India bounced back in Visakhapatnam to defeat England by 106 runs in the second Test and level the 5-match series 1-1. Centuries by Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill followed by a bowling masterpiece by speedster Jasprit Bumrah highlighted India’s spirited victory after a gut-wrenching defeat in Hyderabad. The visitors fought at will in the chase of 399 but the Indian attack folded them for 296 as India tasted victory on the fourth day itself.
With three more games to go in the series, there’s a lot to unfold and former England captain Alastair Cook believes that this Indian side can be beaten again. Speaking on the BBC TMS, he highlighted the Ben Stokes-led side got closer to the target without any hundred from the English camp.
“India will be relieved more than anything. They were under the cosh after the first Test,” Cook said.
“England’s defeat happened because none of their batters had a game-changing performance. That’s what they’ll reflect on. Scores between 30 and 70 don’t secure Test match victories. Despite coming close without any centuries, England will feel disappointed.
“England will certainly learn from this game. This Indian team is certainly beatable once more,” he added.
Gill has serious talent
Cook was all praise for Gill as well. The 24-year-old young batter scored a brilliant hundred in India’s second essay to help the hosts set England a 399-run target. Speaking with TNT Sports, Cook had called the Punjab youngster a future superstar in the making who is very well capable of grabbing the baton passed by Virat Kohli.
“Gill played beautifully. He has serious talent… and there was probably quite a lot of pressure on his shoulders. At the World Cup [in India], all the billboards were of Kohli, but he’s the next one they want to step into his shoes,” Cook had on TNT Sports.
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