning bowling just before lunch. Despite Crawley’s valiant effort, he fell short of a century, succumbing to a brilliant delivery from Kuldeep at 79 runs off 108 balls. England’s middle order couldn’t withstand the pressure, with Jonny Bairstow, Joe Root, and Ben Stokes departing in quick succession.

In his 100th Test, Ravichandran Ashwin played a pivotal role in dismantling the England tail. The seasoned off-spinner claimed three crucial wickets in the final session, leaving England reeling at 194-8 by tea. Ashwin’s mastery was evident as he outfoxed the lower-order batsmen, including a dismissal where the ball hit Ben Foakes’ pad and arm before dislodging the stumps.

James Anderson’s attempt to slog-sweep Ashwin only resulted in his dismissal, culminating in England being bowled out for a modest 218. Ashwin’s milestone Test turned out to be a memorable one, showcasing his prowess as a wily spinner.

Facing a target of 219, India’s opening pair, Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal provided a scintillating display of aggressive batting. They effortlessly dismantled the English bowling attack, adding 104 runs in under 21 overs. Rohit Sharma’s explosive innings, with an unbeaten 52, and Shubman Gill’s solid contribution at 26 not out, ensured India ended the day strongly at 135/1.

Yashasvi Jaiswal, in particular, caught the eye with his fearless stroke play, reaching a quickfire 57 off 58 deliveries. However, his innings were cut short as he attempted an unnecessary slog, resulting in a stumping. Despite the loss of Jaiswal, India’s formidable opening partnership set the stage for a commanding reply on Day 2.

Day 1 of the fifth Test in Dharamsala provided cricket fans with a roller-coaster of emotions. From England’s promising start to the dominance of Indian spinners, and finally, the explosive response from the Indian openers, the day was a testament to the unpredictable nature of Test cricket. As the action continues in this series decider, both teams will be eager to make their mark and claim victory in what promises to be an enthralling contest.

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