India’s Series Victory Deals Big Blow to England’s Bazball Era

England’s ‘Bazball’ strategy encountered a setback on Monday, February 26, as India clinched victory in the fourth Test of the five-match series in Ranchi, ending England’s undefeated streak under the leadership of Ben Stokes and head coach Brendon McCullum. Despite England’s strong start with a series-opening win in Hyderabad, India turned the tables with a narrow win, overcoming injuries and the absence of key players to hand England their first series loss under Stokes and McCullum.

IND VS ENG 4th Test

When McCullum assumed leadership in 2022, England was reeling from a 4-0 Ashes defeat to Australia. Joe Root’s resignation as captain marked a new beginning, with Stokes taking over the reins. Under their partnership, England experienced success, winning four of their last seven series, including a 3-0 victory in Pakistan and a drawn Ashes against Australia, showcasing their attacking approach.

However, England’s aggressive style faced a formidable challenge in India, a team that had secured 16 consecutive Test series victories at home since their last defeat to Alastair Cook’s England in 2012. The recent loss marked India’s 17th consecutive series win on home soil.

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In the match, England posted 353 runs in their first innings, taking a 46-run lead after India’s 307. Indian spinners Ravichandran Ashwin and Kuldeep Yadav starred in the second innings, sharing nine wickets to dismiss England for 145 on day three.

Chasing a target of 192, Shubman Gill played a crucial role with a patient 124-ball innings, supported by Dhruv Jurel, who had scored 90 in India’s first innings. Despite a minor setback with two quick wickets after lunch, Gill and Jurel calmly rotated the strike, with Gill reaching his fifty with two consecutive sixes off Shoaib Bashir. Jurel sealed the victory, sparking celebrations in the Indian dressing room.