<p>Consistent showing for Haryana in domestic cricket and a brilliant IPL has seen all-rounder Rahul Tewatia break into the national team as the BCCI announced the Indian squad for the T20I matches against England on Saturday.</p>

<p>Tewatia might have stolen hearts with his showing in the 2020 edition of the Indian Premier League, but the spin-bowling all-rounder believes it is the challenge he faced while playing for Haryana that has made him a better cricketer.</p>

<p>Speaking to ANI moments after being named in the Indian team, Tewatia said that breaking into the Haryana squad and cementing a place in the XI in the presence of quality performers made him mentally strong and helped his game.</p>

<p>“Imagine fighting it out for a place in the team which has legends like Amit Mishra bhai. Then you had Jayant Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal has also represented the state team whenever he hasn’t been busy playing for India. The level of competition for spinners in the Haryana team is one of the toughest I would say. Finding a place and performing for Haryana not only gave me confidence but also helped me back my skills,” he explained.</p>

<p>Asked how he would react to days when he didn’t perform considering the level of competition in the state team, Tewatia said that the support of the Haryana Cricket Association and former BCCI Treasurer Anirudh Chaudhry has helped him face all challenges.</p>

<p>“Yes, it can get tough some times when you have a bad game here and there, but there has been immense support from HCA. Not to forget how Anirudh sir has always instilled confidence in me. He was always a call away and ensured that I only looked at the positive side and backed my game,” he pointed.</p>

<p>Tewatia is also excited about sharing the dressing room with some of the biggest names in international cricket.</p>

<p>“So far, I played against Virat Kohli in the IPL. Now I will play with him and share the dressing room with him. Can’t wait to share the dressing room with him and some of the best cricketers in world cricket. It will be all about learning from them and understanding how they compete against the best in the business and succeed,” he smiled.</p>

<p>Tewatia also believes that a successful IPL was a big blessing. “You do know that the best in the world come over to play in the IPL. If you perform against them, it also helps build your confidence. I am glad that I could play match-winning knocks for Rajasthan Royals this season,” he signed off.&nbsp;</p>


Consistent showing for Haryana in domestic cricket and a brilliant IPL has seen all-rounder Rahul Tewatia break into the national team as the BCCI announced the Indian squad for the T20I matches against England on Saturday.

Consistent showing for Haryana in domestic cricket and a brilliant IPL has seen all-rounder Rahul Tewatia break into the national team as the BCCI announced the Indian squad for the T20I matches against England on Saturday. Tewatia might have stolen hearts with his showing in the 2020 edition of the Indian Premier League, but the spin-bowling all-rounder believes it is the challenge he faced while playing for Haryana that has made him a better cricketer. Speaking to ANI moments after being named in the Indian team, Tewatia said that breaking into the Haryana squad and cementing a place in the XI in the presence of quality performers made him mentally strong and helped his game. “Imagine fighting it out for a place in the team which has legends like Amit Mishra bhai. Then you had Jayant Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal has also represented the state team whenever he hasn’t been busy playing for India. The level of competition for spinners in the Haryana team is one of the toughest I would say. Finding a place and performing for Haryana not only gave me confidence but also helped me back my skills,” he explained. Asked how he would react to days when he didn’t perform considering the level of competition in the state team, Tewatia said that the support of the Haryana Cricket Association and former BCCI Treasurer Anirudh Chaudhry has helped him face all challenges. “Yes, it can get tough some times when you have a bad game here and there, but there has been immense support from HCA. Not to forget how Anirudh sir has always instilled confidence in me. He was always a call away and ensured that I only looked at the positive side and backed my game,” he pointed. Tewatia is also excited about sharing the dressing room with some of the biggest names in international cricket. “So far, I played against Virat Kohli in the IPL. Now I will play with him and share the dressing room with him. Can’t wait to share the dressing room with him and some of the best cricketers in world cricket. It will be all about learning from them and understanding how they compete against the best in the business and succeed,” he smiled. Tewatia also believes that a successful IPL was a big blessing. “You do know that the best in the world come over to play in the IPL. If you perform against them, it also helps build your confidence. I am glad that I could play match-winning knocks for Rajasthan Royals this season,” he signed off.

Can't wait to share dressing room with the likes of Kohli, says Rahul Tewatia

<p>The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Saturday announced the Indian squad for the five-match T20I series against England. The likes of Suryakumar Yadav, Rahul Tewatia, Ishank Kishan and Varun Chakravarthy have been handed major call-ups, the likes of Bhuvneshwar Kumar returns to the squad after a lengthy period on the sidelines due to injury.</p>

<p>Virat Kohli will lead the Indian side in the five-match T20I series against England, scheduled to start from March 12. All the matches of the T20I series will be played at the world's largest stadium - Sardar Patel Stadium in Ahmedabad.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While some fresh faces have been added to the T20I squad, the likes of Sanju Samson and Manish Pandey missed the cut. Rahul Tewatia, who shot to fame in IPL 2020 where he whacked West Indies pacer, Sheldon Cottrell, for five sixes has been brought into the squad. Whereas Suryakumar Yadav, who has been in menacing form in the Indian domestic circuit and IPL for a few seasons now, finally gets rewarded. Varun Chakravarthy, who was originally drafted into the Indian squad for the T20I series against Australia but missed the series due to injury, gets another call-up.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/will-take-a-call-on-county-stint-after-ipl-says-csks-latest-recruit-cheteshwar-pujara-365075" hreflang="en">Will take a call on county stint after IPL, says CSK's latest recruit Cheteshwar Pujara</a></strong></p>

<p>Jasprit Bumrah has been rested given the hectic schedule of the Indian team in the year 2021 with the likes of Shardul Thakur, Navdeep Saini, Deepak Chahar, Bhuvneshwar Kumar and T Natarajan forming up the Indian pace battery. Axar Patel, too, has been included in the T20I side after a good outing in IPL 2020.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/felt-like-the-loneliest-guy-virat-kohli-opens-up-on-battle-with-depression-364757" hreflang="en">'Felt like the loneliest guy': Virat Kohli opens up on battle with depression</a></strong></p>

<h2>India squad for England T20I series:</h2>

<p>Virat Kohli (Capt), Rohit Sharma (vc), KL Rahul, Shikhar Dhawan, Shreyas Iyer, Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik, Rishabh Pant (wk), Ishan Kishan (wk), Y Chahal, Varun Chakravarthy, Axar Patel, W Sundar, R Tewatia, T Natarajan, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Deepak Chahar, Navdeep, Shardul Thakur.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="in">Virat Kohli (Capt), Rohit Sharma (vc), KL Rahul, Shikhar Dhawan, Shreyas Iyer, Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik, Rishabh Pant (wk), Ishan Kishan (wk), Y Chahal, Varun Chakravarthy, Axar Patel, W Sundar, R Tewatia, T Natarajan, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Deepak Chahar, Navdeep, Shardul Thakur. <a href="https://t.co/KkunRWtwE6">https://t.co/KkunRWtwE6</a></p>
— BCCI (@BCCI) <a href="https://twitter.com/BCCI/status/1363143754807316487?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 20, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<table border="4" width="619">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td colspan="4" width="425">
			<p><strong>England’s tour of India, 2020/21 – T20I series</strong></p>
			</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td width="63">
			<p><strong>Sr .No.</strong></p>
			</td>
			<td width="112">
			<p><strong>Date</strong></p>
			</td>
			<td width="106">
			<p><strong>Match</strong></p>
			</td>
			<td width="144">
			<p><strong>Venue</strong></p>
			</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td width="63">
			<p>1</p>
			</td>
			<td width="112">
			<p>12<sup>th</sup>&nbsp;March</p>
			</td>
			<td width="106">
			<p>1<sup>st</sup>&nbsp;T20I</p>
			</td>
			<td width="144">
			<p>Ahmedabad</p>
			</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td width="63">
			<p>2</p>
			</td>
			<td width="112">
			<p>14<sup>th</sup>&nbsp;March</p>
			</td>
			<td width="106">
			<p>2<sup>nd</sup>&nbsp;T20I</p>
			</td>
			<td width="144">
			<p>Ahmedabad</p>
			</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td width="63">
			<p>3</p>
			</td>
			<td width="112">
			<p>16<sup>th</sup>&nbsp;March</p>
			</td>
			<td width="106">
			<p>3<sup>rd</sup>&nbsp;T20I</p>
			</td>
			<td width="144">
			<p>Ahmedabad</p>
			</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td width="63">
			<p>4</p>
			</td>
			<td width="112">
			<p>18<sup>th</sup>&nbsp;March</p>
			</td>
			<td width="106">
			<p>4<sup>th</sup>&nbsp;T20I</p>
			</td>
			<td width="144">
			<p>Ahmedabad</p>
			</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td width="63">
			<p>5</p>
			</td>
			<td width="112">
			<p>20<sup>th</sup>&nbsp;March</p>
			</td>
			<td width="106">
			<p>5<sup>th</sup>&nbsp;T20I</p>
			</td>
			<td width="144">
			<p>Ahmedabad</p>
			</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Saturday announced the Indian squad for the five-match T20I series against England. The likes of Suryakumar Yadav, Rahul Tewatia, Ishank Kishan and Varun Chakravarthy have been handed major call-ups, the likes of Bhuvneshwar Kumar returns to the squad after a lengthy period on the sidelines due to injury.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Saturday announced the Indian squad for the five-match T20I series against England. The likes of Suryakumar Yadav, Rahul Tewatia, Ishank Kishan and Varun Chakravarthy have been handed major call-ups, the likes of Bhuvneshwar Kumar returns to the squad after a lengthy period on the sidelines due to injury. Virat Kohli will lead the Indian side in the five-match T20I series against England, scheduled to start from March 12. All the matches of the T20I series will be played at the world's largest stadium - Sardar Patel Stadium in Ahmedabad. While some fresh faces have been added to the T20I squad, the likes of Sanju Samson and Manish Pandey missed the cut. Rahul Tewatia, who shot to fame in IPL 2020 where he whacked West Indies pacer, Sheldon Cottrell, for five sixes has been brought into the squad. Whereas Suryakumar Yadav, who has been in menacing form in the Indian domestic circuit and IPL for a few seasons now, finally gets rewarded. Varun Chakravarthy, who was originally drafted into the Indian squad for the T20I series against Australia but missed the series due to injury, gets another call-up. ALSO READ: Will take a call on county stint after IPL, says CSK's latest recruit Cheteshwar Pujara Jasprit Bumrah has been rested given the hectic schedule of the Indian team in the year 2021 with the likes of Shardul Thakur, Navdeep Saini, Deepak Chahar, Bhuvneshwar Kumar and T Natarajan forming up the Indian pace battery. Axar Patel, too, has been included in the T20I side after a good outing in IPL 2020. ALSO READ: 'Felt like the loneliest guy': Virat Kohli opens up on battle with depression India squad for England T20I series: Virat Kohli (Capt), Rohit Sharma (vc), KL Rahul, Shikhar Dhawan, Shreyas Iyer, Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik, Rishabh Pant (wk), Ishan Kishan (wk), Y Chahal, Varun Chakravarthy, Axar Patel, W Sundar, R Tewatia, T Natarajan, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Deepak Chahar, Navdeep, Shardul Thakur. Virat Kohli (Capt), Rohit Sharma (vc), KL Rahul, Shikhar Dhawan, Shreyas Iyer, Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik, Rishabh Pant (wk), Ishan Kishan (wk), Y Chahal, Varun Chakravarthy, Axar Patel, W Sundar, R Tewatia, T Natarajan, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Deepak Chahar, Navdeep, Shardul Thakur. https://t.co/KkunRWtwE6 — BCCI (@BCCI) February 20, 2021 × England’s tour of India, 2020/21 – T20I series Sr .No. Date Match Venue 1 12th March 1st T20I Ahmedabad 2 14th March 2nd T20I Ahmedabad 3 16th March 3rd T20I Ahmedabad 4 18th March 4th T20I Ahmedabad 5 20th March 5th T20I Ahmedabad

India announce squad for England T20I series as Suryakumar Yadav, Ishan Kishan get call-ups

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{ab90c91c-d812-4b40-895e-35c9e6fec9ed}{37}" paraid="1657529599" >Indian batsman Cheteshwar Pujara on Saturday said that the pitch for the second Test played against England in Chennai was not "dangerous" at all while adding it&nbsp;players find it difficult to score runs when the ball spins. Pujara was even asked about the IPL 2021 auction, where he was signed by Chennai Super Kings.</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{70882a95-87ff-43ff-a980-b054284ec169}{180}" paraid="1484629826" >India defeated England by 317 runs in the second Test in Chennai to level the series 1-1. Now the focus shifts to Ahmedabad, where the last two Tests of the series will be played at the world's largest stadium –&nbsp;Motera.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{648fd867-be10-40d5-a962-7883090dc54b}{97}" paraid="90649422" >While there are still a few days to go before one could&nbsp;analyse&nbsp;the pitch in Ahmedabad, former players like Michael Vaughan and Mark Waugh termed the Chennai pitch as poor.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{00b9b2d7-f3bb-4961-bc42-48034331a8fa}{252}" paraid="3020159" >"Sometimes you know when you are playing on a turning track, you find it difficult but at the same time, it was not a dangerous pitch at all. When the ball spins you know people find it difficult to score runs, especially the overseas teams. When we go overseas and we play on seaming tracks, the game finishes in three or four days. We still have to play on such wickets where there is a lot of grass or seam movement,"&nbsp;Pujara told&nbsp;a virtual press conference on Saturday.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{00b9b2d7-f3bb-4961-bc42-48034331a8fa}{252}" paraid="3020159" ><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/whopping-inr-6144-crore-in-14-years-of-ipl-auction-salary-money-spent-across-cricketers-globally-365017" hreflang="en">Whopping INR 6144 crore in 14 years of IPL: Auction, salary money spent across cricketers globally</a></strong></p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{1943ea53-94eb-4416-81a0-766796f9876e}{13}" paraid="1077775575" >"In turning tracks, one cannot define how much the ball can spin. It is a very thin line in that way. I do not think it was a bad pitch, it always becomes difficult in the second innings, this is how it is. When we play in Australia, there are cracks on day four and five, it is a little dangerous, the oddball hits the crack and it might take off. As a team I do not think we had any issues, once opposition teams start playing more on these pitches, they will be fine," he added.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{1943ea53-94eb-4416-81a0-766796f9876e}{50}" paraid="274234273" >Pujara was recently signed up by Chennai Super Kings for the 14th&nbsp;edition of the Indian Premier League for his base price. However, Pujara was all set to play County cricket in a bid to prepare for India's tour of England later this year. Now, with both IPL and County season clashing, Pujara&nbsp;said that he always wanted to play the shorter format of the game and will take a call on County cricket once the IPL gets over as he will have a small window to play some matches in England after the end of the cash-rich tournament.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{1943ea53-94eb-4416-81a0-766796f9876e}{60}" paraid="602612544" >"First of all, I am really glad to be a part of the IPL, it is good to be back again. I would like to thank the CSK team for picking me, but at the same time, when I am talking about county cricket, I still think I will have enough time before we play England in England. Once IPL gets over, there will be a window for me to play county games. That call I will take once IPL gets over. There will be enough time to play some county games. We also have a couple of practice games in England once the Test series begins there," said Pujara.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{1943ea53-94eb-4416-81a0-766796f9876e}{60}" paraid="602612544" ><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/proud-of-your-success-sachin-tendulkar-reacts-after-virat-kohli-opens-up-about-battle-with-depression-365026" hreflang="en">Proud of your success: Sachin Tendulkar reacts after Virat Kohli opens up about battle with depression</a></strong></p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{e3776a47-2da1-4e45-bb12-3a1ef6987142}{106}" paraid="1763977441" >"There is plenty of time to play county cricket but it is good to be back in the IPL. You know, I always want to play the short format of the game, IPL has produced so many great cricketers, some young talent we have got through the IPL, it has helped the Indian team. My focus once this Test series gets over will be on the IPL and once IPL gets over, I will think about county games and then there is a big series coming up against England. I am very hopeful that we will play the World Test Championship final as well which is in June," he added.&nbsp;</p>


Indian batsman Cheteshwar Pujara on Saturday said that the pitch for the second Test played against England in Chennai was not "dangerous" at all while adding it players find it difficult to score runs when the ball spins.

Indian batsman Cheteshwar Pujara on Saturday said that the pitch for the second Test played against England in Chennai was not "dangerous" at all while adding it players find it difficult to score runs when the ball spins. Pujara was even asked about the IPL 2021 auction, where he was signed by Chennai Super Kings. India defeated England by 317 runs in the second Test in Chennai to level the series 1-1. Now the focus shifts to Ahmedabad, where the last two Tests of the series will be played at the world's largest stadium – Motera. While there are still a few days to go before one could analyse the pitch in Ahmedabad, former players like Michael Vaughan and Mark Waugh termed the Chennai pitch as poor. "Sometimes you know when you are playing on a turning track, you find it difficult but at the same time, it was not a dangerous pitch at all. When the ball spins you know people find it difficult to score runs, especially the overseas teams. When we go overseas and we play on seaming tracks, the game finishes in three or four days. We still have to play on such wickets where there is a lot of grass or seam movement," Pujara told a virtual press conference on Saturday. ALSO READ: Whopping INR 6144 crore in 14 years of IPL: Auction, salary money spent across cricketers globally "In turning tracks, one cannot define how much the ball can spin. It is a very thin line in that way. I do not think it was a bad pitch, it always becomes difficult in the second innings, this is how it is. When we play in Australia, there are cracks on day four and five, it is a little dangerous, the oddball hits the crack and it might take off. As a team I do not think we had any issues, once opposition teams start playing more on these pitches, they will be fine," he added. Pujara was recently signed up by Chennai Super Kings for the 14th edition of the Indian Premier League for his base price. However, Pujara was all set to play County cricket in a bid to prepare for India's tour of England later this year. Now, with both IPL and County season clashing, Pujara said that he always wanted to play the shorter format of the game and will take a call on County cricket once the IPL gets over as he will have a small window to play some matches in England after the end of the cash-rich tournament. "First of all, I am really glad to be a part of the IPL, it is good to be back again. I would like to thank the CSK team for picking me, but at the same time, when I am talking about county cricket, I still think I will have enough time before we play England in England. Once IPL gets over, there will be a window for me to play county games. That call I will take once IPL gets over. There will be enough time to play some county games. We also have a couple of practice games in England once the Test series begins there," said Pujara. ALSO READ: Proud of your success: Sachin Tendulkar reacts after Virat Kohli opens up about battle with depression "There is plenty of time to play county cricket but it is good to be back in the IPL. You know, I always want to play the short format of the game, IPL has produced so many great cricketers, some young talent we have got through the IPL, it has helped the Indian team. My focus once this Test series gets over will be on the IPL and once IPL gets over, I will think about county games and then there is a big series coming up against England. I am very hopeful that we will play the World Test Championship final as well which is in June," he added.

Will take a call on county stint after IPL, says CSK's latest recruit Cheteshwar Pujara

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{aa2ca0e7-3ad4-483e-9621-c5e7afc1a619}{165}" paraid="393295593" >England pacer Mark Wood reckons that his side, boasting one of the devastating pace attacks in the cricket world, can be upbeat about their chances in the upcoming pink-ball Test against India, scheduled to be played in Ahmedabad from February 24, given the ball moves around.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{01f80d33-37f3-4e7e-9df6-676453e32cfd}{169}" paraid="1236468807" >The four-Test series is firmly locked at 1-1 after the end of the first two Tests. The final two Tests of the series will be played at the new 110,000-capacity Sardar Patel Stadium in Ahmedabad.&nbsp;Wood is hopeful of a seamer-friendly pitch.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{f3907b94-066b-456f-b2b3-52e1178e0490}{88}" paraid="1451589157" >"As soon as the ball moves, we know how good our seam bowlers can be. We've got good depth there, good skills and two of the best-ever (James Anderson and Stuart Broad).&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{78bc6397-d0f5-49af-b33b-bbede62d1eb6}{171}" paraid="1262743679" >"Hopefully, if the ball does move and it is seamer-friendly we can be very confident going into the game," Wood said during a virtual interaction on Friday.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{78bc6397-d0f5-49af-b33b-bbede62d1eb6}{180}" paraid="1347076053" >Wood joined the England squad, along with Jonny Bairstow, ahead of the third Test. While spinners have dominated the first two Test matches, pacers are expected to pick the majority of wickets in the day-night Test in Ahmedabad.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{78bc6397-d0f5-49af-b33b-bbede62d1eb6}{234}" paraid="2069250163" >"We've been bowling with them in the nets - they have swung quite a bit and they've lasted longer which was interesting to see," said Wood.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{78bc6397-d0f5-49af-b33b-bbede62d1eb6}{234}" paraid="2069250163" ><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tempo-drivers-son-chetan-sakariya-mourns-brothers-loss-after-landing-inr-120-crore-ipl-deal-364891" hreflang="en">Tempo driver's son Chetan Sakariya mourns brother's loss after landing INR 1.20 crore IPL deal</a></strong></p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{78bc6397-d0f5-49af-b33b-bbede62d1eb6}{252}" paraid="774907877" >"With the ball, as soon as it moves, every one of the bowlers from the past couple of months is dying to get it in their hand. I'm not the only one who's trying to get hold of it.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{2f7bba0f-5b83-4bcd-bdd9-80d931bb9929}{15}" paraid="130249718" >"The wickets in the nets have been a bit green and had good pace and carry too. I don't know if that's anything to go by or whether it's a bit of a trick."&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{2f7bba0f-5b83-4bcd-bdd9-80d931bb9929}{24}" paraid="1132769608" >Recently, Wood pulled his name out of the IPL 2021 auction due to family reasons. However, the English paceman called it "very difficult decision" but the one he is comfortable with.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{2f7bba0f-5b83-4bcd-bdd9-80d931bb9929}{60}" paraid="1208843590" >"Obviously there have been some big names going for big money and it's great for them. It's life-changing money which is why it was such a difficult decision for me," he said.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{2f7bba0f-5b83-4bcd-bdd9-80d931bb9929}{60}" paraid="1208843590" ><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/felt-like-the-loneliest-guy-virat-kohli-opens-up-on-battle-with-depression-364757" hreflang="en">'Felt like the loneliest guy': Virat Kohli opens up on battle with depression</a></strong></p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{2f7bba0f-5b83-4bcd-bdd9-80d931bb9929}{78}" paraid="1103630512" >"First and foremost, it was for my family. I'm going to spend six weeks here in India and it would have been another eight weeks on top of that. The second reason, of course, is being ready for England.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{2f7bba0f-5b83-4bcd-bdd9-80d931bb9929}{96}" paraid="378264636" >"I don't want my body to fail me or be a bit bruised mentally or physically for the back end of the year when it's the World Cup and Ashes, or in the summer when it's a big series against India at home.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{2f7bba0f-5b83-4bcd-bdd9-80d931bb9929}{114}" paraid="1578386049" >"Although it's life-changing money and an opportunity, I'm comfortable with my decision and I hope it serves me well in the long term."&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{2f7bba0f-5b83-4bcd-bdd9-80d931bb9929}{123}" paraid="939862684" >&nbsp;</p>


England pacer Mark Wood reckons that his side, boasting one of the devastating pace attacks in the cricket world, can be upbeat about their chances in the upcoming pink-ball Test against India, scheduled to be played in Ahmedabad from February 24, given the ball moves around.

England pacer Mark Wood reckons that his side, boasting one of the devastating pace attacks in the cricket world, can be upbeat about their chances in the upcoming pink-ball Test against India, scheduled to be played in Ahmedabad from February 24, given the ball moves around. The four-Test series is firmly locked at 1-1 after the end of the first two Tests. The final two Tests of the series will be played at the new 110,000-capacity Sardar Patel Stadium in Ahmedabad. Wood is hopeful of a seamer-friendly pitch. "As soon as the ball moves, we know how good our seam bowlers can be. We've got good depth there, good skills and two of the best-ever (James Anderson and Stuart Broad). "Hopefully, if the ball does move and it is seamer-friendly we can be very confident going into the game," Wood said during a virtual interaction on Friday. Wood joined the England squad, along with Jonny Bairstow, ahead of the third Test. While spinners have dominated the first two Test matches, pacers are expected to pick the majority of wickets in the day-night Test in Ahmedabad. "We've been bowling with them in the nets - they have swung quite a bit and they've lasted longer which was interesting to see," said Wood. ALSO READ: Tempo driver's son Chetan Sakariya mourns brother's loss after landing INR 1.20 crore IPL deal "With the ball, as soon as it moves, every one of the bowlers from the past couple of months is dying to get it in their hand. I'm not the only one who's trying to get hold of it. "The wickets in the nets have been a bit green and had good pace and carry too. I don't know if that's anything to go by or whether it's a bit of a trick." Recently, Wood pulled his name out of the IPL 2021 auction due to family reasons. However, the English paceman called it "very difficult decision" but the one he is comfortable with. "Obviously there have been some big names going for big money and it's great for them. It's life-changing money which is why it was such a difficult decision for me," he said. ALSO READ: 'Felt like the loneliest guy': Virat Kohli opens up on battle with depression "First and foremost, it was for my family. I'm going to spend six weeks here in India and it would have been another eight weeks on top of that. The second reason, of course, is being ready for England. "I don't want my body to fail me or be a bit bruised mentally or physically for the back end of the year when it's the World Cup and Ashes, or in the summer when it's a big series against India at home. "Although it's life-changing money and an opportunity, I'm comfortable with my decision and I hope it serves me well in the long term."

IND vs ENG 3rd Test: England's Mark Wood upbeat about solid outing if ball moves around in Ahmedabad

<p>England's Sam Curran will no longer rejoin the squad in India for the fourth Test as originally planned, the England and Wales Cricket Board said Thursday, citing potential health fears associated with the trip.</p>

<p>Curran was rested following last month's tour of Sri Lanka as part of England's ongoing rotation policy, with a view to bringing the 22-year-old left-arm seamer back for the final Test in India and the subsequent limited-overs section of the visit.&nbsp;</p>

<p>But it has since become apparent that a journey from Britain to Ahmedabad would involve more than one commercial flight, increasing the prospects of Curran's exposure to the coronavirus.</p>

<p>As a result, team management have decided the best course of action is for Curran to join England's white-ball players for their already-organised private charter flight on February 26.</p>

<p>An ECB statement said: "Originally it was planned the Surrey all-rounder would fly to Ahmedabad in time to be available for the fourth Test in the city, starting on 4 March.</p>

<p>"However, in the midst of the ongoing pandemic, making secure arrangements for such a journey proved too great a logistical challenge."</p>

<p>Chris Woakes will leave the squad as planned after the third Test, a vacancy Curran had been expected to fill.</p>

<p>England, however, still have plenty of pace-bowling options in James Anderson, Stuart Broad, Jofra Archer, Ben Stokes and Olly Stone, with Ollie Robinson in reserve.</p>

<p>The four-Test series is level at 1-1 after India's 317-run win at Chennai on Tuesday.</p>

<p>The final two matches will both be played in Ahmedabad, with the third Test scheduled to start on February 24.</p>


England's Sam Curran will no longer rejoin the squad in India for the fourth Test as originally planned, the England and Wales Cricket Board said Thursday, citing potential health fears associated with the trip.

England's Sam Curran will no longer rejoin the squad in India for the fourth Test as originally planned, the England and Wales Cricket Board said Thursday, citing potential health fears associated with the trip. Curran was rested following last month's tour of Sri Lanka as part of England's ongoing rotation policy, with a view to bringing the 22-year-old left-arm seamer back for the final Test in India and the subsequent limited-overs section of the visit. But it has since become apparent that a journey from Britain to Ahmedabad would involve more than one commercial flight, increasing the prospects of Curran's exposure to the coronavirus. As a result, team management have decided the best course of action is for Curran to join England's white-ball players for their already-organised private charter flight on February 26. An ECB statement said: "Originally it was planned the Surrey all-rounder would fly to Ahmedabad in time to be available for the fourth Test in the city, starting on 4 March. "However, in the midst of the ongoing pandemic, making secure arrangements for such a journey proved too great a logistical challenge." Chris Woakes will leave the squad as planned after the third Test, a vacancy Curran had been expected to fill. England, however, still have plenty of pace-bowling options in James Anderson, Stuart Broad, Jofra Archer, Ben Stokes and Olly Stone, with Ollie Robinson in reserve. The four-Test series is level at 1-1 after India's 317-run win at Chennai on Tuesday. The final two matches will both be played in Ahmedabad, with the third Test scheduled to start on February 24.

England's Sam Curran out of fourth Test in India over virus concerns

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{35e926a3-0528-4a6d-9580-9c904c3b056f}{100}" paraid="237734594" >England head coach Chris Silverwood&nbsp;on Wednesday&nbsp;apologised&nbsp;for the way Moeen Ali's exit from the ongoing Test series against India was communicated by captain Joe Root but said the team management is "happy to own that decision".&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{bd4db76b-6f89-46a9-8a56-ca31f5b842cb}{250}" paraid="154251788" >Root, in a post-match press conference, had said that Moeen had "chosen" to leave the India tour after the completion of second Test in Chennai, which was the all-rounder's first appearance in 18 months.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{0744fa2a-3c7e-48c6-a485-19954bd510d7}{22}" paraid="851005908" >However, Moeen had actually taken up a pre-planned period of rest, allocated to all of England's multi-format players.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{35e926a3-0528-4a6d-9580-9c904c3b056f}{149}" paraid="504625776" >“First of&nbsp;all&nbsp;we’re sorry if the impression we gave yesterday was that Moeen’s being treated different to other people,”&nbsp;Silverwood&nbsp;said.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{c2643ce3-a65c-4d0d-adcc-9fc6523213cd}{66}" paraid="1466654300" >“He isn’t, I can guarantee you of that; the decision was ours, as it was with Jos Buttler, Sam Curran, Jonny Bairstow and Mark Wood. We’re happy to own that decision.”&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{c2643ce3-a65c-4d0d-adcc-9fc6523213cd}{171}" paraid="226460010" >The England head coach further admitted that staying out for the remainder of the Test series against India was discussed with the all-rounder but accepted that Moeen's personal circumstances made it tough.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{c2643ce3-a65c-4d0d-adcc-9fc6523213cd}{171}" paraid="226460010" ><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/india-announce-squad-for-last-2-tests-vs-england-as-shami-jadeja-miss-out-364265" hreflang="en">India announce squad for last 2 Tests vs England as Shami, Jadeja miss out</a></strong></p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{19dd644f-a2b6-4350-b41a-6c603cc69293}{128}" paraid="265761719" >Notably, Moeen had spent 20 days inside a room for quarantine since the start of the Sri Lanka tour, having tested positive for COVID-19 on arrival in Sri Lanka in the month of January.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{8a491844-196f-41c8-86b4-be2a152d8941}{80}" paraid="115290599" >“The question was posed to him. He was asked, but ultimately we felt it was the right decision for him to go home,” he said.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{8a491844-196f-41c8-86b4-be2a152d8941}{92}" paraid="1914254842" >“It was a unique situation with&nbsp;Mooen, he’d spent so long in isolation, getting Covid out in Sri Lanka, and with how he just broke back into the team.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{8a491844-196f-41c8-86b4-be2a152d8941}{109}" paraid="541729229" >“We touched base with Mo last night, as did Joe. He’s fine, he understands that we’ve got his best interests at heart and we’re trying to look after him, the same as the other players. These are strange times we’re in and we have to look after our players.”&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{8a491844-196f-41c8-86b4-be2a152d8941}{109}" paraid="541729229" >Former England cricketers like Sir Ian Botham, Kevin Pietersen, and Michael Vaughan have criticised the&nbsp;rotation policy employed by the Three Lions.</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{8a491844-196f-41c8-86b4-be2a152d8941}{109}" paraid="541729229" ><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ravichandran-ashwin-and-rohit-sharma-jump-in-icc-test-player-rankings-after-england-win-364249" hreflang="en">Ravichandran Ashwin and Rohit Sharma jump in ICC Test Player Rankings after England win</a></strong></p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{8a491844-196f-41c8-86b4-be2a152d8941}{109}" paraid="541729229" >"I think the rotation policy is something we need to get on with and make it work as best as we can. People do need to see their families, we are trying to make life for our players as comfortable as possible. We just need to make it work, people need to spend some time with their families. We prioritise Tests and T20s equally, T20 World Cup is here in India, but we need to make sure that everyone stays in top form, and in order to do that, we need to rotate players and look after them. I can guarantee you we are not prioritising anything above Test cricket," said Silverwood.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{8a491844-196f-41c8-86b4-be2a152d8941}{109}" paraid="541729229" >"We have to rotate people, that's why we are working so hard in order to have a big group of players we can work with. We have seen some players who we might have not seen normally. We understand that we need to do it. We also need to make sure that when we arrive at the Ashes, we have a healthy group of players that are all capable of performing. This all started for me one year ago, we have some great Test cricket between now and then, and we want to win everything," he added.</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{8a491844-196f-41c8-86b4-be2a152d8941}{120}" paraid="352528562" >Meanwhile, England have announced the squad for the third Test against India, scheduled to be played from February 24.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{37f7f440-dec0-4591-b437-5d7279deec02}{132}" paraid="207354090" >While the likes of Jonny Bairstow and Mark Wood have been included in the squad, Moeen will head back home.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<h2 aria-level="2" lang="EN-US" paraeid="{eb18ab91-3fd9-45ef-b0cc-d0235be50b9b}{69}" paraid="945405439" role="heading" >England squad for third Test:&nbsp;</h2>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{eb18ab91-3fd9-45ef-b0cc-d0235be50b9b}{87}" paraid="1846449357" >Joe Root (c), James Anderson, Jofra Archer, Jonny Bairstow, Dominic Bess, Stuart Broad, Rory Burns, Zak Crawley, Ben Foakes, Dan Lawrence, Jack Leach, Ollie Pope, Dom Sibley, Ben Stokes, Olly Stone, Chris&nbsp;Woakes, Mark Wood.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{eb18ab91-3fd9-45ef-b0cc-d0235be50b9b}{60}" paraid="1046579637" >&nbsp;</p>


England head coach Chris Silverwood on Wednesday apologised for the way Moeen Ali's exit from the ongoing Test series against India was communicated by captain Joe Root but said the team management is "happy to own that decision".

England head coach Chris Silverwood on Wednesday apologised for the way Moeen Ali's exit from the ongoing Test series against India was communicated by captain Joe Root but said the team management is "happy to own that decision". Root, in a post-match press conference, had said that Moeen had "chosen" to leave the India tour after the completion of second Test in Chennai, which was the all-rounder's first appearance in 18 months. However, Moeen had actually taken up a pre-planned period of rest, allocated to all of England's multi-format players. “First of all we’re sorry if the impression we gave yesterday was that Moeen’s being treated different to other people,” Silverwood said. “He isn’t, I can guarantee you of that; the decision was ours, as it was with Jos Buttler, Sam Curran, Jonny Bairstow and Mark Wood. We’re happy to own that decision.” The England head coach further admitted that staying out for the remainder of the Test series against India was discussed with the all-rounder but accepted that Moeen's personal circumstances made it tough. ALSO READ: India announce squad for last 2 Tests vs England as Shami, Jadeja miss out Notably, Moeen had spent 20 days inside a room for quarantine since the start of the Sri Lanka tour, having tested positive for COVID-19 on arrival in Sri Lanka in the month of January. “The question was posed to him. He was asked, but ultimately we felt it was the right decision for him to go home,” he said. “It was a unique situation with Mooen, he’d spent so long in isolation, getting Covid out in Sri Lanka, and with how he just broke back into the team. “We touched base with Mo last night, as did Joe. He’s fine, he understands that we’ve got his best interests at heart and we’re trying to look after him, the same as the other players. These are strange times we’re in and we have to look after our players.” Former England cricketers like Sir Ian Botham, Kevin Pietersen, and Michael Vaughan have criticised the rotation policy employed by the Three Lions. ALSO READ: Ravichandran Ashwin and Rohit Sharma jump in ICC Test Player Rankings after England win "I think the rotation policy is something we need to get on with and make it work as best as we can. People do need to see their families, we are trying to make life for our players as comfortable as possible. We just need to make it work, people need to spend some time with their families. We prioritise Tests and T20s equally, T20 World Cup is here in India, but we need to make sure that everyone stays in top form, and in order to do that, we need to rotate players and look after them. I can guarantee you we are not prioritising anything above Test cricket," said Silverwood. "We have to rotate people, that's why we are working so hard in order to have a big group of players we can work with. We have seen some players who we might have not seen normally. We understand that we need to do it. We also need to make sure that when we arrive at the Ashes, we have a healthy group of players that are all capable of performing. This all started for me one year ago, we have some great Test cricket between now and then, and we want to win everything," he added. Meanwhile, England have announced the squad for the third Test against India, scheduled to be played from February 24. While the likes of Jonny Bairstow and Mark Wood have been included in the squad, Moeen will head back home. England squad for third Test: Joe Root (c), James Anderson, Jofra Archer, Jonny Bairstow, Dominic Bess, Stuart Broad, Rory Burns, Zak Crawley, Ben Foakes, Dan Lawrence, Jack Leach, Ollie Pope, Dom Sibley, Ben Stokes, Olly Stone, Chris Woakes, Mark Wood.

'We’re sorry': England apologise to Moeen Ali after India Test series exit

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{597dde4d-29c6-42c4-8711-4e2b85e0ad7a}{109}" paraid="2041279789" >The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Wednesday announced the Team India squad for the last two Tests against England, scheduled to be played at the&nbsp;Motera&nbsp;Stadium in Ahmedabad. The All-India Senior Selection Committee on Wednesday met to pick the squad with the team being the same for the much-awaited pink-ball Test against England.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{ac354001-a4d9-40cf-9823-a1e9b365e182}{117}" paraid="1897676177" >Interestingly, senior pacer Umesh Yadav will join the Indian squad in Ahmedabad following his fitness assessment and will replace Shardul Thakur, who will be released for the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2021.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{597dde4d-29c6-42c4-8711-4e2b85e0ad7a}{117}" paraid="787390551" >Moreover, Mohammed Shami and Ravindra Jadeja continue to remain absent from the Indian squad and are still recovering from their injuries, picked up during the Australian tour.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{597dde4d-29c6-42c4-8711-4e2b85e0ad7a}{117}" paraid="787390551" ><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ravichandran-ashwin-and-rohit-sharma-jump-in-icc-test-player-rankings-after-england-win-364249" hreflang="en">Ravichandran Ashwin and Rohit Sharma jump in ICC Test Player Rankings after England win</a></strong></p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{597dde4d-29c6-42c4-8711-4e2b85e0ad7a}{125}" paraid="1220582040" ><strong>Indian squad for last 2 Tests vs England:</strong>&nbsp;Virat Kohli (Captain), Rohit Sharma, Mayank Agarwal, Shubman Gill, Cheteshwar Pujara, Ajinkya Rahane (Vice-captain), KL Rahul, Hardik Pandya, Rishabh Pant (wicket-keeper), Wriddhiman Saha (wicket-keeper), R Ashwin, Kuldeep Yadav,&nbsp;Axar&nbsp;Patel, Washington Sundar, Ishant Sharma, Jasprit&nbsp;Bumrah, Md. Siraj.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{597dde4d-29c6-42c4-8711-4e2b85e0ad7a}{54}" paraid="1826785738" ><strong>Net Bowlers:</strong>&nbsp;Ankit Rajpoot, Avesh Khan, Sandeep Warrier, Krishnappa Gowtham, Saurabh Kumar&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{597dde4d-29c6-42c4-8711-4e2b85e0ad7a}{60}" paraid="666649274" ><strong>Standby players</strong>:&nbsp;KS Bharat, Rahul Chahar.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{597dde4d-29c6-42c4-8711-4e2b85e0ad7a}{66}" paraid="86653484" >Abhimanyu Easwaran, Shahbaz Nadeem and Priyank Panchal have been released for Vijay Hazare Trophy.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{597dde4d-29c6-42c4-8711-4e2b85e0ad7a}{66}" paraid="86653484" ><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/bcci-contemplating-allowing-fans-for-ipl-2021-sourav-ganguly-364234" hreflang="en">BCCI contemplating allowing fans for IPL 2021: Sourav Ganguly</a></strong></p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{597dde4d-29c6-42c4-8711-4e2b85e0ad7a}{66}" paraid="86653484" >The four-Test series is firmly locked at 1-1 following India's brilliant 317-run win in the second Test in Chennai. England started the series with a superb win in Chennai but fell short in the second Test as Virat Kohli and Co. made a great comeback in the series.</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{597dde4d-29c6-42c4-8711-4e2b85e0ad7a}{66}" paraid="86653484" >However, with the third Test being a pink-ball Test, the odds hang in balance. While England will look to unleash their pace battery against India, the hosts will look to continue their home domination.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{597dde4d-29c6-42c4-8711-4e2b85e0ad7a}{13}" paraid="738692707" >&nbsp;</p>


The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Wednesday announced the Team India squad for the last two Tests against England, scheduled to be played at the Motera Stadium in Ahmedabad.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Wednesday announced the Team India squad for the last two Tests against England, scheduled to be played at the Motera Stadium in Ahmedabad. The All-India Senior Selection Committee on Wednesday met to pick the squad with the team being the same for the much-awaited pink-ball Test against England. Interestingly, senior pacer Umesh Yadav will join the Indian squad in Ahmedabad following his fitness assessment and will replace Shardul Thakur, who will be released for the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2021. Moreover, Mohammed Shami and Ravindra Jadeja continue to remain absent from the Indian squad and are still recovering from their injuries, picked up during the Australian tour. ALSO READ: Ravichandran Ashwin and Rohit Sharma jump in ICC Test Player Rankings after England win Indian squad for last 2 Tests vs England: Virat Kohli (Captain), Rohit Sharma, Mayank Agarwal, Shubman Gill, Cheteshwar Pujara, Ajinkya Rahane (Vice-captain), KL Rahul, Hardik Pandya, Rishabh Pant (wicket-keeper), Wriddhiman Saha (wicket-keeper), R Ashwin, Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Ishant Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah, Md. Siraj. Net Bowlers: Ankit Rajpoot, Avesh Khan, Sandeep Warrier, Krishnappa Gowtham, Saurabh Kumar Standby players: KS Bharat, Rahul Chahar. Abhimanyu Easwaran, Shahbaz Nadeem and Priyank Panchal have been released for Vijay Hazare Trophy. ALSO READ: BCCI contemplating allowing fans for IPL 2021: Sourav Ganguly The four-Test series is firmly locked at 1-1 following India's brilliant 317-run win in the second Test in Chennai. England started the series with a superb win in Chennai but fell short in the second Test as Virat Kohli and Co. made a great comeback in the series. However, with the third Test being a pink-ball Test, the odds hang in balance. While England will look to unleash their pace battery against India, the hosts will look to continue their home domination.

India announce squad for last 2 Tests vs England as Shami, Jadeja miss out

<p>A delighted BCCI President Sourav Ganguly on Tuesday announced that all tickets for the pink ball Day/Night Test between India and England in Ahmedabad have been "sold out", adding that a call on entry of spectators in the upcoming IPL will also be taken shortly.</p>

<p>The pink ball Test between India and England is slated to begin at the Motera, the the world's biggest cricket stadium, in Ahmedabad from February 24 and the authorities have decided to allow 50 per cent spectators.</p>

<p>"Ahmedabad is completely sold out. Happy to see normalcy back," Ganguly told Star Sports in an interview.</p>

<p>"I spoke to Jay Shah and he's very keen on these Test matches. Just for him also cricket is coming back to Ahmedabad after six-seven years because they built the new stadium," former India captain said.</p>

<p>The fixture will be the second time India host a Day/Night Test. The first was played in Kolkata against Bangladesh in 2019.</p>

<p>"I have told him we have set an example with pink-ball Test last year in Kolkata, so it cannot go beyond that and we want to see every seat and stand full. And that's what it is, the tickets have gone, as well as for the T20s which will follow the Tests," Ganguly said.</p>

<p>The second Test between India and England in Chennai marked the return of spectators for an international match in India after COVID-19 outbreak forced a complete shutdown of sporting activity in March last year. The BCCI is also contemplating allowing spectators in the IPL, which is slated to begin in the second week of April.</p>

<p>"This year is going to be big as well because of what it is. We'll see whether we can get the crowd back into the IPL, it's a decision we'll have to take very shortly. But it's going to be another great tournament," Ganguly said.</p>

<p>Talking about the IPL mini-auction, to be held on Thursday, Ganguly said:</p>

<p>"It is not a big auction but a lot of teams will have a lot to fill. Specially Kolkata Knight Riders and Chennai Super King's will have a lot of work to do in the auction. The former Indian skipper added that a pink ball Test will be a permanent fixture in every home series.</p>

<p>"Absolutely. One pink-ball Test in a series is ideal. Every generation goes through changes, pink ball is one of the main changes for Test match cricket, and to keep Test match cricket alive. "I think with packed Ahmedabad stadium the next week will be another great sight for everyone."</p>

<p>On the personal front, Ganguly, who underwent two rounds of angioplasty last month, said he is feeling 'fit and fine.'</p>

<p>"I'm feeling absolutely fine. Yes, there was a bit of scare but luckily it wasn't as scary as everyone thought. I'm fit and fine and I'm back to work."</p>


A delighted BCCI President Sourav Ganguly on Tuesday announced that all tickets for the pink ball Day/Night Test between India and England in Ahmedabad have been "sold out", adding that a call on entry of spectators in the upcoming IPL will also be taken shortly.

A delighted BCCI President Sourav Ganguly on Tuesday announced that all tickets for the pink ball Day/Night Test between India and England in Ahmedabad have been "sold out", adding that a call on entry of spectators in the upcoming IPL will also be taken shortly. The pink ball Test between India and England is slated to begin at the Motera, the the world's biggest cricket stadium, in Ahmedabad from February 24 and the authorities have decided to allow 50 per cent spectators. "Ahmedabad is completely sold out. Happy to see normalcy back," Ganguly told Star Sports in an interview. "I spoke to Jay Shah and he's very keen on these Test matches. Just for him also cricket is coming back to Ahmedabad after six-seven years because they built the new stadium," former India captain said. The fixture will be the second time India host a Day/Night Test. The first was played in Kolkata against Bangladesh in 2019. "I have told him we have set an example with pink-ball Test last year in Kolkata, so it cannot go beyond that and we want to see every seat and stand full. And that's what it is, the tickets have gone, as well as for the T20s which will follow the Tests," Ganguly said. The second Test between India and England in Chennai marked the return of spectators for an international match in India after COVID-19 outbreak forced a complete shutdown of sporting activity in March last year. The BCCI is also contemplating allowing spectators in the IPL, which is slated to begin in the second week of April. "This year is going to be big as well because of what it is. We'll see whether we can get the crowd back into the IPL, it's a decision we'll have to take very shortly. But it's going to be another great tournament," Ganguly said. Talking about the IPL mini-auction, to be held on Thursday, Ganguly said: "It is not a big auction but a lot of teams will have a lot to fill. Specially Kolkata Knight Riders and Chennai Super King's will have a lot of work to do in the auction. The former Indian skipper added that a pink ball Test will be a permanent fixture in every home series. "Absolutely. One pink-ball Test in a series is ideal. Every generation goes through changes, pink ball is one of the main changes for Test match cricket, and to keep Test match cricket alive. "I think with packed Ahmedabad stadium the next week will be another great sight for everyone." On the personal front, Ganguly, who underwent two rounds of angioplasty last month, said he is feeling 'fit and fine.' "I'm feeling absolutely fine. Yes, there was a bit of scare but luckily it wasn't as scary as everyone thought. I'm fit and fine and I'm back to work."

Pink-ball Test between India and England 'sold out', confirms BCCI president Sourav Ganguly

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{66a74dc2-2543-4624-8368-cfa5881095c5}{4}" paraid="256266325" >Indian pacers Mohammed Shami and Navdeep Saini are likely to join the Indian squad from the third Test in England, scheduled to be hosted by Ahmedabad from February 24. Both Shami and Saini were out of the Indian squad for the first two Tests due to injuries but have now recovered.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{0d7fe8e1-794b-446f-8e48-2aead8278da3}{164}" paraid="894585871" >The Indian selectors are all set to announce the squad for the last two Tests against England soon and could also announce the team for the five-match T20I series that follows the longest format of the game, according to a report in TOI.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{0d6cadc4-9c78-4a22-a3f0-79a47ed0ae56}{239}" paraid="517127985" >Shami had returned to India after fracturing his right arm during the first Test in Adelaide while Saini injured his groin in the final Test in Brisbane.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{fb0f5848-ce16-49ae-9500-d30ddfc697b7}{3}" paraid="1604028232" >“Saini is currently at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru. He has bowling at full tilt. The Delhi selectors wanted to have his services for the Vijay Hazare Trophy but Saini was asked to stay back at NCA as he is likely to join the team in Ahmedabad,” a BCCI source told TOI.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{fb0f5848-ce16-49ae-9500-d30ddfc697b7}{3}" paraid="1604028232" ><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/indians-never-crib-about-overseas-conditions-r-ashwin-shuts-down-chennai-pitch-critics-364029" hreflang="en">Indians never crib about overseas conditions: R Ashwin shuts down Chennai pitch critics</a></strong></p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{93b6e940-2ea1-4b47-abee-3fcf549dc686}{121}" paraid="1212720569" >Shami had resumed bowling a week ago and is nearing full fitness whereas Umesh Yadav has started bowling at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru after recovering from a calf injury. According to the report in TOI, the Indian team management is keen on keeping Saini fresh for the T20I&nbsp;series.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{992899b5-8ee4-444d-b449-07c368036580}{43}" paraid="374161808" >The report adds that Rishabh Pant is also likely to return to the Indian limited-overs squad after his great run of form in Test cricket whereas Suryakumar Yadav could be added to the T20I squad.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{652a3dc2-84ab-4d57-bbc0-2c179449c44f}{158}" paraid="1616920778" >The BCCI is also keen on making an "A" pool ahead of the T20I World Cup, scheduled to be hosted by India later in the year with the likes of Nitish Rana, Ishan Kishan and Siddharth Kaul in the fray.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{652a3dc2-84ab-4d57-bbc0-2c179449c44f}{158}" paraid="1616920778" ><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-ms-dhoni-to-yuvraj-singh-costliest-picks-in-every-ipl-auctions-364071" hreflang="en">From MS Dhoni to Yuvraj Singh: Costliest picks in every IPL auctions</a></strong></p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{ba10e9ba-36c2-4426-98ca-78d2d3ca2186}{69}" paraid="1254577448" >“This is the reason they were asked to report NCA for fitness tests. These players have been informed that they will be in standbys for the India T20I team. This is the reason why Rana wasn’t made the captain of the Delhi team for the Vijay Hazare tournament. These players could be called into Indian team anytime. They will be essentially appearing for trials,” the BCCI source added as quoted by TOI.&nbsp;</p>


Indian pacers Mohammed Shami and Navdeep Saini are likely to join the Indian squad from the third Test in England, scheduled to be hosted by Ahmedabad from February 24.

Indian pacers Mohammed Shami and Navdeep Saini are likely to join the Indian squad from the third Test in England, scheduled to be hosted by Ahmedabad from February 24. Both Shami and Saini were out of the Indian squad for the first two Tests due to injuries but have now recovered. The Indian selectors are all set to announce the squad for the last two Tests against England soon and could also announce the team for the five-match T20I series that follows the longest format of the game, according to a report in TOI. Shami had returned to India after fracturing his right arm during the first Test in Adelaide while Saini injured his groin in the final Test in Brisbane. “Saini is currently at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru. He has bowling at full tilt. The Delhi selectors wanted to have his services for the Vijay Hazare Trophy but Saini was asked to stay back at NCA as he is likely to join the team in Ahmedabad,” a BCCI source told TOI. ALSO READ: Indians never crib about overseas conditions: R Ashwin shuts down Chennai pitch critics Shami had resumed bowling a week ago and is nearing full fitness whereas Umesh Yadav has started bowling at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru after recovering from a calf injury. According to the report in TOI, the Indian team management is keen on keeping Saini fresh for the T20I series. The report adds that Rishabh Pant is also likely to return to the Indian limited-overs squad after his great run of form in Test cricket whereas Suryakumar Yadav could be added to the T20I squad. The BCCI is also keen on making an "A" pool ahead of the T20I World Cup, scheduled to be hosted by India later in the year with the likes of Nitish Rana, Ishan Kishan and Siddharth Kaul in the fray. ALSO READ: From MS Dhoni to Yuvraj Singh: Costliest picks in every IPL auctions “This is the reason they were asked to report NCA for fitness tests. These players have been informed that they will be in standbys for the India T20I team. This is the reason why Rana wasn’t made the captain of the Delhi team for the Vijay Hazare tournament. These players could be called into Indian team anytime. They will be essentially appearing for trials,” the BCCI source added as quoted by TOI.

Mohammed Shami, Navdeep Saini likely to join Indian team for 3rd Test vs England

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{872a8690-8c59-488c-9520-273439f882f9}{103}" paraid="121335518" >The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) on Tuesday announced a 17-member squad for the third Test against India, scheduled to be played at the Sardar Patel Stadium in Ahmedabad from February 24.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{d9e9aec6-3e1b-4956-8d1f-c408a38720b9}{135}" paraid="428511164" >Moeen Ali will miss the last two Tests against India with the English&nbsp;all-rounders&nbsp;set to return to England for a break whereas wicket-keeper Jonny Bairstow and pacer Mark Wood join the squad after being rested for the first two Tests.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{872a8690-8c59-488c-9520-273439f882f9}{179}" paraid="753937019" >The third Test in Ahmedabad is set to be a pink-ball Test and English seamers would be upbeat about their chances under the lights. The introduction of Mark Wood can be pivotal to England's chances of doing well against India after getting hammered in the second Test in Chennai.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{af46247c-bd9e-492c-b57b-18e4b58a37dc}{19}" paraid="1057816432" >Even speedster Jofra Archer, who missed the second Test due to an elbow injury, is also expected to return to the playing XI along with veteran pacer James Anderson, who was rested in the second Test.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{af46247c-bd9e-492c-b57b-18e4b58a37dc}{19}" paraid="1057816432" ><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/indians-never-crib-about-overseas-conditions-r-ashwin-shuts-down-chennai-pitch-critics-364029" hreflang="en">Indians never crib about overseas conditions: R Ashwin shuts down Chennai pitch critics</a></strong></p>

<h2 lang="EN-US" paraeid="{872a8690-8c59-488c-9520-273439f882f9}{224}" paraid="1178146138" >England squad for Third Test:</h2>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{872a8690-8c59-488c-9520-273439f882f9}{224}" paraid="1178146138" >Joe Root (c), James Anderson, Jofra Archer, Jonny Bairstow, Dominic Bess, Stuart Broad, Rory Burns, Zak Crawley, Ben Foakes, Dan Lawrence, Jack Leach, Ollie Pope, Dom Sibley, Ben Stokes, Olly Stone, Chris&nbsp;Woakes, Mark Wood.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{9821a567-d14d-4cab-87b3-df32ee87d955}{21}" paraid="1026299096" >After the 317-run hammering in the second Test against India, England skipper Joe Root said: "Credit to India, they outplayed us in all three departments. It has been an education for us, you could come up with conditions like these and we have to learn from this and find a way to score runs. We need to learn to build pressure and bowl six balls at one batsman.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{9821a567-d14d-4cab-87b3-df32ee87d955}{21}" paraid="1026299096" ><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/icc-world-test-championship-india-jump-to-2nd-place-after-chennai-test-win-check-updated-points-table-364014" hreflang="en">ICC World Test Championship: India jump to 2nd place after Chennai Test win - Check updated points table</a></strong></p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{5999b1a0-5de5-48d6-99e7-c48b94a7e0f4}{132}" paraid="963061308" >"On day one we could have been a bit tighter, squeeze the game a bit more and make it harder for them to score. From day two it was a very difficult wicket to bat on. But we have got to be smarter about how we're building an innings. We are 1-1 and we are excited about the next two games given the way we played in the first game."&nbsp;</p>


The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) on Tuesday announced a 17-member squad for the third Test against India, scheduled to be played at the Sardar Patel Stadium in Ahmedabad from February 24.

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) on Tuesday announced a 17-member squad for the third Test against India, scheduled to be played at the Sardar Patel Stadium in Ahmedabad from February 24. Moeen Ali will miss the last two Tests against India with the English all-rounders set to return to England for a break whereas wicket-keeper Jonny Bairstow and pacer Mark Wood join the squad after being rested for the first two Tests. The third Test in Ahmedabad is set to be a pink-ball Test and English seamers would be upbeat about their chances under the lights. The introduction of Mark Wood can be pivotal to England's chances of doing well against India after getting hammered in the second Test in Chennai. Even speedster Jofra Archer, who missed the second Test due to an elbow injury, is also expected to return to the playing XI along with veteran pacer James Anderson, who was rested in the second Test. ALSO READ: Indians never crib about overseas conditions: R Ashwin shuts down Chennai pitch critics England squad for Third Test: Joe Root (c), James Anderson, Jofra Archer, Jonny Bairstow, Dominic Bess, Stuart Broad, Rory Burns, Zak Crawley, Ben Foakes, Dan Lawrence, Jack Leach, Ollie Pope, Dom Sibley, Ben Stokes, Olly Stone, Chris Woakes, Mark Wood. After the 317-run hammering in the second Test against India, England skipper Joe Root said: "Credit to India, they outplayed us in all three departments. It has been an education for us, you could come up with conditions like these and we have to learn from this and find a way to score runs. We need to learn to build pressure and bowl six balls at one batsman. ALSO READ: ICC World Test Championship: India jump to 2nd place after Chennai Test win - Check updated points table "On day one we could have been a bit tighter, squeeze the game a bit more and make it harder for them to score. From day two it was a very difficult wicket to bat on. But we have got to be smarter about how we're building an innings. We are 1-1 and we are excited about the next two games given the way we played in the first game."

Bairstow, Wood IN, Moeen Ali OUT as England announce squad for 3rd Test vs India

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{b33d3220-b53b-486f-aeb8-f7e024d93087}{203}" paraid="2042639716" >The Indian cricket team on Tuesday recorded their biggest-ever Test win against England in terms of runs as the Virat Kohli-led outfit defeated the visitors by 317 runs in the second match of the four-Test series at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{8866b7be-8deb-45a0-8154-ca5025bb897a}{108}" paraid="1499937038" >The 317-run margin is also India's fifth-highest ever win by runs as the hosts&nbsp;topped&nbsp;their previous biggest win against England (279-run win) at the&nbsp;Headingley&nbsp;in 1986.&nbsp;Overall, against all the opponents, India's 337-run win against South Africa in Delhi in the 2015-16 series remains the biggest followed by a 321-run win over New Zealand in Indore in 2016-17.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{7cc995a1-4acf-4071-b697-7eea6066b9f8}{248}" paraid="935995037" >Third in the list remains India's massive 320-run win against Australia in Mohali in the 2009 series followed by a 318-run win over the West Indies in North Sound, Antigua in 2019.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{7cc995a1-4acf-4071-b697-7eea6066b9f8}{248}" paraid="935995037" >ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/indians-never-crib-about-overseas-conditions-r-ashwin-shuts-down-chennai-pitch-critics-364029" hreflang="en">Indians never crib about overseas conditions: R Ashwin shuts down Chennai pitch critics</a></p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{463099ec-2957-4813-890d-b396a30e7ea4}{234}" paraid="1558742709" >Notably, India's five of India's top six highest margins of wins (in terms of runs) have come under the leadership of Virat Kohli.&nbsp;</p>

<h2 lang="EN-US" paraeid="{48739035-a540-4aef-bf1d-0534550b9036}{168}" paraid="1341085606" >Biggest Test wins for India (by runs)&nbsp;</h2>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{48739035-a540-4aef-bf1d-0534550b9036}{168}" paraid="1341085606" >337 vs SA Delhi 2015/16&nbsp;<br />
321 vs NZ Indore 2016/17&nbsp;<br />
320 vs Aus Mohali 2008/09&nbsp;<br />
318 vs WI North Sound 2019&nbsp;<br />
317 vs Eng Chennai 2020/21&nbsp;<br />
304 vs SL Galle 2017&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{b33d3220-b53b-486f-aeb8-f7e024d93087}{183}" paraid="1333788562" >&nbsp;England lost the second Test&nbsp;in Chennai&nbsp;by 317 runs as India drew level in the four-match series.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{7be6c4de-7aa6-4a5a-a4f6-1d9e04288fdd}{106}" paraid="623322828" >"It was a bit strange in the first game to be playing at home with empty stands. We were pretty flat on the first two days over there to be pretty honest, myself included, didn't pick up energy on the field. But from the second innings onwards in the first game, we picked up and were on the money in terms of our body language,” skipper Virat Kohli told host broadcasters in the post-match presentation.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{7be6c4de-7aa6-4a5a-a4f6-1d9e04288fdd}{106}" paraid="623322828" ><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/icc-world-test-championship-india-jump-to-2nd-place-after-chennai-test-win-check-updated-points-table-364014" hreflang="en">ICC World Test Championship: India jump to 2nd place after Chennai Test win - Check updated points table</a></strong></p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{7be6c4de-7aa6-4a5a-a4f6-1d9e04288fdd}{154}" paraid="1340397043" >"The crowds make a big&nbsp;difference,&nbsp;this game was an example of the grit and determination this side shows and the crowd is a big part of that. Chennai crowd are very intelligent, they understand their cricket really well. In a&nbsp;15-20 minute&nbsp;period where the bowler needs the support of the crowd, it is my responsibility to involve everyone and bring in the crowd. If I am running in to bowl in this heat, I need people to motivate me. It is a perfect game for us,” he added.&nbsp;</p>


The Indian cricket team on Tuesday recorded their biggest-ever Test win against England in terms of runs as the Virat Kohli-led outfit defeated the visitors by 317 runs in the second match of the four-Test series at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.

The Indian cricket team on Tuesday recorded their biggest-ever Test win against England in terms of runs as the Virat Kohli-led outfit defeated the visitors by 317 runs in the second match of the four-Test series at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. The 317-run margin is also India's fifth-highest ever win by runs as the hosts topped their previous biggest win against England (279-run win) at the Headingley in 1986. Overall, against all the opponents, India's 337-run win against South Africa in Delhi in the 2015-16 series remains the biggest followed by a 321-run win over New Zealand in Indore in 2016-17. Third in the list remains India's massive 320-run win against Australia in Mohali in the 2009 series followed by a 318-run win over the West Indies in North Sound, Antigua in 2019. ALSO READ: Indians never crib about overseas conditions: R Ashwin shuts down Chennai pitch critics Notably, India's five of India's top six highest margins of wins (in terms of runs) have come under the leadership of Virat Kohli. Biggest Test wins for India (by runs) 337 vs SA Delhi 2015/16 321 vs NZ Indore 2016/17 320 vs Aus Mohali 2008/09 318 vs WI North Sound 2019 317 vs Eng Chennai 2020/21 304 vs SL Galle 2017 England lost the second Test in Chennai by 317 runs as India drew level in the four-match series. "It was a bit strange in the first game to be playing at home with empty stands. We were pretty flat on the first two days over there to be pretty honest, myself included, didn't pick up energy on the field. But from the second innings onwards in the first game, we picked up and were on the money in terms of our body language,” skipper Virat Kohli told host broadcasters in the post-match presentation. ALSO READ: ICC World Test Championship: India jump to 2nd place after Chennai Test win - Check updated points table "The crowds make a big difference, this game was an example of the grit and determination this side shows and the crowd is a big part of that. Chennai crowd are very intelligent, they understand their cricket really well. In a 15-20 minute period where the bowler needs the support of the crowd, it is my responsibility to involve everyone and bring in the crowd. If I am running in to bowl in this heat, I need people to motivate me. It is a perfect game for us,” he added.

India's 2nd Test win in Chennai is their biggest win against England by runs

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{5765510c-8550-4d52-953f-5f9919d12476}{143}" paraid="697540086" >India on Tuesday completed a massive 317-run win over England in what was the second Test of the four-match series at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. India with the win, levelled the series 1-1 with the next two Test scheduled to be played in Ahmedabad. There were plenty of opinions and debate surrounding the Chennai pitch in the second Test as the ball spun from Day 1 with Indian spinners and batsmen dominating the proceedings from the word go.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{6963bf92-0280-4821-b3e2-ea48a1820d11}{201}" paraid="557155263" >While Indian batsmen showed how to bat on a 'rank-turner', the Chennai strip irked some of the former cricketers as they expressed their displeasure surrounding the spinning track in the second Test. Veteran Indian spinner&nbsp;Ravichandran Ashwin, after the match&nbsp;said while everyone is within their rights to give their opinions, legends like Sunil Gavaskar or Ravi Shastri never cribbed or complained about the conditions when Team India played overseas tours.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{13c1455a-f124-4d9d-97f6-99fc22995d71}{41}" paraid="385063731" >The likes of Michael Vaughan, Matt Prior, Mark Waugh had earlier said that the Chennai pitch for the second Test wasn't prepared to play for five matches thus terming it as a 'beach'. However, Indian batters, over the course of two innings, scored two centuries (Rohit Sharma and Ashwin), and three half-centuries (Ajinkya Rahane, Rishabh Pant and Virat Kohli).&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Spot on Junior .. 👍 <a href="https://t.co/jZpsZoQQ3E">https://t.co/jZpsZoQQ3E</a></p>
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) <a href="https://twitter.com/MichaelVaughan/status/1360912714353287173?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 14, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">It’s entertaining cricket as things are happening all the time but let’s be honest this Pitch is a shocker .. Not making any excuses as India have been better but this isn’t a Test Match 5 day prepared Pitch ... <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvENG?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvENG</a></p>
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) <a href="https://twitter.com/MichaelVaughan/status/1360843448639778818?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 14, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/as-an-8-year-old-emotional-r-ashwin-shares-childhood-tale-about-chepauk-stadium-364027" hreflang="en">'As an 8-year-old...': Emotional R Ashwin shares childhood tale about Chepauk stadium</a></strong></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Thank you, Chennai 🙏🙏<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TeamIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TeamIndia</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvENG?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvENG</a> <a href="https://t.co/3AOPyyD7h2">pic.twitter.com/3AOPyyD7h2</a></p>
— BCCI (@BCCI) <a href="https://twitter.com/BCCI/status/1361623073800163328?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 16, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>"Everyone is entitled to their opinion and whoever is giving an opinion is well within their rights of giving an opinion.&nbsp;It's&nbsp;us who are reading into it and&nbsp;seeing if&nbsp;it is working or not.&nbsp;As cricketing fraternity or&nbsp;as a country dealing with such accusation (regarding the Chennai pitch)&nbsp;seems to get a little better. We must hold pride in how we are playing our cricket&nbsp;and obviously, Test matches are won over a period of time. You play a lot of overs and win matches,” Ashwin, who was named the Man of the Match for his eight wickets and century.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{b8e31401-3487-4316-8198-acaeb5a64829}{188}" paraid="1876626513" >"When people give their opinions and I am fine with it. We also give our opinions when we tour abroad.&nbsp;But we don't complain or crib, we just get on with it. We haven't seen our greats be it Sunil Gavaskar or Ravi Shastri, they have been on a&nbsp;lot of tours. I haven't seen them complain about a lot of grass or something like that.&nbsp;It's&nbsp;more of a mentality. When&nbsp;people come with such opinions, we should magnanimously deflect it,” he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{b8e31401-3487-4316-8198-acaeb5a64829}{188}" paraid="1876626513" ><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/icc-world-test-championship-india-jump-to-2nd-place-after-chennai-test-win-check-updated-points-table-364014" hreflang="en">ICC World Test Championship: India jump to 2nd place after Chennai Test win - Check updated points table</a></strong></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">💯 in the second innings<br />
8⃣ wickets in the match<a href="https://twitter.com/ashwinravi99?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ashwinravi99</a> is the well-deserved Man Of The Match in the 2nd <a href="https://twitter.com/Paytm?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Paytm</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvENG?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvENG</a> Test for his incredible all-round performance at Chepauk. 👏👏 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TeamIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TeamIndia</a> <a href="https://t.co/5v0FhxfwB1">pic.twitter.com/5v0FhxfwB1</a></p>
— BCCI (@BCCI) <a href="https://twitter.com/BCCI/status/1361600888834461700?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 16, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>Ashwin&nbsp;dismissed England's talisman Ben Stokes both the times in the second Test in Chennai with the veteran Indian spinner showing his class with the ball. While it was an unplayable, loopy off-spinner to get rid of the all-rounder in the first innings, Ashwin bowled a straighter one to find the edge of Stokes’ bat in the second innings.&nbsp;After the match, he shed light on how he planned Stokes’ dismissal.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{eb008e02-51e4-4b92-8470-48f655c508fe}{129}" paraid="1512283129" >"We all know what a fine player Ben (Stokes) is. It is more about trying to change angles against him. There was a lot of deviation&nbsp;from&nbsp;the surface.&nbsp;They&nbsp;weren't amazing balls that got wickets, it was&nbsp;more of the mind games that were being played. It was about staying positive. It was about bowling in the right areas, some of the balls got massive deviation, some of the balls were dying. In the first innings, I wanted to push the ball up&nbsp;so that I can get him to play an aggressive shot. In this innings, he was defending a lot. There was a bit of cross breeze so I tried to change my load-up,” Ashwin explained.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{eb008e02-51e4-4b92-8470-48f655c508fe}{129}" paraid="1512283129" >Ashwin was paired up against the likes of&nbsp;Axar&nbsp;Patel – a debutant – and&nbsp;Kuldeep Yadav, who was playing the first Test since January 2019. While&nbsp;Axar&nbsp;was the one who bowled in tandem with Ashwin for the majority of the match, Kuldeep also chipped in and ended up with two wickets in the second innings.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{eb008e02-51e4-4b92-8470-48f655c508fe}{129}" paraid="1512283129" ><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ravichandran-ashwin-is-one-of-the-greatest-stats-prove-it-363775" hreflang="en">Ravichandran Ashwin is one of the greatest - stats prove it!</a></strong></p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{9549f79c-b9ca-45a3-ac40-0535573d55b0}{153}" paraid="23142133" >"Jaddu&nbsp;(Ravindra Jadeja)&nbsp;is a massive presence in the team. I have been playing with him for years. I don't&nbsp;know how many matches we have played without each other in India but I thought&nbsp;Axar&nbsp;bowled beautifully, in the second innings he got his rewards. One of the ends was a touch slower, the other end had a bit of pace.&nbsp;Th end from which I was bowling was slow.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{00e1d722-4d02-442b-8251-52fe4396a807}{65}" paraid="1073580988" >"We believed Kuldeep might be&nbsp;effective from the other end. I thought Kuldeep bowled beautifully today. Sometimes as a spinner, when you are bowling after a long time&nbsp;and are wanting to get that confidence, early wickets become important. And the moment, he started to get the batsmen driving, he was always going to be effective.&nbsp;Axar&nbsp;did his role. He played his role to perfection,” Ashwin concluded.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{eb008e02-51e4-4b92-8470-48f655c508fe}{95}" paraid="309414176" >India and England will now head to&nbsp;Ahmedabad for the last two Test of the series with the third match being the pink-ball Test, starting from February 24.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{eb008e02-51e4-4b92-8470-48f655c508fe}{84}" paraid="738692707" >&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>


India on Tuesday completed a massive 317-run win over England in what was the second Test of the four-match series at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. India with the win, levelled the series 1-1 with the next two Test scheduled to be played in Ahmedabad.

India on Tuesday completed a massive 317-run win over England in what was the second Test of the four-match series at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. India with the win, levelled the series 1-1 with the next two Test scheduled to be played in Ahmedabad. There were plenty of opinions and debate surrounding the Chennai pitch in the second Test as the ball spun from Day 1 with Indian spinners and batsmen dominating the proceedings from the word go. While Indian batsmen showed how to bat on a 'rank-turner', the Chennai strip irked some of the former cricketers as they expressed their displeasure surrounding the spinning track in the second Test. Veteran Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin, after the match said while everyone is within their rights to give their opinions, legends like Sunil Gavaskar or Ravi Shastri never cribbed or complained about the conditions when Team India played overseas tours. The likes of Michael Vaughan, Matt Prior, Mark Waugh had earlier said that the Chennai pitch for the second Test wasn't prepared to play for five matches thus terming it as a 'beach'. However, Indian batters, over the course of two innings, scored two centuries (Rohit Sharma and Ashwin), and three half-centuries (Ajinkya Rahane, Rishabh Pant and Virat Kohli). Spot on Junior .. 👍 https://t.co/jZpsZoQQ3E — Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) February 14, 2021 × It’s entertaining cricket as things are happening all the time but let’s be honest this Pitch is a shocker .. Not making any excuses as India have been better but this isn’t a Test Match 5 day prepared Pitch ... #INDvENG — Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) February 14, 2021 × ALSO READ: 'As an 8-year-old...': Emotional R Ashwin shares childhood tale about Chepauk stadium Thank you, Chennai 🙏🙏#TeamIndia #INDvENG pic.twitter.com/3AOPyyD7h2 — BCCI (@BCCI) February 16, 2021 × "Everyone is entitled to their opinion and whoever is giving an opinion is well within their rights of giving an opinion. It's us who are reading into it and seeing if it is working or not. As cricketing fraternity or as a country dealing with such accusation (regarding the Chennai pitch) seems to get a little better. We must hold pride in how we are playing our cricket and obviously, Test matches are won over a period of time. You play a lot of overs and win matches,” Ashwin, who was named the Man of the Match for his eight wickets and century. "When people give their opinions and I am fine with it. We also give our opinions when we tour abroad. But we don't complain or crib, we just get on with it. We haven't seen our greats be it Sunil Gavaskar or Ravi Shastri, they have been on a lot of tours. I haven't seen them complain about a lot of grass or something like that. It's more of a mentality. When people come with such opinions, we should magnanimously deflect it,” he added. ALSO READ: ICC World Test Championship: India jump to 2nd place after Chennai Test win - Check updated points table 💯 in the second innings 8⃣ wickets in the match@ashwinravi99 is the well-deserved Man Of The Match in the 2nd @Paytm #INDvENG Test for his incredible all-round performance at Chepauk. 👏👏 #TeamIndia pic.twitter.com/5v0FhxfwB1 — BCCI (@BCCI) February 16, 2021 × Ashwin dismissed England's talisman Ben Stokes both the times in the second Test in Chennai with the veteran Indian spinner showing his class with the ball. While it was an unplayable, loopy off-spinner to get rid of the all-rounder in the first innings, Ashwin bowled a straighter one to find the edge of Stokes’ bat in the second innings. After the match, he shed light on how he planned Stokes’ dismissal. "We all know what a fine player Ben (Stokes) is. It is more about trying to change angles against him. There was a lot of deviation from the surface. They weren't amazing balls that got wickets, it was more of the mind games that were being played. It was about staying positive. It was about bowling in the right areas, some of the balls got massive deviation, some of the balls were dying. In the first innings, I wanted to push the ball up so that I can get him to play an aggressive shot. In this innings, he was defending a lot. There was a bit of cross breeze so I tried to change my load-up,” Ashwin explained. Ashwin was paired up against the likes of Axar Patel – a debutant – and Kuldeep Yadav, who was playing the first Test since January 2019. While Axar was the one who bowled in tandem with Ashwin for the majority of the match, Kuldeep also chipped in and ended up with two wickets in the second innings. ALSO READ: Ravichandran Ashwin is one of the greatest - stats prove it! "Jaddu (Ravindra Jadeja) is a massive presence in the team. I have been playing with him for years. I don't know how many matches we have played without each other in India but I thought Axar bowled beautifully, in the second innings he got his rewards. One of the ends was a touch slower, the other end had a bit of pace. Th end from which I was bowling was slow. "We believed Kuldeep might be effective from the other end. I thought Kuldeep bowled beautifully today. Sometimes as a spinner, when you are bowling after a long time and are wanting to get that confidence, early wickets become important. And the moment, he started to get the batsmen driving, he was always going to be effective. Axar did his role. He played his role to perfection,” Ashwin concluded. India and England will now head to Ahmedabad for the last two Test of the series with the third match being the pink-ball Test, starting from February 24.

Indians never crib about overseas conditions: R Ashwin shuts down Chennai pitch critics

<p>India level the four-match series after handing a 317-run defeat to England in the second Test at the Chepauk stadium at Chennai on Tuesday.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-virat-kohli-does-the-whistle-podu-to-get-the-chennai-crowd-going-363578" hreflang="en">WATCH: Virat Kohli does the 'whistle podu' to get the Chennai crowd going</a></p>

<p>England were on the back foot right from Day 1 after a mammoth ton by Rohit Sharma that powered India to 329 runs in the first innings. The difficult pitch provided a much-needed advantage to India's spin-duo (Ravi Ashwin and Axar Patel), as local boy Ashwin picked up a fifer after restricting 134 runs giving a 195-run lead to the hosts.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/pakistan-pm-imran-khan-gives-thumbs-up-to-top-team-india-363684" hreflang="en">Pakistan PM Imran Khan gives thumbs up to 'top team' India</a></p>

<p>In the second innings, Indian batsmen faced plenty of difficulties as the hosts were down to 106/6. But a 94-run stand between skipper Kohli and Ravichandran Ashwin put India back in commanding position. Chennai-based Ashwin went on to score a hundred in front of his local crowd powering to 286 runs by the end of the second innings.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/fleeting-view-prime-minister-narendra-modi-cheers-for-team-india-from-the-skies-363552" hreflang="en">'Fleeting view': Prime Minister Narendra Modi cheers for Team India from the skies</a></p>

<p>England, in return, failed to stun the hosts as Axar, Ashwin, and Kuldeep kept the visitors puzzled with their spin. Despite Moeen Ali's last-minute heroics, England were&nbsp;bowled out on 164 runs giving a comfortable win to Virat and Co.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Axar Patel picked a fifer in his debut match. "It was a good experience, to get five-wicket haul on debut is special. As Kuldeep said, there was much happening on the pitch. It was about varying your speed and I just kept doing it. Forced the batsman to make mistakes. On the first day itself, it was turning. So, we bowled tight lines and got the rewards," said Axar Patel.</p>

<p>With this win, India jump to the second position at the WTC points table. The current series is level at 1-1 with two more matches to go.&nbsp;</p>


India level the four-match series after handing a 317-run defeat to England in the second Test at the Chepauk stadium at Chennai on Tuesday. ALSO READ: WATCH: Virat Kohli does the 'whistle podu' to get the Chennai crowd going England were on the back foot right from Day 1 after a mammoth ton by Rohit Sharma that powered India to 329 runs in the first innings.

India level the four-match series after handing a 317-run defeat to England in the second Test at the Chepauk stadium at Chennai on Tuesday. ALSO READ: WATCH: Virat Kohli does the 'whistle podu' to get the Chennai crowd going England were on the back foot right from Day 1 after a mammoth ton by Rohit Sharma that powered India to 329 runs in the first innings. The difficult pitch provided a much-needed advantage to India's spin-duo (Ravi Ashwin and Axar Patel), as local boy Ashwin picked up a fifer after restricting 134 runs giving a 195-run lead to the hosts. ALSO READ: Pakistan PM Imran Khan gives thumbs up to 'top team' India In the second innings, Indian batsmen faced plenty of difficulties as the hosts were down to 106/6. But a 94-run stand between skipper Kohli and Ravichandran Ashwin put India back in commanding position. Chennai-based Ashwin went on to score a hundred in front of his local crowd powering to 286 runs by the end of the second innings. ALSO READ: 'Fleeting view': Prime Minister Narendra Modi cheers for Team India from the skies England, in return, failed to stun the hosts as Axar, Ashwin, and Kuldeep kept the visitors puzzled with their spin. Despite Moeen Ali's last-minute heroics, England were bowled out on 164 runs giving a comfortable win to Virat and Co. Axar Patel picked a fifer in his debut match. "It was a good experience, to get five-wicket haul on debut is special. As Kuldeep said, there was much happening on the pitch. It was about varying your speed and I just kept doing it. Forced the batsman to make mistakes. On the first day itself, it was turning. So, we bowled tight lines and got the rewards," said Axar Patel. With this win, India jump to the second position at the WTC points table. The current series is level at 1-1 with two more matches to go.

IND vs ENG, 2nd Test: R Ashwin, Axar Patel star as India thrash England by 317 runs

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{fee14d51-debb-4bcb-8f05-88edf2e92ec6}{53}" paraid="1889808745" >Former Indian captain and a legend of cricket, Sunil Gavaskar has ripped into the critics questioning the quality of the pitch in the second Test between India and England at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. Former England cricketers Michael Vaughan&nbsp;and Matt Prior are among those who have heavily&nbsp;criticised&nbsp;the Chennai pitch for being a 'rank turner' and a 'dustbowl' as it&nbsp;assisted&nbsp;the spinners from Day 1 of the match.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{4cead2e3-74e0-4c15-ba84-4d8e4e900d71}{152}" paraid="2085188760" >While India posted 329 runs in the first innings following Rohit Sharma's sensational 161-run knock, England were outplayed by the Indian spinners with Ravichandran Ashwin picking up his 29th&nbsp;fifer in Test cricket. England were bundled out for 134 runs as&nbsp;former England cricketers came out with their critical takes on the pitch.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">It didn’t do anywhere near as much for 2 sessions ... Spun but not like what it’s doing now ... India would have drawn the first Test if they had batted anything like in the 1st innings ... This isn’t a good Test match pitch ... <a href="https://t.co/HhK6dYLiHm">https://t.co/HhK6dYLiHm</a></p>
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) <a href="https://twitter.com/MichaelVaughan/status/1360851288762814465?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 14, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">When have we ever been able to prepare a green pitch? Always did the complete opposite because the club CEO wanted it to go five days! 100% agree on taking notes though. Any chance of you being able to speak to and help our spinners at all??</p>
— Matt Prior (@MattPrior13) <a href="https://twitter.com/MattPrior13/status/1360936650797428739?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 14, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>Hitting back at the critics over the Chennai pitch, Gavaskar said that it is always about Indian pitches when it starts to turn from Day 1 while adding no one bats an eye when seaming pitches are prepared in England.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/pakistan-pm-imran-khan-gives-thumbs-up-to-top-team-india-363684" hreflang="en">Pakistan PM Imran Khan gives thumbs up to 'top team' India</a></strong></p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{f802e129-26fb-42e6-981f-4549558e53be}{203}" paraid="2069260635" >"We saw how Rohit Sharma getting 150, and yesterday he was getting close to ball and batting. This criticism (on pitch) is pretty warranted," Gavaskar said on Star Sports.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{a5086718-21f2-46cd-869e-c136beeab765}{141}" paraid="1612747735" >"Some of them are saying that - but you have a seaming pitch in England. Australia&nbsp;get&nbsp;dismissed for 46 - the ball keeps seeming all throughout. No one talks about that. It's always about Indian pitches, and when the ball starts to turn, people pose a problem," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{a5086718-21f2-46cd-869e-c136beeab765}{141}" paraid="1612747735" ><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-virat-kohli-does-the-whistle-podu-to-get-the-chennai-crowd-going-363578" hreflang="en">WATCH: Virat Kohli does the 'whistle podu' to get the Chennai crowd going</a></strong></p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{a5086718-21f2-46cd-869e-c136beeab765}{150}" paraid="331388770" >While Rohit smashed a cracking century, Rahane scored a sublime 67 with Rishabh Pant ending up with unbeaten 58.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{a5086718-21f2-46cd-869e-c136beeab765}{195}" paraid="322238915" >"It's not unplayable. It's a challenging pitch, and that's what cricket should be about. In the first Test, on the first two days, when nothing was happening, people were saying 'it's boring, nothing is happening. It's so easy to bat.' So, there has to be a bit of balance between what is said. You cannot be complaining all the time," the former India captain added.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{c6799ad1-3330-4545-8f0f-db9b8c35889b}{95}" paraid="284392786" >Meanwhile, batting at the same Chennai pitch on Day 3, the Indian team has posted 156/6 on Lunch. Both Virat Kohli and Ravichandran Ashwin have been stitching a solid partnership and will look to continue the run-flow in the next session.&nbsp;</p>


Former Indian captain and a legend of cricket, Sunil Gavaskar has ripped into the critics questioning the quality of the pitch in the second Test between India and England at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.

Former Indian captain and a legend of cricket, Sunil Gavaskar has ripped into the critics questioning the quality of the pitch in the second Test between India and England at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. Former England cricketers Michael Vaughan and Matt Prior are among those who have heavily criticised the Chennai pitch for being a 'rank turner' and a 'dustbowl' as it assisted the spinners from Day 1 of the match. While India posted 329 runs in the first innings following Rohit Sharma's sensational 161-run knock, England were outplayed by the Indian spinners with Ravichandran Ashwin picking up his 29th fifer in Test cricket. England were bundled out for 134 runs as former England cricketers came out with their critical takes on the pitch. It didn’t do anywhere near as much for 2 sessions ... Spun but not like what it’s doing now ... India would have drawn the first Test if they had batted anything like in the 1st innings ... This isn’t a good Test match pitch ... https://t.co/HhK6dYLiHm — Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) February 14, 2021 × When have we ever been able to prepare a green pitch? Always did the complete opposite because the club CEO wanted it to go five days! 100% agree on taking notes though. Any chance of you being able to speak to and help our spinners at all?? — Matt Prior (@MattPrior13) February 14, 2021 × Hitting back at the critics over the Chennai pitch, Gavaskar said that it is always about Indian pitches when it starts to turn from Day 1 while adding no one bats an eye when seaming pitches are prepared in England. ALSO READ: Pakistan PM Imran Khan gives thumbs up to 'top team' India "We saw how Rohit Sharma getting 150, and yesterday he was getting close to ball and batting. This criticism (on pitch) is pretty warranted," Gavaskar said on Star Sports. "Some of them are saying that - but you have a seaming pitch in England. Australia get dismissed for 46 - the ball keeps seeming all throughout. No one talks about that. It's always about Indian pitches, and when the ball starts to turn, people pose a problem," he added. ALSO READ: WATCH: Virat Kohli does the 'whistle podu' to get the Chennai crowd going While Rohit smashed a cracking century, Rahane scored a sublime 67 with Rishabh Pant ending up with unbeaten 58. "It's not unplayable. It's a challenging pitch, and that's what cricket should be about. In the first Test, on the first two days, when nothing was happening, people were saying 'it's boring, nothing is happening. It's so easy to bat.' So, there has to be a bit of balance between what is said. You cannot be complaining all the time," the former India captain added. Meanwhile, batting at the same Chennai pitch on Day 3, the Indian team has posted 156/6 on Lunch. Both Virat Kohli and Ravichandran Ashwin have been stitching a solid partnership and will look to continue the run-flow in the next session.

'When ball starts to turn...': Sunil Gavaskar hammers critics for slamming Chennai pitch in 2nd Test

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{e32db552-6ba6-4130-9a05-a86388d1a480}{159}" paraid="1879177846" >Indian captain&nbsp;Virat Kohli on Monday lost his cool after the Decision Review System (DRS) ruled out a ‘plumb' LBW decision against England&nbsp;skipper&nbsp;Joe Root just before the end of Day 3's play in the ongoing&nbsp;second&nbsp;Test between India and England at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{f4408f29-42f5-4bc8-b0a6-c91081195f6f}{77}" paraid="130653258" >Left-arm spinner&nbsp;Axar&nbsp;Patel had the ball for the last over of Day 3&nbsp;and fired a straighter one to Root, who was caught off-guard. While the Indian team appealed for caught-behind, umpire Nitin Patel gave it a not-out. The Indian team led by Kohli took the DRS but there&nbsp;was no bat involved as suggested by slow-motion replays.</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{f4408f29-42f5-4bc8-b0a6-c91081195f6f}{77}" paraid="130653258" >However, Root was stuck in his back pad and certainly looked plumb. The ball tracker showed that the ball was hitting the stumps but the impact was just outside the off-stump and hence, the third umpire had to stick to the on-field call of not-out.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{f4408f29-42f5-4bc8-b0a6-c91081195f6f}{77}" paraid="130653258" ><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ravichandran-ashwin-is-one-of-the-greatest-stats-prove-it-363775" hreflang="en">Ravichandran Ashwin is one of the greatest - stats prove it!</a></strong></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">So it's not out for Root but out for Kohli? <a href="https://t.co/MTpCcHaZGF">pic.twitter.com/MTpCcHaZGF</a></p>
— 𝐍𝐢𝐤𝐡𝐢𝐥 🇮🇳 (@nrcexe) <a href="https://twitter.com/nrcexe/status/1361277278139813889?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 15, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>Former Australian cricketer Mark Waugh tweeted about the incident as he wrote: "That’s the plumpest LBW I’ve ever seen given not out by DRS. Problem is the DRS went with the umpires call for not out for a caught behind not LBW."</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">That’s the plumpest LBW I’ve ever seen given not out by DRS. Problem is the DRS went with the umpires call for not out for a caught behind not LBW.</p>
— Mark Waugh (@juniorwaugh349) <a href="https://twitter.com/juniorwaugh349/status/1361277931364884481?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 15, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p><strong>TRENDING:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-mohammed-sirajs-celebration-wins-hearts-as-r-ashwin-completes-his-5th-test-century-363786" hreflang="en">Watch: Mohammed Siraj's celebration wins hearts as R Ashwin completes his 5th Test century</a></strong></p>

<p>It was a weird decision as India had never appealed for LBW and despite that, the decision by the third umpire was to stick to the on-field call, which was based on a caught-behind appeal. Maybe that irked Virat Kohli as he had a brief conversation with umpire Menon and looked unhappy.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{e32db552-6ba6-4130-9a05-a86388d1a480}{179}" paraid="623685325" >The incident only triggers more debate as to whether umpire's call should be scrapped.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{19175106-9eff-4d38-87c1-0c1ddf720530}{144}" paraid="1075884031" >Meanwhile, India ended Day 3 of the second Test on the driver's seat and are all set to win the second Test when they take the field on Tuesday. A win by India will level the series 1-1.&nbsp;</p>


Indian captain Virat Kohli on Monday lost his cool after the Decision Review System (DRS) ruled out a ‘plumb' LBW decision against England skipper Joe Root just before the end of Day 3's play in the ongoing second Test between India and England at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.

Indian captain Virat Kohli on Monday lost his cool after the Decision Review System (DRS) ruled out a ‘plumb' LBW decision against England skipper Joe Root just before the end of Day 3's play in the ongoing second Test between India and England at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. Left-arm spinner Axar Patel had the ball for the last over of Day 3 and fired a straighter one to Root, who was caught off-guard. While the Indian team appealed for caught-behind, umpire Nitin Patel gave it a not-out. The Indian team led by Kohli took the DRS but there was no bat involved as suggested by slow-motion replays. However, Root was stuck in his back pad and certainly looked plumb. The ball tracker showed that the ball was hitting the stumps but the impact was just outside the off-stump and hence, the third umpire had to stick to the on-field call of not-out. ALSO READ: Ravichandran Ashwin is one of the greatest - stats prove it! So it's not out for Root but out for Kohli? pic.twitter.com/MTpCcHaZGF — 𝐍𝐢𝐤𝐡𝐢𝐥 🇮🇳 (@nrcexe) February 15, 2021 × Former Australian cricketer Mark Waugh tweeted about the incident as he wrote: "That’s the plumpest LBW I’ve ever seen given not out by DRS. Problem is the DRS went with the umpires call for not out for a caught behind not LBW." That’s the plumpest LBW I’ve ever seen given not out by DRS. Problem is the DRS went with the umpires call for not out for a caught behind not LBW. — Mark Waugh (@juniorwaugh349) February 15, 2021 × TRENDING: Watch: Mohammed Siraj's celebration wins hearts as R Ashwin completes his 5th Test century It was a weird decision as India had never appealed for LBW and despite that, the decision by the third umpire was to stick to the on-field call, which was based on a caught-behind appeal. Maybe that irked Virat Kohli as he had a brief conversation with umpire Menon and looked unhappy. The incident only triggers more debate as to whether umpire's call should be scrapped. Meanwhile, India ended Day 3 of the second Test on the driver's seat and are all set to win the second Test when they take the field on Tuesday. A win by India will level the series 1-1.

Watch: Virat Kohli loses cool after 'umpire's call' hands Joe Root a lifeline

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{d07576a6-2eef-4715-bcf3-78fbdefb1a9d}{29}" paraid="502444429" >Ravichandran Ashwin stole the limelight on an eventful Day 3 of the ongoing second Test between India and England at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai as the hosts ended the day on the verge of winning the Test match and&nbsp;equalising&nbsp;the series 1-1.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{a60536eb-cae2-4917-8522-9f5f7da124b9}{73}" paraid="163008737" >India, riding on a sensational century by Ashwin and a sublime half-century by Virat Kohli, posted a total of 482 runs. However, England ended up losing&nbsp;three wickets in the final hour of Day 3 with spinners&nbsp;Ashwin and&nbsp;Axar&nbsp;Patel dominating the proceedings with the ball. India could have got the wicket of Dan Lawrence as well but a shoddy 'umpire's call' helped the Englishman survive the final over of the day.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{544472f1-53c9-4638-871b-497ba67d909d}{36}" paraid="616368949" >India, in the second innings, lost openers Rohit Sharma (26) and Shubman Gill (14) early with Cheteshwar Pujara (7) departing after a freak run-out.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{544472f1-53c9-4638-871b-497ba67d909d}{36}" paraid="616368949" ><strong>TRENDING:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-mohammed-sirajs-celebration-wins-hearts-as-r-ashwin-completes-his-5th-test-century-363786" hreflang="en">Watch: Mohammed Siraj's celebration wins hearts as R Ashwin completes his 5th Test century</a></strong></p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{544472f1-53c9-4638-871b-497ba67d909d}{82}" paraid="112441909" >Rishabh Pant (8), Ajinkya Rahane (10) and&nbsp;Axar&nbsp;Patel (7) were also sent back to the hut quickly. However, it was Virat Kohli and Ashwin's resilience and sound technique that helped the duo post some crucial runs on board as they stitched a vital partnership to help India take the game away from England.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{544472f1-53c9-4638-871b-497ba67d909d}{145}" paraid="1966682583" >While England are still in the game with Joe Root and Dan Lawrence unbeaten at the end of Day 3, one can expect the match to wrap up quickly on Day 4 given the kind of form Ashwin and&nbsp;Axar&nbsp;are in.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{afc77d3c-d0b2-4efb-a601-60b9cc1e6b0b}{120}" paraid="349292717" >England, chasing 482, lost Dom Sibley (3) early. The&nbsp;visitors' decision to send&nbsp;nightwatchman&nbsp;Jack Leach backfired as he was sent packing by&nbsp;Axar&nbsp;for a duck.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{afc77d3c-d0b2-4efb-a601-60b9cc1e6b0b}{120}" paraid="349292717" ><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ravichandran-ashwin-is-one-of-the-greatest-stats-prove-it-363775" hreflang="en">Ravichandran Ashwin is one of the greatest - stats prove it!</a></strong></p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{afc77d3c-d0b2-4efb-a601-60b9cc1e6b0b}{168}" paraid="218021945" >Rory Burns once again was dismissed by Ashwin as the southpaw continued his struggle with the willow.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{afc77d3c-d0b2-4efb-a601-60b9cc1e6b0b}{247}" paraid="56438881" >India would be hoping to wrap the proceedings soon on Day 4 and level the series 1-1 after losing the first Test by a mammoth 227-run margin.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{afc77d3c-d0b2-4efb-a601-60b9cc1e6b0b}{177}" paraid="1498896358" >&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{afc77d3c-d0b2-4efb-a601-60b9cc1e6b0b}{142}" paraid="1484891651" >&nbsp;</p>


Ravichandran Ashwin stole the limelight on an eventful Day 3 of the ongoing second Test between India and England at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai as the hosts ended the day on the verge of winning the Test match and equalising the series 1-1.

Ravichandran Ashwin stole the limelight on an eventful Day 3 of the ongoing second Test between India and England at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai as the hosts ended the day on the verge of winning the Test match and equalising the series 1-1. India, riding on a sensational century by Ashwin and a sublime half-century by Virat Kohli, posted a total of 482 runs. However, England ended up losing three wickets in the final hour of Day 3 with spinners Ashwin and Axar Patel dominating the proceedings with the ball. India could have got the wicket of Dan Lawrence as well but a shoddy 'umpire's call' helped the Englishman survive the final over of the day. India, in the second innings, lost openers Rohit Sharma (26) and Shubman Gill (14) early with Cheteshwar Pujara (7) departing after a freak run-out. TRENDING: Watch: Mohammed Siraj's celebration wins hearts as R Ashwin completes his 5th Test century Rishabh Pant (8), Ajinkya Rahane (10) and Axar Patel (7) were also sent back to the hut quickly. However, it was Virat Kohli and Ashwin's resilience and sound technique that helped the duo post some crucial runs on board as they stitched a vital partnership to help India take the game away from England. While England are still in the game with Joe Root and Dan Lawrence unbeaten at the end of Day 3, one can expect the match to wrap up quickly on Day 4 given the kind of form Ashwin and Axar are in. England, chasing 482, lost Dom Sibley (3) early. The visitors' decision to send nightwatchman Jack Leach backfired as he was sent packing by Axar for a duck. ALSO READ: Ravichandran Ashwin is one of the greatest - stats prove it! Rory Burns once again was dismissed by Ashwin as the southpaw continued his struggle with the willow. India would be hoping to wrap the proceedings soon on Day 4 and level the series 1-1 after losing the first Test by a mammoth 227-run margin.

IND vs ENG 2nd Test: R Ashwin steals show on Day 3 as India stand on verge of leveling series

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{c04996d5-174d-450e-8808-5681cbaf361b}{46}" paraid="1386200077" >Ravichandran Ashwin is one of the greatest spin bowlers of all-time but the veteran spinner once again displayed why he is also a sound batsman to have in the lower-order as he smashed a cracking century on a 'dustbowl' during the second Test between India and England at the MA Chidambaram in Chennai.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{09a65524-5e39-4d76-bdc4-e255dfe20c64}{89}" paraid="2100501666" >The crowd at the&nbsp;Chepauk, Ashwin's local ground, celebrated in joy as the 34-year-old capped off a scintillating display with the bat to bring up his&nbsp;fifth Test century after edging a Moeen Ali delivery towards the third-man boundary. With his century on Monday, Ashwin surpassed the likes of Gary Sobers, Jacques Kallis, Shakib Al Hasan and Mushtaq Mohammad to achieve a fifer and a century.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{72f76ebe-b5b3-4f5f-8442-eba8e8460049}{25}" paraid="591340808" >While Sobers, Kallis, Shakib, Mushtaq all had achieved the unique double of a fifer and a century in Test cricket twice,&nbsp;Ashwin with his century and heroic effort with the ball in the second Test against England in Chennai, has now completed the feat thrice. Only Ian Botham had achieved the landmark five times in his Test career.&nbsp;</p>

<h2 lang="EN-US" paraeid="{ee26b74c-55c7-4082-87ed-b24d5a53303b}{194}" paraid="1156965325" >Century + Fifer in a Test match&nbsp;&nbsp;</h2>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{ee26b74c-55c7-4082-87ed-b24d5a53303b}{200}" paraid="280795385" >Ian Botham - 5 times&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{ee26b74c-55c7-4082-87ed-b24d5a53303b}{203}" paraid="1233648391" ><em><strong>Ravi Ashwin - 3 times*&nbsp;</strong></em></p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{ee26b74c-55c7-4082-87ed-b24d5a53303b}{206}" paraid="1818223000" >Gary Sobers - 2 times&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{ee26b74c-55c7-4082-87ed-b24d5a53303b}{209}" paraid="1103117743" >Jacques Kallis - 2 times&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{ee26b74c-55c7-4082-87ed-b24d5a53303b}{212}" paraid="889915432" >Shakib Al Hasan - 2 times&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{ee26b74c-55c7-4082-87ed-b24d5a53303b}{215}" paraid="413205790" >Mushtaq Mohammad - 2 times&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{ee26b74c-55c7-4082-87ed-b24d5a53303b}{215}" paraid="413205790" ><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-mohammed-sirajs-celebration-wins-hearts-as-r-ashwin-completes-his-5th-test-century-363786" hreflang="en">Watch: Mohammed Siraj's celebration wins hearts as R Ashwin completes his 5th Test century</a></strong></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">A 5-wicket haul followed by an excellent 💯 for the 3rd time in a Test!<br />
<br />
The magnificent <a href="https://twitter.com/ashwinravi99?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ashwinravi99</a> has brought up his 5th Test century and his first in Chennai. What a game is the local hero having. 🤩💪🏾 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TeamIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TeamIndia</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvENG?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvENG</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/Paytm?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Paytm</a> <a href="https://t.co/dUni7KkLYc">pic.twitter.com/dUni7KkLYc</a></p>
— BCCI (@BCCI) <a href="https://twitter.com/BCCI/status/1361253143808405505?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 15, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>The Chennai pitch had received plenty of criticism from some of the former England players, namely Michael Vaughan and Matt Prior, but Ashwin's batting left them red-faced as the Indian veteran showed great resilience and grit along with good batting technique to play out the likes of Moeen Ali and Jack Leach.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Ruthless performance by <a href="https://twitter.com/ashwinravi99?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ashwinravi99</a> !!! India have so many more skilled players for these conditions .. High class .. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvENG?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvENG</a></p>
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) <a href="https://twitter.com/MichaelVaughan/status/1361254141994147842?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 15, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>Ashwin first took a century and a fifer in Test cricket in 2011 against West Indies. In 2016, Ashwin repeated the same feat against West Indies before completing the milestone for the third time in his Test career, against England in Chennai.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/when-ball-starts-to-turn-sunil-gavaskar-hammers-critics-for-slamming-chennai-pitch-in-2nd-test-363703" hreflang="en">'When ball starts to turn...': Sunil Gavaskar hammers critics for slamming Chennai pitch in 2nd Test</a></strong></p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{15db00cc-9acb-42e0-b77f-d8928897548a}{230}" paraid="1392247902" >Interestingly, Ashwin also became the second Tamil Nadu player to score a Test century at&nbsp;Chepauk&nbsp;after&nbsp;Krisnamachari&nbsp;Srikkanth, who had smashed 123 runs against Pakistan in 1986/87.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{c04996d5-174d-450e-8808-5681cbaf361b}{83}" paraid="1035631275" >Ashwin had a bit of dip when it comes to his batting form and quality but the veteran played a heroic knock against Australia in the recently concluded tour as he along with Hanuma Vihari defied all the odds to help India draw the Sydney Test.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{c04996d5-174d-450e-8808-5681cbaf361b}{83}" paraid="1035631275" ><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ravi-ashwin-overtakes-harbhajan-singh-in-elite-list-after-dismissing-ben-stokes-363543" hreflang="en">Ravichandran Ashwin overtakes Harbhajan Singh in elite list after dismissing Ben Stokes</a></strong></p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{a1a81b91-93af-4f5f-90ae-3c480d9d1674}{30}" paraid="1511742596" >Ashwin has scalped 386 Test wicket while scoring 2507 runs in the longest format of the game. The 34-year-old&nbsp;continues to cement his legacy as one of the greatest in the world of cricket.&nbsp;</p>


Ravichandran Ashwin is one of the greatest spin bowlers of all-time but the veteran spinner once again displayed why he is also a sound batsman to have in the lower-order as he smashed a cracking century on a 'dustbowl' during the second Test between India and England at the MA Chidambaram in Chennai.

Ravichandran Ashwin is one of the greatest spin bowlers of all-time but the veteran spinner once again displayed why he is also a sound batsman to have in the lower-order as he smashed a cracking century on a 'dustbowl' during the second Test between India and England at the MA Chidambaram in Chennai. The crowd at the Chepauk, Ashwin's local ground, celebrated in joy as the 34-year-old capped off a scintillating display with the bat to bring up his fifth Test century after edging a Moeen Ali delivery towards the third-man boundary. With his century on Monday, Ashwin surpassed the likes of Gary Sobers, Jacques Kallis, Shakib Al Hasan and Mushtaq Mohammad to achieve a fifer and a century. While Sobers, Kallis, Shakib, Mushtaq all had achieved the unique double of a fifer and a century in Test cricket twice, Ashwin with his century and heroic effort with the ball in the second Test against England in Chennai, has now completed the feat thrice. Only Ian Botham had achieved the landmark five times in his Test career. Century + Fifer in a Test match Ian Botham - 5 times Ravi Ashwin - 3 times* Gary Sobers - 2 times Jacques Kallis - 2 times Shakib Al Hasan - 2 times Mushtaq Mohammad - 2 times ALSO READ: Watch: Mohammed Siraj's celebration wins hearts as R Ashwin completes his 5th Test century A 5-wicket haul followed by an excellent 💯 for the 3rd time in a Test! The magnificent @ashwinravi99 has brought up his 5th Test century and his first in Chennai. What a game is the local hero having. 🤩💪🏾 #TeamIndia #INDvENG @Paytm pic.twitter.com/dUni7KkLYc — BCCI (@BCCI) February 15, 2021 × The Chennai pitch had received plenty of criticism from some of the former England players, namely Michael Vaughan and Matt Prior, but Ashwin's batting left them red-faced as the Indian veteran showed great resilience and grit along with good batting technique to play out the likes of Moeen Ali and Jack Leach. Ruthless performance by @ashwinravi99 !!! India have so many more skilled players for these conditions .. High class .. #INDvENG — Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) February 15, 2021 × Ashwin first took a century and a fifer in Test cricket in 2011 against West Indies. In 2016, Ashwin repeated the same feat against West Indies before completing the milestone for the third time in his Test career, against England in Chennai. ALSO READ: 'When ball starts to turn...': Sunil Gavaskar hammers critics for slamming Chennai pitch in 2nd Test Interestingly, Ashwin also became the second Tamil Nadu player to score a Test century at Chepauk after Krisnamachari Srikkanth, who had smashed 123 runs against Pakistan in 1986/87. Ashwin had a bit of dip when it comes to his batting form and quality but the veteran played a heroic knock against Australia in the recently concluded tour as he along with Hanuma Vihari defied all the odds to help India draw the Sydney Test. ALSO READ: Ravichandran Ashwin overtakes Harbhajan Singh in elite list after dismissing Ben Stokes Ashwin has scalped 386 Test wicket while scoring 2507 runs in the longest format of the game. The 34-year-old continues to cement his legacy as one of the greatest in the world of cricket.

Ravichandran Ashwin is one of the greatest - stats prove it!

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{51ffcb26-8df0-4871-aad1-496073a1f491}{239}" paraid="117578722" >As Ravichandran Ashwin completed his fifth Test century in the ongoing second Test between India and England at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, non-striker Mohammed Siraj celebrated&nbsp;by jumping and fist-pumping on air as the video of his celebration went viral on social media platforms.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{fab7d872-b6c7-48ca-b919-242d8c2f64d3}{93}" paraid="1594278059" >Siraj ground out 12 deliveries before Ashwin got to his fifth Test century in what were some nervy moments for not only Ashwin but also for the entire crowd at&nbsp;Chepauk.&nbsp;The Indian pacer had to face the likes of Moeen Ali and Jack Leach on a turning track on Day 3 of the ongoing Chennai Test but ground out the balls to survive.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{c0186f13-54f2-4eb0-a6e9-8642540da799}{86}" paraid="1050878294" >Ashwin took a while to get to his century but Siraj made sure to not lose his wickets as it would have denied Ashwin a well-deserved century on a challenging track. However, Ashwin got to his century after a mistimed shot as a thick edge beat the slips to race towards the boundary rope towards the third-man region.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{51ffcb26-8df0-4871-aad1-496073a1f491}{248}" paraid="2006917155" >While Indian players and staff gave a rousing ovation to Ashwin from the dressing room, it was Siraj's celebration that caught the eyes of netizens.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{51ffcb26-8df0-4871-aad1-496073a1f491}{248}" paraid="2006917155" ><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ravichandran-ashwin-is-one-of-the-greatest-stats-prove-it-363775" hreflang="en">Ravichandran Ashwin is one of the greatest - stats prove it!</a></strong></p>

<h2 lang="EN-US" paraeid="{51ffcb26-8df0-4871-aad1-496073a1f491}{248}" paraid="2006917155" >Here's how social media reacted to Mohammed Siraj's celebration after Ashwin's century in Chennai:</h2>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">The way Siraj celebrated the hundred of Ashwin makes him so special. <a href="https://t.co/hYJcEda89y">pic.twitter.com/hYJcEda89y</a></p>
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) <a href="https://twitter.com/CricCrazyJohns/status/1361253763923668993?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 15, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">A moment to cherish forever! <a href="https://twitter.com/ashwinravi99?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ashwinravi99</a> gets his Test💯 in Chennai and Md. Siraj erupts in joy. The dressing room stands up to applaud.🙌🏾 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TeamIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TeamIndia</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvENG?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvENG</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/Paytm?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@paytm</a> <a href="https://t.co/ykrBhsiTbl">pic.twitter.com/ykrBhsiTbl</a></p>
— BCCI (@BCCI) <a href="https://twitter.com/BCCI/status/1361260111902072832?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 15, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Oh man look at Siraj ❤<br />
<br />
This team is ❤❤❤❤ <a href="https://t.co/LpucU4kwhJ">pic.twitter.com/LpucU4kwhJ</a></p>
— jd (@j_dhillon7) <a href="https://twitter.com/j_dhillon7/status/1361253947172745218?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 15, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Siraj's reaction to Ashwin's hundred is wonderful ❤<br />
<br />
Maybe his teammates do like him after all.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvAUS?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvAUS</a> <a href="https://t.co/BS9MGFG37C">pic.twitter.com/BS9MGFG37C</a></p>
— Wisden (@WisdenCricket) <a href="https://twitter.com/WisdenCricket/status/1361260791681470473?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 15, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/thats-how-you-bat-on-dustbowl-twitter-explodes-after-kohli-ashwin-register-50s-on-beach-chennai-pitch-363725" hreflang="en">'That's how you bat on dustbowl': Twitter explodes after Kohli, Ashwin register 50s on 'beach' Chennai pitch</a></strong></p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{611c08ee-94bf-47a8-9fbf-b05065f6257c}{1}" paraid="2100501666" >With his century on Monday, Ashwin surpassed the likes of Gary Sobers, Jacques Kallis, Shakib Al Hasan and Mushtaq Mohammad to achieve a fifer and a century.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{72f76ebe-b5b3-4f5f-8442-eba8e8460049}{25}" paraid="591340808" >While Sobers, Kallis, Shakib, Mushtaq all had achieved the unique double of a fifer and a century in Test cricket twice,&nbsp;Ashwin with his century and heroic effort with the ball in the second Test against England in Chennai, has now completed the feat thrice. Only Ian Botham had achieved the landmark five times in his Test career.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{a1a81b91-93af-4f5f-90ae-3c480d9d1674}{30}" paraid="1511742596" >Meanwhile, England need 482 runs to win the second Test in Chennai but with the conditions&nbsp;favouring&nbsp;Indian bowlers, a series&nbsp;equaliser&nbsp;is on the cards.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>


As Ravichandran Ashwin completed his fifth Test century in the ongoing second Test between India and England at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, non-striker Mohammed Siraj celebrated by jumping and fist-pumping on air as the video of his celebration went viral on social media platforms.

As Ravichandran Ashwin completed his fifth Test century in the ongoing second Test between India and England at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, non-striker Mohammed Siraj celebrated by jumping and fist-pumping on air as the video of his celebration went viral on social media platforms. Siraj ground out 12 deliveries before Ashwin got to his fifth Test century in what were some nervy moments for not only Ashwin but also for the entire crowd at Chepauk. The Indian pacer had to face the likes of Moeen Ali and Jack Leach on a turning track on Day 3 of the ongoing Chennai Test but ground out the balls to survive. Ashwin took a while to get to his century but Siraj made sure to not lose his wickets as it would have denied Ashwin a well-deserved century on a challenging track. However, Ashwin got to his century after a mistimed shot as a thick edge beat the slips to race towards the boundary rope towards the third-man region. While Indian players and staff gave a rousing ovation to Ashwin from the dressing room, it was Siraj's celebration that caught the eyes of netizens. ALSO READ: Ravichandran Ashwin is one of the greatest - stats prove it! Here's how social media reacted to Mohammed Siraj's celebration after Ashwin's century in Chennai: The way Siraj celebrated the hundred of Ashwin makes him so special. pic.twitter.com/hYJcEda89y — Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) February 15, 2021 × A moment to cherish forever! @ashwinravi99 gets his Test💯 in Chennai and Md. Siraj erupts in joy. The dressing room stands up to applaud.🙌🏾 #TeamIndia #INDvENG @paytm pic.twitter.com/ykrBhsiTbl — BCCI (@BCCI) February 15, 2021 × Oh man look at Siraj ❤ This team is ❤❤❤❤ pic.twitter.com/LpucU4kwhJ — jd (@j_dhillon7) February 15, 2021 × Siraj's reaction to Ashwin's hundred is wonderful ❤ Maybe his teammates do like him after all.#INDvAUS pic.twitter.com/BS9MGFG37C — Wisden (@WisdenCricket) February 15, 2021 × ALSO READ: 'That's how you bat on dustbowl': Twitter explodes after Kohli, Ashwin register 50s on 'beach' Chennai pitch With his century on Monday, Ashwin surpassed the likes of Gary Sobers, Jacques Kallis, Shakib Al Hasan and Mushtaq Mohammad to achieve a fifer and a century. While Sobers, Kallis, Shakib, Mushtaq all had achieved the unique double of a fifer and a century in Test cricket twice, Ashwin with his century and heroic effort with the ball in the second Test against England in Chennai, has now completed the feat thrice. Only Ian Botham had achieved the landmark five times in his Test career. Meanwhile, England need 482 runs to win the second Test in Chennai but with the conditions favouring Indian bowlers, a series equaliser is on the cards.

Watch: Mohammed Siraj's celebration wins hearts as R Ashwin completes his 5th Test century

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{42bd6529-2c93-4bbb-9fc6-20dcd9c80915}{116}" paraid="680433239" >Indian skipper Virat Kohli and Ravichandran Ashwin on Monday produced batting masterclass on a 'beach' Chennai pitch as the duo scored&nbsp;a half-century each to extend India's lead in the second innings to over 350 runs.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{635f0909-63d2-4df5-b4a7-b363cce1e1c6}{192}" paraid="711106217" >While England batsmen were outplayed by the Indian bowlers on Day 2, Ashwin and Kohli showed the visitors how to bat on a 'rank turner' as the duo tackled the English spin duo of Jack Leach and Moeen Ali with ease.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{9fd72db8-250f-4fa4-81d2-da620e5d962e}{68}" paraid="1577851888" >With former England cricketers such as Michael Vaughan and Matt Prior&nbsp;criticising&nbsp;the Chennai pitch on Day 2 of the match after England were bowled out for a paltry 134,&nbsp;the Indian batters, especially Kohli and Ashwin produced batting of the highest caliber to register their respective half-century.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{9fd72db8-250f-4fa4-81d2-da620e5d962e}{68}" paraid="1577851888" ><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/when-ball-starts-to-turn-sunil-gavaskar-hammers-critics-for-slamming-chennai-pitch-in-2nd-test-363703" hreflang="en">'When ball starts to turn...': Sunil Gavaskar hammers critics for slamming Chennai pitch in 2nd Test</a></strong></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">He may not get a 100 but this <a href="https://twitter.com/imVkohli?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@imVkohli</a> innings has been an masterclass on this pitch ... its already 100 balls of batting that all coaches should show players on how to play on a Beach ... <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvsENG?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvsENG</a></p>
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) <a href="https://twitter.com/MichaelVaughan/status/1361208244258103302?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 15, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">It’s entertaining cricket as things are happening all the time but let’s be honest this Pitch is a shocker .. Not making any excuses as India have been better but this isn’t a Test Match 5 day prepared Pitch ... <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvENG?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvENG</a></p>
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) <a href="https://twitter.com/MichaelVaughan/status/1360843448639778818?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 14, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>Twitterati celebrated half-centuries of Kohli and Ashwin as India look on verge of winning the second Test to&nbsp;equalise&nbsp;the series 1-1.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/pakistan-pm-imran-khan-gives-thumbs-up-to-top-team-india-363684" hreflang="en">Pakistan PM Imran Khan gives thumbs up to 'top team' India</a></strong></p>

<h2 lang="EN-US" paraeid="{a4c37608-d81b-4dc3-a8c5-da75ccfa279b}{26}" paraid="1977482560" >Here's how Twitterati reacted to the half-century by Kohli and Ashwin</h2>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">He’s the greatest batter in the game of cricket playing right now - <a href="https://twitter.com/imVkohli?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@imVkohli</a>!<br />
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England didn’t pick their best team so can’t complain.<br />
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Missing Jimmy, BIG TIME!</p>
— Kevin Pietersen🦏 (@KP24) <a href="https://twitter.com/KP24/status/1361210956991369216?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 15, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Sometimes in Test Cricket a 50 you make in challenging conditions and situation will be more satisfying than a 200 you make on a flat pitch. I am sure this is one such innings for <a href="https://twitter.com/imVkohli?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@imVkohli</a> A master class on how to play on a turning track. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvsENG?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvsENG</a> <a href="https://t.co/8NYs7fTMAk">pic.twitter.com/8NYs7fTMAk</a></p>
— VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) <a href="https://twitter.com/VVSLaxman281/status/1361213759889416196?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 15, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Fifty in second innings in first Test.<br />
Fifty in second innings in second Test.<br />
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Both was tough pitch to bat on and best of the best stands tall for India - Virat Kohli.</p>
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) <a href="https://twitter.com/CricCrazyJohns/status/1361210930525179907?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 15, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Kohli is majestic. This is a masterclass in how to bat on a ploughed field. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvENG?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvENG</a></p>
— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) <a href="https://twitter.com/piersmorgan/status/1361207061128839168?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 15, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Appreciation tweet for Ash Anna</p>
— A (@_shortarmjab_) <a href="https://twitter.com/_shortarmjab_/status/1361211855209852931?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 15, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Ash Anna giving English team their own medicine ' sweep and reverse sweep ' . <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvsENG?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvsENG</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Pitch?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Pitch</a> <a href="https://t.co/13XNXRw50B">pic.twitter.com/13XNXRw50B</a></p>
— Kushal Gowda (@Kushalg77328189) <a href="https://twitter.com/Kushalg77328189/status/1361197641594408962?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 15, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Ash anna showing england batsman how to bat on turners rather than crying <a href="https://t.co/Od7in2K9xw">pic.twitter.com/Od7in2K9xw</a></p>
— Siddarth (@Adelaide__141) <a href="https://twitter.com/Adelaide__141/status/1361216705171656706?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 15, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>Not only did Kohli and Ashwin shut critics of the Chennai pitch with their&nbsp;quality batting display, former Indian skipper Sunil Gavaskar also lashed out at the critics for&nbsp;unnecessary&nbsp;slamming the quality of the strip in Chennai.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{79be3f71-b5d3-4c5d-8e05-87089e22f407}{233}" paraid="1981234176" >"We saw how Rohit Sharma getting 150, and yesterday he was getting close to ball and batting. This criticism (on pitch) is pretty warranted," Gavaskar said on Star Sports.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{79be3f71-b5d3-4c5d-8e05-87089e22f407}{244}" paraid="346886169" >"Some of them are saying that - but you have a seaming pitch in England. Australia&nbsp;get&nbsp;dismissed for 46 - the ball keeps seeming all throughout. No one talks about that. It's always about Indian pitches, and when the ball starts to turn, people pose a problem," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{79be3f71-b5d3-4c5d-8e05-87089e22f407}{223}" paraid="1118768860" >With Kohli and Ashwin still batting, the Indian duo would be looking to convert their 50+ scores to a century to make this Test even more special, moreover in front of the fans.&nbsp;</p>


Indian skipper Virat Kohli and Ravichandran Ashwin on Monday produced batting masterclass on a 'beach' Chennai pitch as the duo scored a half-century each to extend India's lead in the second innings to over 350 runs.

Indian skipper Virat Kohli and Ravichandran Ashwin on Monday produced batting masterclass on a 'beach' Chennai pitch as the duo scored a half-century each to extend India's lead in the second innings to over 350 runs. While England batsmen were outplayed by the Indian bowlers on Day 2, Ashwin and Kohli showed the visitors how to bat on a 'rank turner' as the duo tackled the English spin duo of Jack Leach and Moeen Ali with ease. With former England cricketers such as Michael Vaughan and Matt Prior criticising the Chennai pitch on Day 2 of the match after England were bowled out for a paltry 134, the Indian batters, especially Kohli and Ashwin produced batting of the highest caliber to register their respective half-century. ALSO READ: 'When ball starts to turn...': Sunil Gavaskar hammers critics for slamming Chennai pitch in 2nd Test He may not get a 100 but this @imVkohli innings has been an masterclass on this pitch ... its already 100 balls of batting that all coaches should show players on how to play on a Beach ... #INDvsENG — Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) February 15, 2021 × It’s entertaining cricket as things are happening all the time but let’s be honest this Pitch is a shocker .. Not making any excuses as India have been better but this isn’t a Test Match 5 day prepared Pitch ... #INDvENG — Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) February 14, 2021 × Twitterati celebrated half-centuries of Kohli and Ashwin as India look on verge of winning the second Test to equalise the series 1-1. ALSO READ: Pakistan PM Imran Khan gives thumbs up to 'top team' India Here's how Twitterati reacted to the half-century by Kohli and Ashwin He’s the greatest batter in the game of cricket playing right now - @imVkohli! England didn’t pick their best team so can’t complain. Missing Jimmy, BIG TIME! — Kevin Pietersen🦏 (@KP24) February 15, 2021 × Sometimes in Test Cricket a 50 you make in challenging conditions and situation will be more satisfying than a 200 you make on a flat pitch. I am sure this is one such innings for @imVkohli A master class on how to play on a turning track. #INDvsENG pic.twitter.com/8NYs7fTMAk — VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) February 15, 2021 × Fifty in second innings in first Test. Fifty in second innings in second Test. Both was tough pitch to bat on and best of the best stands tall for India - Virat Kohli. — Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) February 15, 2021 × Kohli is majestic. This is a masterclass in how to bat on a ploughed field. #INDvENG — Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) February 15, 2021 × Appreciation tweet for Ash Anna — A (@_shortarmjab_) February 15, 2021 × Ash Anna giving English team their own medicine ' sweep and reverse sweep ' . #INDvsENG #Pitch pic.twitter.com/13XNXRw50B — Kushal Gowda (@Kushalg77328189) February 15, 2021 × Ash anna showing england batsman how to bat on turners rather than crying pic.twitter.com/Od7in2K9xw — Siddarth (@Adelaide__141) February 15, 2021 × Not only did Kohli and Ashwin shut critics of the Chennai pitch with their quality batting display, former Indian skipper Sunil Gavaskar also lashed out at the critics for unnecessary slamming the quality of the strip in Chennai. "We saw how Rohit Sharma getting 150, and yesterday he was getting close to ball and batting. This criticism (on pitch) is pretty warranted," Gavaskar said on Star Sports. "Some of them are saying that - but you have a seaming pitch in England. Australia get dismissed for 46 - the ball keeps seeming all throughout. No one talks about that. It's always about Indian pitches, and when the ball starts to turn, people pose a problem," he added. With Kohli and Ashwin still batting, the Indian duo would be looking to convert their 50+ scores to a century to make this Test even more special, moreover in front of the fans.

'That's how you bat on dustbowl': Twitter explodes after Kohli, Ashwin register 50s on 'beach' Chennai pitch

<p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{efc1b424-728c-4696-a1d1-67a1707a451f}{169}" paraid="1992077102" xml:lang="EN-GB">The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Thursday confirmed that all-rounder&nbsp;Axar&nbsp;Patel is available for selection for the second Test against India, to be played from February 13.&nbsp;Axar&nbsp;has recovered completely after complaining of pain in his left knee, which ruled him out of the first Test.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{7f7bafdd-7858-4d28-8f65-d02c42ec6529}{88}" paraid="66185757" xml:lang="EN-GB">As a result, spinners Shahbaz Nadeem and Rahul Chahar have been drafted back to the group of standby players. Nadeem was central to widespread criticism following a lacklustre show with the ball in the opening Test against England, where he managed to pick just four wickets while conceding more than 200 runs&nbsp;in both the innings.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{75322cfa-c6db-45c8-91c6-0d2202ceef15}{187}" paraid="1970755758" xml:lang="EN-GB">The group of standby players include wicket-keeper KS Bharat, batsmen Abhimanyu Easwaran and Priyank Panchal, and spinners Shahbaz Nadeem and Rahul Chahar.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{75322cfa-c6db-45c8-91c6-0d2202ceef15}{187}" paraid="1970755758" xml:lang="EN-GB"><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/jofra-archer-ruled-out-of-second-test-vs-india-due-to-elbow-injury-362996" hreflang="en">Jofra Archer ruled out of second Test vs India due to elbow injury</a></strong></p>

<h2 lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{7b3a1ec1-46c7-448e-91d5-afcef05101c7}{196}" paraid="1408327764" xml:lang="EN-GB">BCCI statement on&nbsp;Axar&nbsp;Patel:&nbsp;</h2>

<p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{efc1b424-728c-4696-a1d1-67a1707a451f}{59}" paraid="182297110" xml:lang="EN-GB">"Axar&nbsp;Patel has recovered completely and is now available for selection for the 2nd Paytm Test in Chennai against England to be played from Saturday, 13th&nbsp;February. The all-rounder had complained of pain in his left knee and was ruled out of the first Test.&nbsp;The All-India Senior Selection Committee have now withdrawn Shahbaz Nadeem and Rahul Chahar from the main squad and added the duo back to the group of standby players."&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{efc1b424-728c-4696-a1d1-67a1707a451f}{84}" paraid="2080134054" xml:lang="EN-GB"><strong>India Test squad:&nbsp;</strong>Virat Kohli (Captain), Rohit Sharma, Mayank Agarwal, Shubman Gill, Cheteshwar Pujara, Ajinkya Rahane (Vice-Captain), KL Rahul, Hardik Pandya, Rishabh Pant (wicket-keeper), Wriddhiman Saha (wicket-keeper), R Ashwin, Kuldeep Yadav,&nbsp;Axar&nbsp;Patel, Washington Sundar, Ishant Sharma, Jasprit&nbsp;Bumrah, Md. Siraj, Shardul Thakur&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{efc1b424-728c-4696-a1d1-67a1707a451f}{95}" paraid="879514341" xml:lang="EN-GB"><strong>Standby players:</strong>&nbsp;K S Bharat, Abhimanyu Easwaran, Shahbaz Nadeem, Rahul Chahar, Priyank Panchal&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{efc1b424-728c-4696-a1d1-67a1707a451f}{106}" paraid="1722781193" xml:lang="EN-GB"><strong>Net Bowlers:</strong>&nbsp;Ankit Rajpoot, Avesh Khan, Sandeep Warrier, Krishnappa Gowtham, Saurabh Kumar&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{efc1b424-728c-4696-a1d1-67a1707a451f}{52}" paraid="942774397" xml:lang="EN-GB">&nbsp;</p>


The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Thursday confirmed that all-rounder Axar Patel is available for selection for the second Test against India, to be played from February 13.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Thursday confirmed that all-rounder Axar Patel is available for selection for the second Test against India, to be played from February 13. Axar has recovered completely after complaining of pain in his left knee, which ruled him out of the first Test. As a result, spinners Shahbaz Nadeem and Rahul Chahar have been drafted back to the group of standby players. Nadeem was central to widespread criticism following a lacklustre show with the ball in the opening Test against England, where he managed to pick just four wickets while conceding more than 200 runs in both the innings. The group of standby players include wicket-keeper KS Bharat, batsmen Abhimanyu Easwaran and Priyank Panchal, and spinners Shahbaz Nadeem and Rahul Chahar. ALSO READ: Jofra Archer ruled out of second Test vs India due to elbow injury BCCI statement on Axar Patel: "Axar Patel has recovered completely and is now available for selection for the 2nd Paytm Test in Chennai against England to be played from Saturday, 13th February. The all-rounder had complained of pain in his left knee and was ruled out of the first Test. The All-India Senior Selection Committee have now withdrawn Shahbaz Nadeem and Rahul Chahar from the main squad and added the duo back to the group of standby players." India Test squad: Virat Kohli (Captain), Rohit Sharma, Mayank Agarwal, Shubman Gill, Cheteshwar Pujara, Ajinkya Rahane (Vice-Captain), KL Rahul, Hardik Pandya, Rishabh Pant (wicket-keeper), Wriddhiman Saha (wicket-keeper), R Ashwin, Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Ishant Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah, Md. Siraj, Shardul Thakur Standby players: K S Bharat, Abhimanyu Easwaran, Shahbaz Nadeem, Rahul Chahar, Priyank Panchal Net Bowlers: Ankit Rajpoot, Avesh Khan, Sandeep Warrier, Krishnappa Gowtham, Saurabh Kumar

Axar Patel fit for second Test vs England; Shahbaz Nadeem, Rahul Chahar drafted back to standby list

<p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{a4aea7d6-5db2-4ec6-954b-6fc56439a781}{60}" paraid="1477147897" xml:lang="EN-GB">England pacer Jofra Archer will miss the second Test against India, scheduled to be played at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai&nbsp;from February 13. Archer will miss the much-awaited second Test owning to a discomfort in his right elbow.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{110757dd-d1bd-4531-8b3d-18fea30e5fb4}{182}" paraid="866720230" xml:lang="EN-GB">Archer has been treated with an injection in his right elbow with the England team hoping that the treatment will allow his condition to settle down quickly while allowing the speedster to return to action in time for the third Test in Ahmedabad.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{a4aea7d6-5db2-4ec6-954b-6fc56439a781}{69}" paraid="1096743473" xml:lang="EN-GB">While it is yet to be seen who replaces Archer in the playing XI, pacer Olly Stone could be in contention if England decide to rest veteran pacer James Anderson from the playing XI. Off-spin all-rounder Moeen Ali is also in contention to be in the playing XI. However, it is expected that Anderson and Stuart Broad will pair up for the second Test against India following Archer's injury.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{a4aea7d6-5db2-4ec6-954b-6fc56439a781}{69}" paraid="1096743473" xml:lang="EN-GB"><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/pakistans-mohammad-rizwan-joins-brendon-mccullum-in-unique-list-after-maiden-t20i-century-362993" hreflang="en">Pakistan's Mohammad Rizwan joins Brendon McCullum in unique list after maiden T20I century</a></strong></p>

<p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{fbb6a2a6-0cf9-429d-9db7-59728412c549}{77}" paraid="501995115" xml:lang="EN-GB">The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) in a statement said: "Jofra Archer will miss the second Test against India in Chennai starting on Saturday after having an injection in his right elbow.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{d443b9d3-7755-4ace-ba67-a4bd618d6bb3}{202}" paraid="1420401608" xml:lang="EN-GB">"The injection follows discomfort the fast bowler experienced during the 227-run win in the first Test at the same venue.&nbsp;The issue is not related to any previous injury and it is hoped the treatment will allow the condition to settle down quickly, allowing the player to return to action in time for the third Test in Ahmedabad."&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{d443b9d3-7755-4ace-ba67-a4bd618d6bb3}{202}" paraid="1420401608" xml:lang="EN-GB"><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/worst-surface-ive-seen-jofra-archer-on-day-5-pitch-in-first-test-against-india-362921" hreflang="en">'Worst surface I've seen': Jofra Archer on Day 5 pitch in first Test against India</a></strong></p>

<p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{90a0f2c8-6c19-4636-a3f9-94c99066431e}{166}" paraid="501332057" xml:lang="EN-GB">Meanwhile, England are guaranteed to make another change in the line-up with wicket-keeper Ben Foakes replacing Jos Buttler in the playing XI. Buttler was relieved of his duties following the first Test against India, which England won by 227 runs. He will return for the five-match T20I series against the Men in Blue after&nbsp;being named in the squad on Thursday.&nbsp;</p>


England pacer Jofra Archer will miss the second Test against India, scheduled to be played at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai from February 13. Archer will miss the much-awaited second Test owning to a discomfort in his right elbow.

England pacer Jofra Archer will miss the second Test against India, scheduled to be played at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai from February 13. Archer will miss the much-awaited second Test owning to a discomfort in his right elbow. Archer has been treated with an injection in his right elbow with the England team hoping that the treatment will allow his condition to settle down quickly while allowing the speedster to return to action in time for the third Test in Ahmedabad. While it is yet to be seen who replaces Archer in the playing XI, pacer Olly Stone could be in contention if England decide to rest veteran pacer James Anderson from the playing XI. Off-spin all-rounder Moeen Ali is also in contention to be in the playing XI. However, it is expected that Anderson and Stuart Broad will pair up for the second Test against India following Archer's injury. ALSO READ: Pakistan's Mohammad Rizwan joins Brendon McCullum in unique list after maiden T20I century The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) in a statement said: "Jofra Archer will miss the second Test against India in Chennai starting on Saturday after having an injection in his right elbow. "The injection follows discomfort the fast bowler experienced during the 227-run win in the first Test at the same venue. The issue is not related to any previous injury and it is hoped the treatment will allow the condition to settle down quickly, allowing the player to return to action in time for the third Test in Ahmedabad." ALSO READ: 'Worst surface I've seen': Jofra Archer on Day 5 pitch in first Test against India Meanwhile, England are guaranteed to make another change in the line-up with wicket-keeper Ben Foakes replacing Jos Buttler in the playing XI. Buttler was relieved of his duties following the first Test against India, which England won by 227 runs. He will return for the five-match T20I series against the Men in Blue after being named in the squad on Thursday.

Jofra Archer ruled out of second Test vs India due to elbow injury

<p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{9385eea1-e116-4a59-9b6a-afc7bcaaf88c}{222}" paraid="1235426690" xml:lang="EN-GB">The England National Selectors on Thursday named a 16-player squad for the men’s T20I matches in India in March. Jos Buttler returns to the squad after being relieved of his duties for the remainder of the Test series against the Virat Kohli-led side.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{5fa6ebfe-04c2-4fb7-acc6-3fd330301413}{9}" paraid="2724070" xml:lang="EN-GB">The likes of Jofra Archer, Jonny Bairstow, Sam Billings, Sam Curran, Chris Jordan, Ben Stokes all have been named in the England squad while the likes of Jason Roy, Adil Rashid&nbsp;have been included in the team for the shortest format of the game.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{9385eea1-e116-4a59-9b6a-afc7bcaaf88c}{233}" paraid="992224388" xml:lang="EN-GB">The touring party depart on Friday 26 February and will play five IT20s in Ahmedabad.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{9385eea1-e116-4a59-9b6a-afc7bcaaf88c}{233}" paraid="992224388" xml:lang="EN-GB"><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/anil-kumble-and-irfan-pathan-back-wasim-jaffer-over-communal-bias-controversy-362885" hreflang="en">Anil Kumble and Irfan Pathan back Wasim Jaffer over communal bias controversy</a></strong></p>

<h2 lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{9385eea1-e116-4a59-9b6a-afc7bcaaf88c}{246}" paraid="1408838986" xml:lang="EN-GB">England Men’s T20I Squad vs India:&nbsp;</h2>

<p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{9417555d-e8f8-4aa1-ba2c-0e84d266cdc2}{2}" paraid="1445262830" xml:lang="EN-GB">Eoin Morgan&nbsp;(Middlesex) (captain),&nbsp;Moeen Ali&nbsp;(Worcestershire),&nbsp;Jofra Archer&nbsp;(Sussex),&nbsp;Jonathan Bairstow&nbsp;(Yorkshire),&nbsp;Sam Billings&nbsp;(Kent),&nbsp;Jos Buttler&nbsp;(Lancashire),&nbsp;Sam Curran&nbsp;(Surrey),&nbsp;Tom Curran&nbsp;(Surrey),&nbsp;Chris Jordan&nbsp;(Sussex),&nbsp;Liam Livingstone&nbsp;(Lancashire),&nbsp;Dawid Malan&nbsp;(Yorkshire),&nbsp;Adil Rashid&nbsp;(Yorkshire),&nbsp;Jason Roy&nbsp;(Surrey),&nbsp;Ben Stokes&nbsp;(Durham),&nbsp;Reece Topley&nbsp;(Surrey),&nbsp;Mark Wood&nbsp;(Durham).&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{9417555d-e8f8-4aa1-ba2c-0e84d266cdc2}{137}" paraid="1693335549" xml:lang="EN-GB"><strong>Reserves</strong>:&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{9417555d-e8f8-4aa1-ba2c-0e84d266cdc2}{148}" paraid="1773412713" xml:lang="EN-GB">Jake Ball&nbsp;(Nottinghamshire),&nbsp;Matt Parkinson&nbsp;(Lancashire).&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{9417555d-e8f8-4aa1-ba2c-0e84d266cdc2}{171}" paraid="1325980659" xml:lang="EN-GB">The squad for the three ODIs that follow the T2I series will be announced in due course.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{9417555d-e8f8-4aa1-ba2c-0e84d266cdc2}{171}" paraid="1325980659" xml:lang="EN-GB"><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-former-indian-batting-coach-sanjay-bangar-joins-royal-challengers-bangalore-as-batting-consultant-362869" hreflang="en">IPL: Former Indian batting coach Sanjay Bangar joins Royal Challengers Bangalore as batting consultant</a></strong></p>

<h2 lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{9417555d-e8f8-4aa1-ba2c-0e84d266cdc2}{182}" paraid="514574826" xml:lang="EN-GB">India vs England, T20I series: Full Schedule</h2>

<p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{9417555d-e8f8-4aa1-ba2c-0e84d266cdc2}{221}" paraid="317235814" xml:lang="EN-GB">12 March: 1st T20I India v England, Sardar Patel Stadium, Ahmedabad&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{9417555d-e8f8-4aa1-ba2c-0e84d266cdc2}{234}" paraid="1529806237" xml:lang="EN-GB">14 March: 2nd T20I India v England, Sardar Patel Stadium, Ahmedabad&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{9417555d-e8f8-4aa1-ba2c-0e84d266cdc2}{247}" paraid="153471502" xml:lang="EN-GB">16 March: 3rd T20I India v England, Sardar Patel Stadium, Ahmedabad&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{f1946240-f7ca-4fa3-beeb-2b5dfb377299}{5}" paraid="1513516892" xml:lang="EN-GB">18 March: 4th T20I India v England, Sardar Patel Stadium, Ahmedabad&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{f1946240-f7ca-4fa3-beeb-2b5dfb377299}{18}" paraid="1751912694" xml:lang="EN-GB">20 March: 5th T20I India v England, Sardar Patel Stadium, Ahmedabad&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{9385eea1-e116-4a59-9b6a-afc7bcaaf88c}{213}" paraid="1271161078" xml:lang="EN-GB">&nbsp;</p>


The England National Selectors on Thursday named a 16-player squad for the men’s T20I matches in India in March. Jos Buttler returns to the squad after being relieved of his duties for the remainder of the Test series against the Virat Kohli-led side.

The England National Selectors on Thursday named a 16-player squad for the men’s T20I matches in India in March. Jos Buttler returns to the squad after being relieved of his duties for the remainder of the Test series against the Virat Kohli-led side. The likes of Jofra Archer, Jonny Bairstow, Sam Billings, Sam Curran, Chris Jordan, Ben Stokes all have been named in the England squad while the likes of Jason Roy, Adil Rashid have been included in the team for the shortest format of the game. The touring party depart on Friday 26 February and will play five IT20s in Ahmedabad. ALSO READ: Anil Kumble and Irfan Pathan back Wasim Jaffer over communal bias controversy England Men’s T20I Squad vs India: Eoin Morgan (Middlesex) (captain), Moeen Ali (Worcestershire), Jofra Archer (Sussex), Jonathan Bairstow (Yorkshire), Sam Billings (Kent), Jos Buttler (Lancashire), Sam Curran (Surrey), Tom Curran (Surrey), Chris Jordan (Sussex), Liam Livingstone (Lancashire), Dawid Malan (Yorkshire), Adil Rashid (Yorkshire), Jason Roy (Surrey), Ben Stokes (Durham), Reece Topley (Surrey), Mark Wood (Durham). Reserves: Jake Ball (Nottinghamshire), Matt Parkinson (Lancashire). The squad for the three ODIs that follow the T2I series will be announced in due course. ALSO READ: IPL: Former Indian batting coach Sanjay Bangar joins Royal Challengers Bangalore as batting consultant India vs England, T20I series: Full Schedule 12 March: 1st T20I India v England, Sardar Patel Stadium, Ahmedabad 14 March: 2nd T20I India v England, Sardar Patel Stadium, Ahmedabad 16 March: 3rd T20I India v England, Sardar Patel Stadium, Ahmedabad 18 March: 4th T20I India v England, Sardar Patel Stadium, Ahmedabad 20 March: 5th T20I India v England, Sardar Patel Stadium, Ahmedabad

England announce squad for T20I series against India as Jos Buttler, Dawid Malan return

<p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{9ca470a9-a4e8-4241-8d85-9879d0a091f9}{77}" paraid="49999924" xml:lang="EN-GB">Veteran pacer James Anderson has said that he is "not assuming anything" as England look to rest their star bowler for the second Test against India at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, starting from February 13. Anderson could be rested for Stuart Broad, who missed the first Test due to England's&nbsp;rotation policy.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{3e29b742-25bd-45ce-888e-2f774643b3c4}{185}" paraid="1450683651" xml:lang="EN-GB">The 38-year-old took the match away from India with a splendid spell of reverse-swing where he took three wickets as England won the match by 227 runs to take a 1-0 lead in the four-Test series.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{881a6a40-aa43-4ec3-afa0-a2c7596b7e28}{99}" paraid="388279643" xml:lang="EN-GB">While Anderson looks fit as ever but the paceman could be left out of the second Test, taking out the chance to add to his sensational tally of 611 Test wickets – a record for a fast bowler.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{881a6a40-aa43-4ec3-afa0-a2c7596b7e28}{99}" paraid="388279643" xml:lang="EN-GB"><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-eng-2nd-test-shahbaz-nadeem-set-to-be-dropped-as-axar-patel-returns-in-nets-362727" hreflang="en">IND vs ENG 2nd Test: Shahbaz Nadeem set to be dropped as Axar Patel returns in nets</a></strong></p>

<p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{32ad0d49-17e9-48ef-a504-f69fe13cb6e7}{167}" paraid="783607262" xml:lang="EN-GB">England have a jam-packed Test schedule in 2021, culminating in an Ashes series in Australia with the coaching staff carefully managing the workload of their players.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{abba602a-7d9b-47e3-ab3a-86c8f4d8547e}{251}" paraid="169012953" xml:lang="EN-GB">"When a batsman gets in rhythm and form, they want to keep batting and keep that rhythm going, and it's the same for a bowler," said Anderson.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{c2dfc6d4-deb6-4ae0-9fed-2d5e817fb893}{225}" paraid="223861997" xml:lang="EN-GB">"You want to keep that going if possible, but I'm very aware that we've got four Test matches in quick succession here and there will probably be a need to rest and rotate.&nbsp;So&nbsp;I'm not assuming anything."&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{c2dfc6d4-deb6-4ae0-9fed-2d5e817fb893}{225}" paraid="223861997" xml:lang="EN-GB"><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/will-end-up-breaking-all-records-nasser-hussain-praises-joe-root-after-chennai-test-heroics-362665" hreflang="en">Will end up breaking all records: Nasser Hussain praises Joe Root after Chennai Test heroics</a></strong></p>

<p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{c2dfc6d4-deb6-4ae0-9fed-2d5e817fb893}{234}" paraid="2086370527" xml:lang="EN-GB">England are set to make at least one change in their playing XI with wicket-keeper Jos Buttler set to be replaced by Ben Foakes.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{3843168f-2727-4a2e-81fc-3557339d32d9}{100}" paraid="141313678" xml:lang="EN-GB">England coach Chris Silverwood admitted on Wednesday: "It is hard (to leave Anderson out), he is a class act. But you'll have to wait and see.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{528a0e34-fda8-4e5a-b7c7-d29c29b249aa}{24}" paraid="893288543" xml:lang="EN-GB">"I'm not reluctant to change a winning team now if it's the best thing to do for the players, the team and the longevity of it."&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{528a0e34-fda8-4e5a-b7c7-d29c29b249aa}{96}" paraid="4644915" xml:lang="EN-GB">The second Test between India and England will start from February 13.&nbsp;</p>


Veteran pacer James Anderson has said that he is "not assuming anything" as England look to rest their star bowler for the second Test against India at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, starting from February 13.

Veteran pacer James Anderson has said that he is "not assuming anything" as England look to rest their star bowler for the second Test against India at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, starting from February 13. Anderson could be rested for Stuart Broad, who missed the first Test due to England's rotation policy. The 38-year-old took the match away from India with a splendid spell of reverse-swing where he took three wickets as England won the match by 227 runs to take a 1-0 lead in the four-Test series. While Anderson looks fit as ever but the paceman could be left out of the second Test, taking out the chance to add to his sensational tally of 611 Test wickets – a record for a fast bowler. ALSO READ: IND vs ENG 2nd Test: Shahbaz Nadeem set to be dropped as Axar Patel returns in nets England have a jam-packed Test schedule in 2021, culminating in an Ashes series in Australia with the coaching staff carefully managing the workload of their players. "When a batsman gets in rhythm and form, they want to keep batting and keep that rhythm going, and it's the same for a bowler," said Anderson. "You want to keep that going if possible, but I'm very aware that we've got four Test matches in quick succession here and there will probably be a need to rest and rotate. So I'm not assuming anything." ALSO READ: Will end up breaking all records: Nasser Hussain praises Joe Root after Chennai Test heroics England are set to make at least one change in their playing XI with wicket-keeper Jos Buttler set to be replaced by Ben Foakes. England coach Chris Silverwood admitted on Wednesday: "It is hard (to leave Anderson out), he is a class act. But you'll have to wait and see. "I'm not reluctant to change a winning team now if it's the best thing to do for the players, the team and the longevity of it." The second Test between India and England will start from February 13.

'I'm very aware...': James Anderson accepts he could be rested for second Test vs India

<p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{bef7cd0c-5a24-48ab-a291-f099f85742d8}{44}" paraid="643420955" xml:lang="EN-GB">Left-arm spinner Shahbaz Nadeem is set to be dropped from the Indian playing XI for the second Test against England at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, scheduled to start from February 13. Nadeem was heavily criticised for his performance in the opening Test against England, which India lost by a massive 227-run margin.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{2cd2cb08-9046-487e-8f14-005ba51592e1}{198}" paraid="858242684" xml:lang="EN-GB">Nadeem managed to pick just four wickets in the match while also failing to stop the run-flow from his end.&nbsp;While Nadeem's replacement in the playing XI will only be decided by Friday, according to PTI, all-rounder&nbsp;Axar&nbsp;Patel is set to replace&nbsp;him.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{5f5a406e-a6f4-4f08-aeb5-47311d4cfe2b}{82}" paraid="586720882" xml:lang="EN-GB">Axar&nbsp;missed the first Test against England due to a knee injury but is now match-fit. He has already started batting at the nets.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{57b594e8-f4b9-4cca-9d78-2dc8ec616e67}{185}" paraid="354029338" xml:lang="EN-GB">"Axar&nbsp;had a minor knee niggle and has already started batting at the nets. He is expected to start bowling during the next couple of days."&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{57b594e8-f4b9-4cca-9d78-2dc8ec616e67}{185}" paraid="354029338" xml:lang="EN-GB"><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-like-walking-barefoot-on-hot-desert-shoaib-akhtars-hilariously-trolls-psl-2021-anthem-362658" hreflang="en">WATCH- 'Worst song ever': Shoaib Akhtar hilariously trolls PSL 2021 anthem</a></strong></p>

<p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{5f5a406e-a6f4-4f08-aeb5-47311d4cfe2b}{163}" paraid="378506213" xml:lang="EN-GB">"He was always first choice to play the opening Test but it will depend on skipper Virat Kohli, head coach Ravi Shastri and bowling coach Bharath Arun," a senior BCCI source told PTI on Wednesday.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{5f5a406e-a6f4-4f08-aeb5-47311d4cfe2b}{172}" paraid="2100207208" xml:lang="EN-GB">Indian skipper Virat Kohli expressed his disappointment on Nadeem's performance during the post-match presentation where he said that Nadeem and Washington Sundar failed to maintain the pressure created by the likes of Jasprit&nbsp;Bumrah, Ishant Sharma and Ravichandran Ashwin.&nbsp;Sundar, who impressed with the bat, is set to keep his place in the playing XI.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{5f5a406e-a6f4-4f08-aeb5-47311d4cfe2b}{172}" paraid="2100207208" xml:lang="EN-GB"><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/icc-test-rankings-india-skipper-virat-kohli-slips-to-fifth-spot-as-joe-root-enters-top-3-362638" hreflang="en">ICC Test Rankings: India skipper Virat Kohli slips to fifth spot as Joe Root enters top 3</a></strong></p>

<p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{4c1b9f91-8f40-4500-b1ac-13f32f34b651}{69}" paraid="1911715267" xml:lang="EN-GB">Meanwhile, the new&nbsp;Chepauk&nbsp;strip could offer turn from Day 1 itself with pressure mounting on rookie curator V Ramesh Kumar and BCCI head of pitches and grounds committee head Taposh Chatterjee after one of the flattest decks that was on offer during the first Test.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{2280a3bc-3fc5-467e-8edc-4a3966c42926}{213}" paraid="407915595" xml:lang="EN-GB">The second Test between India and England is set to commence from February 13.&nbsp;</p>


Left-arm spinner Shahbaz Nadeem is set to be dropped from the Indian playing XI for the second Test against England at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, scheduled to start from February 13.

Left-arm spinner Shahbaz Nadeem is set to be dropped from the Indian playing XI for the second Test against England at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, scheduled to start from February 13. Nadeem was heavily criticised for his performance in the opening Test against England, which India lost by a massive 227-run margin. Nadeem managed to pick just four wickets in the match while also failing to stop the run-flow from his end. While Nadeem's replacement in the playing XI will only be decided by Friday, according to PTI, all-rounder Axar Patel is set to replace him. Axar missed the first Test against England due to a knee injury but is now match-fit. He has already started batting at the nets. "Axar had a minor knee niggle and has already started batting at the nets. He is expected to start bowling during the next couple of days." ALSO READ: WATCH- 'Worst song ever': Shoaib Akhtar hilariously trolls PSL 2021 anthem "He was always first choice to play the opening Test but it will depend on skipper Virat Kohli, head coach Ravi Shastri and bowling coach Bharath Arun," a senior BCCI source told PTI on Wednesday. Indian skipper Virat Kohli expressed his disappointment on Nadeem's performance during the post-match presentation where he said that Nadeem and Washington Sundar failed to maintain the pressure created by the likes of Jasprit Bumrah, Ishant Sharma and Ravichandran Ashwin. Sundar, who impressed with the bat, is set to keep his place in the playing XI. ALSO READ: ICC Test Rankings: India skipper Virat Kohli slips to fifth spot as Joe Root enters top 3 Meanwhile, the new Chepauk strip could offer turn from Day 1 itself with pressure mounting on rookie curator V Ramesh Kumar and BCCI head of pitches and grounds committee head Taposh Chatterjee after one of the flattest decks that was on offer during the first Test. The second Test between India and England is set to commence from February 13.

IND vs ENG 2nd Test: Shahbaz Nadeem set to be dropped as Axar Patel returns in nets

<p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{be3d9681-c159-4585-8cbc-661040074b50}{203}" paraid="1642555432" xml:lang="EN-GB">Former England skipper Nasser Hussain has predicted that Joe Root will end up shattering all the Test batting records by country's batsmen while adding the 30-year-old is arguably England's best-ever player of spin bowling.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{dbd98b8c-6288-4a2b-b074-7eddc2c52054}{108}" paraid="222867695" xml:lang="EN-GB">Root continued his purple patch with the willow as he hammered 218 runs and 40 runs off 32 deliveries in the two innings respectively in the first Test against India as England defeated the hosts&nbsp;by 227 runs in Chennai to complete a historic win.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{3075f764-6d16-44cd-9d94-a5bcf3dab87e}{110}" paraid="1359759467" xml:lang="EN-GB">“Root sure is one of England’s greats. He will probably end up breaking all records, he will probably go past Sir Alastair Cook’s 161 Test matches and probably tally of runs as well,” Hussain wrote in his column for Sky Sports.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{c9e8d941-a777-4a59-be10-e9144fba9d3d}{246}" paraid="262497812" xml:lang="EN-GB">“He is in great&nbsp;nick, only 30 years old, and if you did a list of all-time England batting greats - the ones I have seen anyway - you’d have to have Root with Cook, Graham Gooch and Kevin Pietersen,” Hussain said.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{c9e8d941-a777-4a59-be10-e9144fba9d3d}{246}" paraid="262497812" xml:lang="EN-GB"><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/icc-test-rankings-india-skipper-virat-kohli-slips-to-fifth-spot-as-joe-root-enters-top-3-362638" hreflang="en">ICC Test Rankings: India skipper Virat Kohli slips to fifth spot as Joe Root enters top 3</a></strong></p>

<p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{280a7f80-acf9-44c6-acad-7e2a71293902}{23}" paraid="636630403" xml:lang="EN-GB">“I would say he is arguably England’s best-ever player of spin, the way he sweeps spin away is outstanding to watch.”&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{3075f764-6d16-44cd-9d94-a5bcf3dab87e}{165}" paraid="937032504" xml:lang="EN-GB">Hussain further branded&nbsp;England's win against India as “perfect performance" while adding the triumph in Chennai is right up there with all the epic wins in the longest format of the game.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{280a7f80-acf9-44c6-acad-7e2a71293902}{47}" paraid="579133950" xml:lang="EN-GB">“People were writing England off, saying this series could be 4-0 to India. No one really gave this side much of a chance. India had won in Australia, Virat Kohli was back and India is a very difficult place to go and win in Test match cricket,” he said.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{280a7f80-acf9-44c6-acad-7e2a71293902}{47}" paraid="579133950" xml:lang="EN-GB"><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/when-india-wins-the-toss-he-will-score-250-ashish-nehra-on-virat-kohli-362622" hreflang="en">'When India wins the toss, he will score 250': Ashish Nehra on Virat Kohli</a></strong></p>

<p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{5f62758b-958d-4887-99b8-e791c0b2fbd2}{96}" paraid="31593759" xml:lang="EN-GB">"So, this win for England has to be right up there, especially away from home. They put in the perfect performance. From ball one to the final delivery, it was outstanding.”&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{5f62758b-958d-4887-99b8-e791c0b2fbd2}{216}" paraid="118801140" xml:lang="EN-GB">England will look to carry the winning momentum when they take the field for the second Test against India at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, scheduled to start from February 13. Whereas India would be itching to set the record straight and bounce back in the series, which England lead by 1-0.&nbsp;</p>


Former England skipper Nasser Hussain has predicted that Joe Root will end up shattering all the Test batting records by country's batsmen while adding the 30-year-old is arguably England's best-ever player of spin bowling.

Former England skipper Nasser Hussain has predicted that Joe Root will end up shattering all the Test batting records by country's batsmen while adding the 30-year-old is arguably England's best-ever player of spin bowling. Root continued his purple patch with the willow as he hammered 218 runs and 40 runs off 32 deliveries in the two innings respectively in the first Test against India as England defeated the hosts by 227 runs in Chennai to complete a historic win. “Root sure is one of England’s greats. He will probably end up breaking all records, he will probably go past Sir Alastair Cook’s 161 Test matches and probably tally of runs as well,” Hussain wrote in his column for Sky Sports. “He is in great nick, only 30 years old, and if you did a list of all-time England batting greats - the ones I have seen anyway - you’d have to have Root with Cook, Graham Gooch and Kevin Pietersen,” Hussain said. ALSO READ: ICC Test Rankings: India skipper Virat Kohli slips to fifth spot as Joe Root enters top 3 “I would say he is arguably England’s best-ever player of spin, the way he sweeps spin away is outstanding to watch.” Hussain further branded England's win against India as “perfect performance" while adding the triumph in Chennai is right up there with all the epic wins in the longest format of the game. “People were writing England off, saying this series could be 4-0 to India. No one really gave this side much of a chance. India had won in Australia, Virat Kohli was back and India is a very difficult place to go and win in Test match cricket,” he said. ALSO READ: 'When India wins the toss, he will score 250': Ashish Nehra on Virat Kohli "So, this win for England has to be right up there, especially away from home. They put in the perfect performance. From ball one to the final delivery, it was outstanding.” England will look to carry the winning momentum when they take the field for the second Test against India at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, scheduled to start from February 13. Whereas India would be itching to set the record straight and bounce back in the series, which England lead by 1-0.

Will end up breaking all records: Nasser Hussain praises Joe Root after Chennai Test heroics

<p class="MsoNormal">James Anderson, in the first Test against India in Chennai, showed why he is hailed as one of the greatest exponents with the red-ball. The England veteran pacer enjoyed a fruitful outing on Day 5 of the first Test, wrapping up the likes of Shubman Gill and Ajinkya Rahane with some cracking display of reverse-swing. <o:p></o:p></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">Anderson bowled two back-to-back peaches to dismiss Gill and Rahane in a similar fashion with the ball pitching just outside off-stump at a good length before coming back to take the stumps for a ride. Not only did Anderson’s dual blow allowed England to get a strong grip into the match, it also broke the backbone of the Indian batting unit. <o:p></o:p></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">The 38-year-old then came back to get rid of an in-form Rishabh Pant to put England in a match-winning position. The visitors went on to win the match by 227 runs to take a 1-0 lead in the series.</p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/rishabh-pant-factor-held-england-back-from-early-declaration-joe-root-362495" hreflang="en">Rishabh Pant factor held England back from early declaration: Joe Root</a></strong></p>

<h2 class="MsoNormal"><o:p>Here's James Anderson's epic full-over:&nbsp;</o:p></h2>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">0W00W0<br />
Full over of James Anderson<a href="https://t.co/lWEEReud3T">pic.twitter.com/lWEEReud3T</a></p>
— Praveen (@iamPra98) <a href="https://twitter.com/iamPra98/status/1359146828759855105?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 9, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Must be really cloudy in Chennai <a href="https://t.co/PVhX5SUjHC">pic.twitter.com/PVhX5SUjHC</a></p>
— Peter Miller (@TheCricketGeek) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheCricketGeek/status/1359026106205155328?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 9, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>“The ball was reversing. We knew we had to get the lengths right and I managed to do that. I got a bit of luck with the bounce there. Reverse swing was huge for us. The pitch was obviously slow and deteriorating so movement in the air makes us seamers feel we can get a wicket any ball. I am feeling great. Had a good tour of Sri Lanka and have managed to carry on the form here as well,” Anderson said after the end of the first Test.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-eng-kevin-pietersen-tweets-in-hindi-reminds-fans-of-his-warning-following-chennai-test-362478" hreflang="en">IND vs ENG: Kevin Pietersen tweets in Hindi, reminds fans of his warning following Chennai Test</a></strong></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">“Glad to have got the nod for this game, we have a good lot of bowlers here. It was hard graft out there for five days, now need to rest well for three days and come hard again in... well three days (smiles). Root is a great player of spin. Has led us from the front, led by example. Hopefully, he can continue the form and the rest of us can chip in,” the England veteran added.<o:p></o:p></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">It remains to be seen whether Anderson gets the nod for the second Test with England’s strong rotation policy coming into the play. It was Stuart Broad who missed out of the match and is expected to come back into the playing XI for the second Test, scheduled to start from February 13 in Chennai.<o:p></o:p></p>


James Anderson, in the first Test against India in Chennai, showed why he is hailed as one of the greatest exponents with the red-ball. The England veteran pacer enjoyed a fruitful outing on Day 5 of the first Test, wrapping up the likes of Shubman Gill and Ajinkya Rahane with some cracking display of reverse-swing.

James Anderson, in the first Test against India in Chennai, showed why he is hailed as one of the greatest exponents with the red-ball. The England veteran pacer enjoyed a fruitful outing on Day 5 of the first Test, wrapping up the likes of Shubman Gill and Ajinkya Rahane with some cracking display of reverse-swing. Anderson bowled two back-to-back peaches to dismiss Gill and Rahane in a similar fashion with the ball pitching just outside off-stump at a good length before coming back to take the stumps for a ride. Not only did Anderson’s dual blow allowed England to get a strong grip into the match, it also broke the backbone of the Indian batting unit. The 38-year-old then came back to get rid of an in-form Rishabh Pant to put England in a match-winning position. The visitors went on to win the match by 227 runs to take a 1-0 lead in the series. ALSO READ: Rishabh Pant factor held England back from early declaration: Joe Root Here's James Anderson's epic full-over: 0W00W0 Full over of James Andersonpic.twitter.com/lWEEReud3T — Praveen (@iamPra98) February 9, 2021 × Must be really cloudy in Chennai pic.twitter.com/PVhX5SUjHC — Peter Miller (@TheCricketGeek) February 9, 2021 × “The ball was reversing. We knew we had to get the lengths right and I managed to do that. I got a bit of luck with the bounce there. Reverse swing was huge for us. The pitch was obviously slow and deteriorating so movement in the air makes us seamers feel we can get a wicket any ball. I am feeling great. Had a good tour of Sri Lanka and have managed to carry on the form here as well,” Anderson said after the end of the first Test. ALSO READ: IND vs ENG: Kevin Pietersen tweets in Hindi, reminds fans of his warning following Chennai Test “Glad to have got the nod for this game, we have a good lot of bowlers here. It was hard graft out there for five days, now need to rest well for three days and come hard again in... well three days (smiles). Root is a great player of spin. Has led us from the front, led by example. Hopefully, he can continue the form and the rest of us can chip in,” the England veteran added. It remains to be seen whether Anderson gets the nod for the second Test with England’s strong rotation policy coming into the play. It was Stuart Broad who missed out of the match and is expected to come back into the playing XI for the second Test, scheduled to start from February 13 in Chennai.

Watch: James Anderson dismisses Shubman Gill, Ajinkya Rahane with jaffas!

<p class="MsoNormal">England faced a lot of criticism for holding on to their declaration on Day 4 of the first Test against India. While the visitors decided to set a target for Team India without declaring early or either enforcing the follow-on.&nbsp;</p>

<p class="MsoNormal">England went on to set a target of 420 runs for Team India. As the decision to not declare the innings stood right following England’s massive 227-run win against India, Joe Root explained why he decided against declaring the innings early.&nbsp;</p>

<p class="MsoNormal">Root said that Rishabh Pant’s ability to change the game in one session while adding he didn’t want the England bowlers to be in two minds about the final day of the match.</p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-eng-kevin-pietersen-tweets-in-hindi-reminds-fans-of-his-warning-following-chennai-test-362478" hreflang="en">IND vs ENG: Kevin Pietersen tweets in Hindi, reminds fans of his warning following Chennai Test</a></strong></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">"We could have declared earlier, for sure, we could have. I wanted to make sure that there were only two results possible in this game. I wanted to make sure that we turned up today with the ball still being hard. We wanted to give our bowlers an extra bit of time to be raring to go," Root told reporters at the virtual press conference.</p>

<p class="MsoNormal">"We wanted to get to 400 and then we wanted to press the accelerator. Actually, it was going to be really important that we had runs on the board as it was a fast outfield," he added.</p>

<p class="MsoNormal">"Rishabh Pant bats for one session and he can make things quite interesting. I did not want the pressure of having to contain and as well as take wickets. I wanted to make sure that the bowlers were concentrating on the ways of finding the wickets on that surface.</p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/joe-root-equals-michael-vaughan-as-most-successful-england-captain-in-his-100th-test-362448" hreflang="en">Joe Root equals Michael Vaughan as most successful England captain in his 100th Test</a></strong></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">"We were always going to create ten chances, we just had to be disciplined and take the chances that came our way. We could have declared earlier, I am just glad how it has turned out," he further said.</p>

<p class="MsoNormal">Root capped off his 100th Test match in style with the England skipper scoring a scintillating double century in the first innings to help his side gain advantage going into the second innings. Eventually, England took a 1-0 lead in the series and will look to continue their winning run when they take the field for the second Test starting from February 13 in Chennai.<br />
<o:p></o:p></p>


England faced a lot of criticism for holding on to their declaration on Day 4 of the first Test against India. While the visitors decided to set a target for Team India without declaring early or either enforcing the follow-on.

England faced a lot of criticism for holding on to their declaration on Day 4 of the first Test against India. While the visitors decided to set a target for Team India without declaring early or either enforcing the follow-on. England went on to set a target of 420 runs for Team India. As the decision to not declare the innings stood right following England’s massive 227-run win against India, Joe Root explained why he decided against declaring the innings early. Root said that Rishabh Pant’s ability to change the game in one session while adding he didn’t want the England bowlers to be in two minds about the final day of the match. ALSO READ: IND vs ENG: Kevin Pietersen tweets in Hindi, reminds fans of his warning following Chennai Test "We could have declared earlier, for sure, we could have. I wanted to make sure that there were only two results possible in this game. I wanted to make sure that we turned up today with the ball still being hard. We wanted to give our bowlers an extra bit of time to be raring to go," Root told reporters at the virtual press conference. "We wanted to get to 400 and then we wanted to press the accelerator. Actually, it was going to be really important that we had runs on the board as it was a fast outfield," he added. "Rishabh Pant bats for one session and he can make things quite interesting. I did not want the pressure of having to contain and as well as take wickets. I wanted to make sure that the bowlers were concentrating on the ways of finding the wickets on that surface. ALSO READ: Joe Root equals Michael Vaughan as most successful England captain in his 100th Test "We were always going to create ten chances, we just had to be disciplined and take the chances that came our way. We could have declared earlier, I am just glad how it has turned out," he further said. Root capped off his 100th Test match in style with the England skipper scoring a scintillating double century in the first innings to help his side gain advantage going into the second innings. Eventually, England took a 1-0 lead in the series and will look to continue their winning run when they take the field for the second Test starting from February 13 in Chennai.

Rishabh Pant factor held England back from early declaration: Joe Root

<p>England on Tuesday defeated India by a crushing 227-run margin in the first Test of the four-match series at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. While the match marked an end to India’s 14-match unbeaten streak at home, former England batsman Kevin Pietersen took to social media platform to tweet in the Hindi language to celebrate and remind Indian fans of what he had said before the series started.</p>

<p>Ahead of the series, Pietersen had warned Indian fans not to celebrate the historic Test series triumph against Australia much. At that time, the former England batsman had said that the real team will arrive in India a few weeks later while adding that a lot can change within a span of two weeks.</p>

<p>England dominated the proceedings against India in Chennai to win the Test 227 runs. While skipper Joe Root celebrated his 100th Test with a cracking double century, the likes of Dom Bess and James Anderson rattled the Indian batsmen with their classy bowling display.</p>

<p>“India , yaad hai maine pehele hi chetawani di thi ke itna jasn na manaye jab aapne Australia ko unke ghar pe haraya tha,” tweeted Pietersen. (India, remember when I warned you before to refrain from celebrating too much when you had beaten Australia in their backyard).</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/family-live-streams-india-vs-england-chennai-test-at-wedding-venue-photograph-goes-viral-362460" hreflang="en">Family live-streams India vs England Chennai Test at wedding venue, photograph goes viral</a></strong></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="hi">India , yaad hai maine pehele hi chetawani di thi ke itna jasn na manaye jab aapne Australia ko unke ghar pe haraya tha 😉</p>
— Kevin Pietersen🦏 (@KP24) <a href="https://twitter.com/KP24/status/1359059768082579456?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 9, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>“India - yeh aitihaasik jeet ka jashn manaye kyuki yeh sabhi baadhao ke khilaap hasil hui hai (This is a historic win, you must celebrate because it has been achieved despite all obstacles),” the ex-England captain had tweeted.</p>

<p>“LEKIN, ASLI TEAM toh kuch hafto baad a rahi hai jisse aapko harana hoga apne ghar mein. Satark rahe, 2 saptaah mein bahut adhik jashn manaane se saavadhaan rahen (However, the real challenge comes your way in a few weeks, and you have to beat them at home. Be careful, refrain from celebrating too much in the coming two weeks),” he had written while referring to the England team.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/there-are-no-regrets-whatsoever-on-that-decision-virat-kohli-on-kuldeep-yadavs-omission-from-playing-xi-362444" hreflang="en">'There are no regrets whatsoever on that decision': Virat Kohli on Kuldeep Yadav's omission from playing XI</a></strong></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="hi">India 🇮🇳 - yeh aitihaasik jeet ka jashn manaye kyuki yeh sabhi baadhao ke khilaap hasil hui hai<br />
<br />
LEKIN , ASLI TEAM 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 😉 toh kuch hafto baad a rahi hai jisse aapko harana hoga apne ghar mein .<br />
<br />
Satark rahe , 2 saptaah mein bahut adhik jashn manaane se saavadhaan rahen 😉</p>
— Kevin Pietersen🦏 (@KP24) <a href="https://twitter.com/KP24/status/1351501549013504001?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 19, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>England will now look to continue their winning run at the same venue in Chennai in the second Test, scheduled to commence from February 13 whereas India will be gunning to bounce back from the setback and level the series.</p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>


England on Tuesday defeated India by a crushing 227-run margin in the first Test of the four-match series at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. While the match marked an end to India’s 14-match unbeaten streak at home, former England batsman Kevin Pietersen took to social media platform to tweet in the Hindi language to celebrate and remind Indian fans of what he had said before the series started.

England on Tuesday defeated India by a crushing 227-run margin in the first Test of the four-match series at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. While the match marked an end to India’s 14-match unbeaten streak at home, former England batsman Kevin Pietersen took to social media platform to tweet in the Hindi language to celebrate and remind Indian fans of what he had said before the series started. Ahead of the series, Pietersen had warned Indian fans not to celebrate the historic Test series triumph against Australia much. At that time, the former England batsman had said that the real team will arrive in India a few weeks later while adding that a lot can change within a span of two weeks. England dominated the proceedings against India in Chennai to win the Test 227 runs. While skipper Joe Root celebrated his 100th Test with a cracking double century, the likes of Dom Bess and James Anderson rattled the Indian batsmen with their classy bowling display. “India , yaad hai maine pehele hi chetawani di thi ke itna jasn na manaye jab aapne Australia ko unke ghar pe haraya tha,” tweeted Pietersen. (India, remember when I warned you before to refrain from celebrating too much when you had beaten Australia in their backyard). ALSO READ: Family live-streams India vs England Chennai Test at wedding venue, photograph goes viral India , yaad hai maine pehele hi chetawani di thi ke itna jasn na manaye jab aapne Australia ko unke ghar pe haraya tha 😉 — Kevin Pietersen🦏 (@KP24) February 9, 2021 × “India - yeh aitihaasik jeet ka jashn manaye kyuki yeh sabhi baadhao ke khilaap hasil hui hai (This is a historic win, you must celebrate because it has been achieved despite all obstacles),” the ex-England captain had tweeted. “LEKIN, ASLI TEAM toh kuch hafto baad a rahi hai jisse aapko harana hoga apne ghar mein. Satark rahe, 2 saptaah mein bahut adhik jashn manaane se saavadhaan rahen (However, the real challenge comes your way in a few weeks, and you have to beat them at home. Be careful, refrain from celebrating too much in the coming two weeks),” he had written while referring to the England team. ALSO READ: 'There are no regrets whatsoever on that decision': Virat Kohli on Kuldeep Yadav's omission from playing XI India 🇮🇳 - yeh aitihaasik jeet ka jashn manaye kyuki yeh sabhi baadhao ke khilaap hasil hui hai LEKIN , ASLI TEAM 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 😉 toh kuch hafto baad a rahi hai jisse aapko harana hoga apne ghar mein . Satark rahe , 2 saptaah mein bahut adhik jashn manaane se saavadhaan rahen 😉 — Kevin Pietersen🦏 (@KP24) January 19, 2021 × England will now look to continue their winning run at the same venue in Chennai in the second Test, scheduled to commence from February 13 whereas India will be gunning to bounce back from the setback and level the series.

IND vs ENG: Kevin Pietersen tweets in Hindi, reminds fans of his warning following Chennai Test

<p>England on Tuesday inflicted a crushing 227-run on India in the first Test at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai in what was a dominating performance from the visitors. England Test captain Joe Root enjoyed a perfect 100th Test match as he not only led his side to a memorable win, which was also the biggest in terms of runs on Indian soil, but also helped the cause with a sensational double century in the first innings to set the platform.</p>

<p>Root smashed a fantastic 218 in the first innings to help England post a mammoth total of 578 runs. The elegant batter went on to score a quickfire 40 off 32 balls in the second innings. His performance was rewarded with a Man of the Match trophy at the end of the game.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The win for England means Joe Root has now led England to as many as six Test wins in Asia. Only Graeme Smith and Clive Lloyd have more wins than Root as a captain in Asian conditions.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/virat-kohlis-captaincy-career-could-end-if-india-lose-2nd-test-against-england-monty-panesar-to-wion-362418" hreflang="en">Virat Kohli's captaincy career could end if India lose 2nd Test against England: Monty Panesar to WION</a></strong></p>

<p>Root, with the 227-run win in Chennai, now has 26 wins for England as Test captain as he equals former skipper Michael Vaughan’s tally. This was Root's tenth win overseas as skipper surpassing Vaughan's nine, both leading in 22 matches apiece.</p>

<p>This was England’s sixth back-to-back win under Root in Asian conditions with no other team barring Australia (seven consecutive wins) registering more than three consecutive victories.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“To take 20 wickets in alien conditions is a brilliant job from the bowlers. Knew from the outset it was going to be a good wicket. The first partnership got us going. Different stages guys came in and contributed. That's got to be the way - if we're going to win out here someone has to do that. Fortunately, it was me this week,” said Root after the match.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/no-excuses-virat-kohli-assesses-indias-horror-defeat-in-chennai-against-england-362398" hreflang="en">'No excuses': Virat Kohli assesses India's horror defeat in Chennai against England</a></strong></p>

<p>“We know that India are going to come back hard at us. The idea was to get to 400. Didn't quite materialise like that. But having spent some time out there, I knew the wicket had changed drastically and knew it was going to change again. Wanted to take India's win out of the equation. As a bowling group, we didn't want to worry about the run rate. Standing here, having won the first game is very pleasing,” he added.</p>

<p>England will look to continue their winning run when they take the field for the second Test in Chennai from February 13 whereas India would be itching to bounce back stronger.</p>


England on Tuesday inflicted a crushing 227-run on India in the first Test at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai in what was a dominating performance from the visitors.

England on Tuesday inflicted a crushing 227-run on India in the first Test at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai in what was a dominating performance from the visitors. England Test captain Joe Root enjoyed a perfect 100th Test match as he not only led his side to a memorable win, which was also the biggest in terms of runs on Indian soil, but also helped the cause with a sensational double century in the first innings to set the platform. Root smashed a fantastic 218 in the first innings to help England post a mammoth total of 578 runs. The elegant batter went on to score a quickfire 40 off 32 balls in the second innings. His performance was rewarded with a Man of the Match trophy at the end of the game. The win for England means Joe Root has now led England to as many as six Test wins in Asia. Only Graeme Smith and Clive Lloyd have more wins than Root as a captain in Asian conditions. ALSO READ: Virat Kohli's captaincy career could end if India lose 2nd Test against England: Monty Panesar to WION Root, with the 227-run win in Chennai, now has 26 wins for England as Test captain as he equals former skipper Michael Vaughan’s tally. This was Root's tenth win overseas as skipper surpassing Vaughan's nine, both leading in 22 matches apiece. This was England’s sixth back-to-back win under Root in Asian conditions with no other team barring Australia (seven consecutive wins) registering more than three consecutive victories. “To take 20 wickets in alien conditions is a brilliant job from the bowlers. Knew from the outset it was going to be a good wicket. The first partnership got us going. Different stages guys came in and contributed. That's got to be the way - if we're going to win out here someone has to do that. Fortunately, it was me this week,” said Root after the match. ALSO READ: 'No excuses': Virat Kohli assesses India's horror defeat in Chennai against England “We know that India are going to come back hard at us. The idea was to get to 400. Didn't quite materialise like that. But having spent some time out there, I knew the wicket had changed drastically and knew it was going to change again. Wanted to take India's win out of the equation. As a bowling group, we didn't want to worry about the run rate. Standing here, having won the first game is very pleasing,” he added. England will look to continue their winning run when they take the field for the second Test in Chennai from February 13 whereas India would be itching to bounce back stronger.

Joe Root equals Michael Vaughan as most successful England captain in his 100th Test

<p>Former England spinner Monty Panesar has said that Virat Kohli’s Test captaincy career could come to an end if India lose the second Test, scheduled to the played at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai from February 13. The Kohli-led Indian team suffered a crushing 227-run defeat against England in Chennai with the visitors going 1-0 up in the four-Test series.</p>

<p>England also brought an end to India’s domination at home by inflicting their first defeat in Chennai since 1999. The crushing 227-run defeat against England also marks an end to India’s 14-match unbeaten streak in home Tests.</p>

<p>The four-Test series started amid debates on who should be India’s Test captain after Ajinkya Rahane incredibly led the side to a historic Test series win in Australia. Under Kohli’s captaincy, India have now lost their last four Test matches – two in New Zealand in 2019/20, Adelaide Test in Australia and the latest coming in Chennai.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/no-excuses-virat-kohli-assesses-indias-horror-defeat-in-chennai-against-england-362398" hreflang="en">'No excuses': Virat Kohli assesses India's horror defeat in Chennai against England</a></strong></p>

<p>With calls regarding India’s Test captain intensifying with post-match reactions coming from fans and pundits, Panesar said that Kohli’s captaincy could to an end if India lose the second Test in Chennai against England.</p>

<p>“Virat Kohli is one of the greatest batsmen of all-time. But the team is simply not doing well under him and we have the result in the last four Test that India played under him. I think Kohli will be under pressure and more now because Rahane has done phenomenally well as the captain. India have already lost four Tests in a row and if the number goes to five in the next match, then I think he will step down from his role,” Monty Panesar told WION in an exclusive interaction after the end of first Test.</p>

<p>Panesar, who picked up 17 wickets in England’s historic series win against India in 2012/13, also criticized Kohli and Indian team management’s move to play Shahbaz Nadeem over Kuldeep Yadav.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/first-time-in-more-than-100-years-r-ashwin-achieves-unique-feat-in-test-cricket-362103" hreflang="en">First time in more than 100 years! R Ashwin achieves unique feat in Test cricket</a></strong></p>

<p>Nadeem struggled for consistency during the course of the Test as he gave away 167 runs in 44 overs, and 66 in 15 overs in the two innings respectively. The left-arm orthodox spinner managed to scalp just four wickets while bowling eight no balls in both the innings.</p>

<p>“I just don’t understand why India would play Shahbaz Nadeem over Kuldeep Yadav. Kuldeep has been with the team since ages, he is bowling regularly in the nets and is in a rhythm. I don’t know how much Nadeem has played since the lockdown but Kuldeep should have started,” Panesar, who played 50 Tests for England, added.</p>

<p>Reflecting on the massive 227-run win, Panesar said it is a moment of history that has bring joy to the England cricket fans.</p>

<p>“It is an unbelievable win. The way England have played over the last five days show how much confidence is there in that team. Joe Root needs to be lauded for the way he led his troops from the front. Everyone in that team stepped up in some manner and that is what makes team sport great. The players need to savior this moment. It will be celebrated for long,” Panesar concluded.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/icc-world-test-championship-india-drop-to-4th-after-chennai-test-heres-updated-standings-362403" hreflang="en">ICC World Test Championship: India drop to 4th after Chennai Test; Here's updated standings</a></strong></p>

<p>England, after posting a mammoth 578 runs in the first innings, bundled out India for 337 before posting a target of 420 runs for the hosts. However, India, in reply, were skittled out for 192 runs to complete the 227-run defeat.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While India will look to bounce back in the second Test, to be played in Chennai from February 13; England will be looking to carry the winning momentum. England lead the series 0-1.</p>


Former England spinner Monty Panesar has said that Virat Kohli’s Test captaincy career could come to an end if India lose the second Test, scheduled to the played at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai from February 13.

Former England spinner Monty Panesar has said that Virat Kohli’s Test captaincy career could come to an end if India lose the second Test, scheduled to the played at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai from February 13. The Kohli-led Indian team suffered a crushing 227-run defeat against England in Chennai with the visitors going 1-0 up in the four-Test series. England also brought an end to India’s domination at home by inflicting their first defeat in Chennai since 1999. The crushing 227-run defeat against England also marks an end to India’s 14-match unbeaten streak in home Tests. The four-Test series started amid debates on who should be India’s Test captain after Ajinkya Rahane incredibly led the side to a historic Test series win in Australia. Under Kohli’s captaincy, India have now lost their last four Test matches – two in New Zealand in 2019/20, Adelaide Test in Australia and the latest coming in Chennai. ALSO READ: 'No excuses': Virat Kohli assesses India's horror defeat in Chennai against England With calls regarding India’s Test captain intensifying with post-match reactions coming from fans and pundits, Panesar said that Kohli’s captaincy could to an end if India lose the second Test in Chennai against England. “Virat Kohli is one of the greatest batsmen of all-time. But the team is simply not doing well under him and we have the result in the last four Test that India played under him. I think Kohli will be under pressure and more now because Rahane has done phenomenally well as the captain. India have already lost four Tests in a row and if the number goes to five in the next match, then I think he will step down from his role,” Monty Panesar told WION in an exclusive interaction after the end of first Test. Panesar, who picked up 17 wickets in England’s historic series win against India in 2012/13, also criticized Kohli and Indian team management’s move to play Shahbaz Nadeem over Kuldeep Yadav. ALSO READ: First time in more than 100 years! R Ashwin achieves unique feat in Test cricket Nadeem struggled for consistency during the course of the Test as he gave away 167 runs in 44 overs, and 66 in 15 overs in the two innings respectively. The left-arm orthodox spinner managed to scalp just four wickets while bowling eight no balls in both the innings. “I just don’t understand why India would play Shahbaz Nadeem over Kuldeep Yadav. Kuldeep has been with the team since ages, he is bowling regularly in the nets and is in a rhythm. I don’t know how much Nadeem has played since the lockdown but Kuldeep should have started,” Panesar, who played 50 Tests for England, added. Reflecting on the massive 227-run win, Panesar said it is a moment of history that has bring joy to the England cricket fans. “It is an unbelievable win. The way England have played over the last five days show how much confidence is there in that team. Joe Root needs to be lauded for the way he led his troops from the front. Everyone in that team stepped up in some manner and that is what makes team sport great. The players need to savior this moment. It will be celebrated for long,” Panesar concluded. ALSO READ: ICC World Test Championship: India drop to 4th after Chennai Test; Here's updated standings England, after posting a mammoth 578 runs in the first innings, bundled out India for 337 before posting a target of 420 runs for the hosts. However, India, in reply, were skittled out for 192 runs to complete the 227-run defeat. While India will look to bounce back in the second Test, to be played in Chennai from February 13; England will be looking to carry the winning momentum. England lead the series 0-1.

Virat Kohli's captaincy career could end if India lose 2nd Test against England: Monty Panesar to WION

<p>England’s winning start against India in their ICC World Test Championship series has kept alive the visiting side’s hopes of making the final of the nine-team competition.</p>

<p>The victory at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Tuesday has lifted England to first place and 70.2 percentage points on the points table and they’ve improved their chances of securing one of the three series results in their favour that could see them through to the final – 3-1, 3-0 or 4-0.</p>

<p>New Zealand have already qualified for the final winning 70.0 per cent of their matches (with no other series scheduled) while India and Australia remain in contention for the other place along with England.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/no-excuses-virat-kohli-assesses-indias-horror-defeat-in-chennai-against-england-362398" hreflang="en">'No excuses': Virat Kohli assesses India's horror defeat in Chennai against England</a></strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Qualification scenarios for the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WTC21?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WTC21</a> finals:<br />
<br />
India can still qualify if...<br />
🇮🇳 2-1<br />
🇮🇳 3-1<br />
<br />
England qualify if...<br />
🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 3-0<br />
🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 3-1<br />
🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 4-0<br />
<br />
Australia qualify if...<br />
🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 1-0<br />
🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 2-0<br />
🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 2-1<br />
🤝 1-1<br />
🤝 2-2</p>
— ICC (@ICC) <a href="https://twitter.com/ICC/status/1359062949999050760?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 9, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
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<p>India, who have slipped to fourth position with 68.3 percentage points, cannot afford another loss in the four-match series and will be looking to win at least two of the remaining three matches to secure a 2-1 or 3-1 result and a place in the final. Australia will get to feature in a Trans-Tasman summit clash if the India-England series is drawn or if England win 1-0, 2-1 or 2-0.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-eng-first-test-england-go-1-0-up-in-the-series-as-they-beat-india-by-227-runs-362394" hreflang="en">IND vs ENG, First Test: England go 1-0 up in the series as they beat India by 227 runs</a></strong></p>

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">A huge win over India in the first Test has propelled England to the top of the ICC World Test Championship standings 👀<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WTC21?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WTC21</a> <a href="https://t.co/8AaC8XMrjr">pic.twitter.com/8AaC8XMrjr</a></p>
— ICC (@ICC) <a href="https://twitter.com/ICC/status/1359052396752633862?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 9, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Pakistan’s 2-0 home win over South Africa sees them finish the series in fifth position with 43.3 percentage points, while South Africa slip to sixth position with 30.0 percentage points.</p>

<p>West Indies are seventh with 23.8 percentage points after their epic victory in the first Test against Bangladesh, who are last on the table and yet to win a point.</p>


England’s winning start against India in their ICC World Test Championship series has kept alive the visiting side’s hopes of making the final of the nine-team competition.

England’s winning start against India in their ICC World Test Championship series has kept alive the visiting side’s hopes of making the final of the nine-team competition. The victory at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Tuesday has lifted England to first place and 70.2 percentage points on the points table and they’ve improved their chances of securing one of the three series results in their favour that could see them through to the final – 3-1, 3-0 or 4-0. New Zealand have already qualified for the final winning 70.0 per cent of their matches (with no other series scheduled) while India and Australia remain in contention for the other place along with England. ALSO READ: 'No excuses': Virat Kohli assesses India's horror defeat in Chennai against England Qualification scenarios for the #WTC21 finals: India can still qualify if... 🇮🇳 2-1 🇮🇳 3-1 England qualify if... 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 3-0 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 3-1 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 4-0 Australia qualify if... 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 1-0 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 2-0 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 2-1 🤝 1-1 🤝 2-2 — ICC (@ICC) February 9, 2021 × India, who have slipped to fourth position with 68.3 percentage points, cannot afford another loss in the four-match series and will be looking to win at least two of the remaining three matches to secure a 2-1 or 3-1 result and a place in the final. Australia will get to feature in a Trans-Tasman summit clash if the India-England series is drawn or if England win 1-0, 2-1 or 2-0. ALSO READ: IND vs ENG, First Test: England go 1-0 up in the series as they beat India by 227 runs A huge win over India in the first Test has propelled England to the top of the ICC World Test Championship standings 👀#WTC21 pic.twitter.com/8AaC8XMrjr — ICC (@ICC) February 9, 2021 × Pakistan’s 2-0 home win over South Africa sees them finish the series in fifth position with 43.3 percentage points, while South Africa slip to sixth position with 30.0 percentage points. West Indies are seventh with 23.8 percentage points after their epic victory in the first Test against Bangladesh, who are last on the table and yet to win a point.

ICC World Test Championship: India drop to 4th after Chennai Test; Here's updated standings

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