Ahead of the crucial 5th Test against England in the scenic Dharamshala, doubts swirled around Kuldeep Yadav’s inclusion. With the cold conditions favouring swing and seam bowling, the Indian team management contemplated playing an additional fast bowler. However, they ultimately opted for the experience of their spin attack, a decision that proved to be a masterstroke. Kuldeep Yadav, seizing his opportunity with both hands, ripped through the English batting line-up on Day 1, registering a magnificent five-wicket haul.
A Record-Breaking Fifer by Kuldeep Yadav
Yadav’s spell wasn’t just about taking wickets; it was about rewriting history. His exceptional bowling not only put India in a commanding position but also propelled him to a coveted world record. By dismissing five English batsmen, Yadav became the fastest spinner on the planet to reach the milestone of 50 Test wickets. This remarkable feat was achieved in a mere 1,871 balls, showcasing his exceptional control and wicket-taking ability. The fifer also placed him alongside legendary Indian spinners like Subhash Gupte, Erapalli Prasanna, and Axar Patel for the fastest 50 wickets by an Indian spinner in Test history.
Spin Magicians Weave Their Web
The brilliance of Kuldeep Yadav wasn’t an isolated incident. India’s spin attack, boasting the experienced Ravichandran Ashwin and the ever-reliable Ravindra Jadeja, collectively orchestrated a clinical display of spin bowling. After a promising start from England’s openers, Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett, who stitched together a 64-run partnership, the Indian spinners tightened their grip.
Kuldeep Yadav provided the crucial breakthrough, dismissing Duckett, and followed it up with the scalps of Ollie Pope and the well-set Crawley. Ravindra Jadeja joined the party, dismissing the dependable Joe Root, leaving England in a precarious position. Yadav then returned to deliver a quick double blow, sending Jonny Bairstow and skipper Ben Stokes back to the pavilion.
Ashwin’s Century Test Marked by Wickets
With England’s batting order teetering on the brink, the stage was set for Ravichandran Ashwin to make his 100th Test match even more memorable. Living up to his reputation as a spin wizard, Ashwin delivered a masterful performance, claiming four crucial wickets. His experience and guile proved too much for the remaining English batsmen, as they were bundled out for a paltry 218 runs.
India in a Dominant Position
With their potent spin attack dismantling England’s batting line-up, India finds itself in a position of complete control. The hosts have a golden opportunity to not only clinch the ongoing Test match but also secure a dominant 4-1 series victory. Kuldeep Yadav’s record-breaking performance and the combined brilliance of India’s spin trio have sent a strong message to the visitors, leaving them with a mountain to climb in the remaining days of the Test.