- England in superb 28-run win
- Pope and Hartley star as England upset odds
- India remain favourites to win the series
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England in thrilling 28-run win
In a captivating showdown at Hyderabad, England secured one of their most impressive away victories, stunning India with a thrilling 28-run win in the first Test.
Led by the exceptional innings of Ollie Pope and the mesmerising debut performance of spinner Tom Hartley, England set India a target of 231 runs to win. Despite facing a significant challenge, England’s relatively inexperienced bowling attack, compounded by senior spinner Jack Leach’s knee injury, managed to hustle the hosts out for 202 within the extra half-hour on the fourth day.
The victory holds particular significance as India had lost only three of their previous 46 home Tests. Moreover, England’s feat of overturning a first-innings deficit of 190 runs, a rarity in Test cricket history, further underscores the magnitude of their achievement. India, historically formidable at home, had never before lost a Test match after taking a lead in excess of 100 runs.
Pope’s monumental innings of 196 in the second innings marked a historic milestone, becoming the highest second-innings score by an English batsman in India. His resilience and determination set the tone for England’s resurgence after being bowled out for 420 just before lunch.
While the target seemed within India’s grasp, their batting lineup faltered under pressure. Hartley, in a display of brilliance, not only excelled with the ball, claiming figures of 7-62, but also contributed with the bat, scoring 34 crucial runs.
A collapse of 4-24 rattled the Indian middle order, plunging the home supporters into a stunned silence. Despite a spirited partnership between KS Bharat and Ravichandran Ashwin, which briefly reignited hopes, Hartley’s precision eventually broke India’s momentum. The tense conclusion saw England’s bowlers capitalizing on the fading light, securing the final wicket to spark jubilant celebrations.
As the dust settles, all eyes turn to the second Test scheduled to commence in Visakhapatnam on Friday, 2 February.
Series betting
India are an extremely good side and any team would find it difficult to go there and win. So despite England’s excellent start the hosts remain favourites to win the series. At the time of writing Betway have India priced at 1/2, with England at 2/1 and a drawn series at 10/1.
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