Duckett Leads England's Chase as India Crash to Demoralising Loss

Three years since that Edgbaston Test, nothing has changed for England.

- Somshuvra Laha

KOLKATA: That Tuesday, 378 runs were knocked off in 77 overs. This Tuesday, 373 were brought up in 82 overs. Integral to both wins was Joe Root, his belligerent century dashing India's hopes in 2022, his experience coming through for England here in the form of an assured fifty after Ben Duckett set up the chase with an indomitable hundred while putting on 188 for the opening wicket.

Twice now in recent history have India failed to close out a game despite their bowlers getting more than 350 to defend. That only England could have pulled off something like this is beside the point. This defeat must really hurt because of the lack of runs from the lower order, the bowling inadequacy, and most significantly, the dropped catches.

England batters' defence was intact for nearly 45 overs. Till two wickets fell in the space of 14 balls. Two more, off consecutive balls from Shardul Thakur, and India were suddenly cock-a-hoop. Their anticipation wasn't unfounded. Without an early wicket, the pitch still playing true and Jasprit Bumrah going wicketless, this was an unusual last day of a Test for India. The initial frustration was particularly palpable as the ball refused to seam despite gloomy conditions as the openers marched on. Till the sun peeked out after lunch.