Heartiest congratulations on clinching the series 3-1; with one Test to spare, at Dharamshala

By V.N. Prasad

Sans big names in the side, our boys exhibited deep resolve in winning the crucial 3rd Test at Ranchi; and thereby clinching the series 3-1. Name that resonated the cricketing world was Dhruv Jurel and deservedly was adjudged the ‘Player of the Match.’ The young lad looks compact and composed; more in front of the wickets than behind.

Discipline begins at home. Duties, Responsibilities, Disposition under pressure, Braving it out when necessary, Never to sulk under pressure, Well blent Caution and Aggression et al. Young Dhruv Jurel exhibited it all at Ranchi to essay a brilliant and a ‘Face Saving’ 90 in the 1st inning and a resolute 39 not out, in the 2nd as we took an unassailable 3 – 1 lead over England. I am not taking away anything from the others who contributed to the cause, but Jurel’s knocks were outstanding.

Son of Retired Havildar Nem Chand; a Kargil War Veteran, has grown up saluting his father whenever he achieved small feats. One wondered as to why he did a ‘Salute’ on completing his maiden test 50 in the 1st inning, only clarified later at an interview. All the attributes of a Soldier’s son were on display in both the innings — as the High Tension Drama ended as Jurel stroked one off the hip; on the 4th day, to clinch the Test and the series. Like ‘Jurel Fish’, both his knocks were fleshy, juicy, tasty; much akin to Mackerel. He needs to concentrate and consolidate. Consistency is the key, going forward.

Quickly, I need to mention here of the absolutely ‘Atrocious’ wicket the curator had prepared. The cracks on the opening day itself looked like the skin of an Alligator and produced ugly and anxious moments constantly; many of the dismissals were horrendous and unacceptable. Not the first time though. The International Cricket Council has to set up a committed team to delve into “Theory of Soil Mechanics” and come out with definitive soil mix formulae; so as to produce sporting wickets. At Ranchi, batsmen played with fear than free flow. Imagine Shubman Gill playing 119 deliveries in the 2nd inning, before he smote two big sixes nearing the end. To say the least, “Ranchi Curator” and his team need to be fined heavily for the atrocious 22 yards. ‘Litmus Test’ on batsmen? Bullshit. It was an                  agricultural track.

English 1st inning was shaky though Zak Crawley (42) and Ben Foakes (47) rallied around a defiant Joe Root. Root scored a brilliant 122 not out. When Tom Hartley was out at 245, curtains were staring at the English. But, Ollie Robinson’s 58 helped them build a respectable 353.

In reply, Bharatiyas collapsed; save young opener Yashasvi Jaiswal, who scored a stroke filled 73. Seven down at 177,  Englishmen had a strangle-hold on us. Later, it was the sordid partnership between Dhruv Jurel (90) and Kuldeep Yadav (28) that took us to 307; still short by 46 runs. Kuldeep’s defiance was laudable.

Second inning of the English was more of ‘Acrobatics on a Circus Net’ than any cricket. Barring Zak Crawley (60), none else looked comfortable as they folded up at 145; leaving India to get 192 for a victory. Kuldeep with 4 for 22 and Ashwin with 5 for 51 polished the English.

At Ranchi, Ashwin created a few personal records.

He equalled Anil Kumble’s record of 35 numbers 5 wicket hauls. His tally of 354  currently is 4 more than Kumble’s at 350.

Ashwin also became the first Indian to scalp more than 100 Test wickets against two nations — Australia and England. He further etched the record of scoring 1000 Test runs and 100 wickets against same opponents; England. Heartiest congratulations to him on his achievements.

Continuing the saga at Ranchi, skipper Rohit Sharma and dashing Yashasvi Jaiswal started to see off 30 minutes of the 3rd day, chasing 192. Both stroked fluently, confusing the world that there was no Devil in the Pitch, ending the day at 40 for none and at a good rate.

Resuming on the 4th day, hell broke loose as Rohit (55) and Jaiswal (37) got out in quick succession. Subsequent ones of Rajat Patidar, Ravindra Jadeja and Sarfaraz Khan fell cheaply. Track started playing tricky. Atmosphere turned tense as we were reduced to 120 for 5. What was assumed to fold off comfortably in our favour came to a horrendous halt. The doors were wide open. It was anybody’s game.

This was when the young Jurel joined Gill and exhibited a masterly knock, while Gill dropped Sheet Anchor. Both crafted a beautiful partnership of 72 runs to bring victory. Bravo boys. We feel sorry for the English. They are a much better side than what they appeared to be. Best to them and the Bharatiyas in the final Test to be played from tomorrow at Dharamshala.