Hyderabad: Debutant left-arm spinner Tom Hartley overcame a lackluster first innings to claim a sensational 7-62, propelling England to an unexpected and historic 28-run triumph over India in the Test series opener at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium on Sunday.
England, after conceding a 190-run lead, posted 420 in their second innings, thanks to Ollie Pope’s magnificent 196. Setting India a target of 231, Hartley dismantled the Indian batting order, securing his maiden seven-wicket haul in Test cricket and dismissing the hosts for 202. This victory gives England a 1-0 lead in the five-game series and marks one of their greatest Test wins overseas.
India initially dominated the match, but England staged a remarkable comeback in both batting and bowling departments. It’s India’s fourth Test defeat at home since 2013 and the first time they lost a home Test after leading by 100-plus runs in the first innings.
Pope’s outstanding 196, including effective use of the sweep, anchored England’s recovery from a precarious 163/5. His partnerships with Ben Foakes, Rehan Ahmed, and Hartley were instrumental. Despite a valiant effort from India’s bowlers, they struggled to break through as Pope and Hartley continued to accumulate runs.
Chasing 231, India had a steady start before Hartley’s brilliance with the ball dismantled their top order. Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, and captain Rohit Sharma fell in quick succession. Despite resistance from KL Rahul and Axar Patel, Hartley’s spin wreaked havoc, leading to India’s downfall.
In a nail-biting finish, England’s fielding brilliance, coupled with Hartley’s spin magic, sealed India’s fate. The match ended with Hartley’s extraordinary figures of 7-62, securing an outstanding win for England.
Brief Scores:
England: 246 and 420 (Ollie Pope 196; Jasprit Bumrah 4-41, Ravichandran Ashwin 3-126)
India: 436 and 202 (Rohit Sharma 39, K.S Bharat 28; Tom Hartley 7-62)
England leads the series 1-0.