India have completed a five-wicket victory over England in the fourth Test in Ranchi, sealing a series win in the process.
Having remarkably turned the contest around on day three, India went into Monday's play requiring a further 152 runs to prevail, holding all 10 wickets intact.
Despite the unpredictability of the pitch, the home side were expected to cruise to success and that is ultimately how it panned out despite the best efforts of their opponents.
Resuming on 40-0 in their quest to reach 192, India progressed to 84-0 before Joe Root made the breakthrough, dismissing Yashasvi Jaiswal for 37 after the opener miscued a shot towards James Anderson where the veteran paceman made a diving catch.
A further 15 runs had been added when Rohit Sharma (55) edged behind to Ben Foakes off the bowling of Tom Hartley, yet India now only required a further 93 runs for the win.
However, Shoaib Bashir threatened to turn the game on its head, initially removing Rajat Patidar for a duck before taking the wickets of Ravindra Jadeja (4) and Sarfaraz Khan (0) in successive balls.
SHOAIB BASHIR IS ON A HAT-TRICK!
— Cricket on TNT Sports (@cricketontnt) February 26, 2024
England are cooking straight after lunch 🧑🍳🔥#INDvENG pic.twitter.com/UWavSvlfvY
With India still requiring 72 and the momentum very much in their favour, England sensed another famous win, but they were foiled by the patience and efficiency of Shubman Gill and Dhruv Jurel.
The pair ticked off the remaining runs from 22.4 overs, barely offering England a sniff of another wicket, with Gill ending on 52 and Jurel posting 39 as he continues to hint that India could have their wicket-keeping duties solved for the next decade.
India subsequently extend their undefeated home record in Test matches since 2012, leaving England with only pride to play for when the action resumes in Dharamsala on March 7.
Darren Plant
