India have levelled the best-of-five series with England by recording a 106-run victory in the second Test in Visakhapatnam.
On the defensive ever since Yashasvi Jaiswal's superb century on the opening day, England had performed valiantly to reach the fourth day requiring a further 332 runs to win having reached stumps on Sunday on 67-1.
Ben Stokes's side retained their seemingly-unbreakable spirit throughout Monday, yet they could not withstand India's bowling attack on a deteriorating pitch, as they were bowled out for 292.
The start of the day had the potential to set the tone for England, with night-watchman - or hawk, as referred to by some of the England dressing room - Rehan Ahmed looked to help advance the score.
Ahmed made 23 from 31, a more than respectable effort at this stage of his Test career, but Ollie Pope (23) and Joe Root (16) being gone within the next 9.1 overs undone the youngster's work.
Zak Crawley had been standing tall but he, too, went after contributing 73 from 132 balls, with Kuldeep Yadav taking the wicket after Ravichandran Ashwin had dismissed Pope and Root.
In the following over just before lunch, Jasprit Bumrah made his presence felt by removing Jonny Bairstow (26), leaving England on 194-6 and still requiring 205.
Shreyas Iyer take a bow 👏
— Cricket on TNT Sports (@cricketontnt) February 5, 2024
Magic in the field ✨#INDvENG pic.twitter.com/mP2oieOXIj
The onus was on Stokes to add another chapter to his book of miraculous efforts with the bat, but the skipper was run out for 11, England on 220-7 and seemingly on the brink.
Ben Foakes and Tom Hartley were each superb during the afternoon session, chipping in with 36 runs apiece, but Bumrah did for both of them either side of Mukesh Kumar removing Shoaib Bashir for a duck.
Bumrah finished with figures of 3-46, complemented by Ashwin's 3-72, and the two teams will now enjoy a break until a captivating series resumes on February 15 in Rajkot.
Darren Plant
