India beat England by 125 runs in the fourth Test of the series, at Mohali, Ahmedabad. The win helped them clinch the series 3-1 as well as reserve a berth in the final of the ICC World Test Championship. Washington Sundar (96 not out) and Axar Patel (43) added 71 runs in the morning to stretch their partnership to 106 and India’s lead to 160. Then India lost three wickets in five balls without scoring a run. India vs England 4th Test statistical highlights: More records for Ashwin as India extend streak
However, the lead turned out to be enough as R Ashwin (5-47) and Axar (5-48) shot out England inside 55 overs. Here are some key moments from the third day’s play:
Heartbreak for Sundar: India had three wickets in hand when Sundar was on 96. A maiden Test hundred seemed imminent. Unfortunately, Jonny Bairstow’s throw found Axar short at the non-striker’s end. It was the last ball of the over, and Ben Stokes took two wickets with the first four balls to leave Sundar short. Visibly desolate, Sundar raised his bat to acknowledge the applause.
Bairstow fails, again: With his Test career hanging by the narrowest of threads, Bairstow began with a peculiar stroke. There was a leg slip, and Bairstow middled the first ball he faced straight to his hands. With six ducks in his last nine innings against India, he might have played his last Test match.
Sibley’s bizarre dismissal: There was little Dom Sibley could have done about his dismissal. He middled the sweep, but the ball hit short-leg fielder Shubman Gill on the leg. As Gill fell on the ground in agony, so did the ball – in Rishabh Pant’s gloves.
Pope goes big: The shot of the day came in the 22nd over, from Ollie Pope. Ashwin tossed one up, and Pope left the crease to clear the long-on boundary. He would pay for stepping out later…
Pant’s super stumping: After being beaten by Axar twice in three balls, Pope decided to give it a go. He stepped out and missed completely, but the ball climbed wickedly towards Pant’s chest. Pant somehow collected and stumped Pope with one hand.