IND Vs ENG 2nd Test: India Conquer Chennai And Level Series 1-1, Ashwin The Star Performer

After losing the first Test, India have come back strong in the second Test match to defeat England. Indian spinners took full advantage of the conditions as English batsmen falter on Day 4. India wins by 317 runs.

Image Source: Twitter/@imVKohli

India defeated England by 317 runs in the second Test match. England was all out for 164 in the second innings. Rohit Sharma's and Ashwin's hundreds in the first and second innings respectively were the big reasons for India's win as it was difficult to score runs on the Chepauk wicket. Nonetheless, India managed to pull of a big victory which will give them massive confidence going in the third Test match. 

Ashwin and Axar together cleaned up the top order of England batting. None of them managed to score a big total. Captain Joe Root tried to stick around but wickets kept on tumbling from the other end. Thus, the English innings fell like a pack of cards. Even Root got out for 33 on Axar Patel's bowling. 

The pitch played a crucial role in the match and the spinners from both teams took advantage of the situation. Day 4 began with England at three wickets down. The script was set and it was expected that India would win the game. Ashwin and Axar yet again provided important breakthroughs in quick intervals which unsettled the English batsmen. Ravi Ashwin is the clear man of the match despite Rohit Sharma’s heroics in the first innings. His complete all-round performance was the catalyst for India winning the Test as he scored a century in the first innings and picked up eight wickets in the match.

Toss played a key role as well as it was important to bat first on a pitch that was constantly deteriorating. It was predicted on Day 1 itself that this match would end in a result and perhaps won’t go to Day 5.

The second Indian innings’ score of 286 was a slap on the cricketers and experts who were claiming that the pitch was unacceptable for Test cricket. If the Indian batsmen could score centuries, then definitely some blame also has to be shared by the English batsmen for not adjusting to the changed conditions. India would be delighted with this win as it also means that India’s chances at reaching the World Test Championship final look bright. India now have to win one more Test match and make sure they don’t lose another one at Motera to qualify for the WTC final. The hosts will jump to number two on WTC rankings.

The next Test match would be played in the newly constructed Motera Stadium in Ahmedabad. It will be played from 24^th February and that match will be the first pink ball Test match in India. India will cherish their performance in Chennai and Kohli would be hopeful about the remaining series.

Match Summary:

India 1^st Innings: 329/10, Rohit Sharma- 161, Ajinkya Rahane- 67; Moeen Ali- 4/128

England 1^st Innings: 134/10, Foakes- 42, Ashwin 5/43 [Indian led by 195 runs]

India 2^nd Innings: 286/10, Kohli- 62, Ashwin- 106; Leach- 4/100, Ali- 4/98

England 2^nd Innings: 164/10, Joe Root-33 ; Ashwin-3/53, Axar- 5/60