Jadeja finished with career-best figures of 7-48 off 25 overs
Image courtesy of: ESPNcricinfo
England only had to see out the final day in order to salvage the fifth Test in Chennai, but India all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja ensured that didn’t happen as he claimed a career-best seven wickets to hand his side an impressive innings and 75-run win.
Not only did Jadeja’s sparkling performance lead to India bowling England out in two sessions, but it also saw them win the five-Test series 4-0.
With their victory, India have gone unbeaten in their last 18 Tests, which is a new record for them. Skipper Virat Kohli also entered the record books as he drew level with Sunil Gavaskar for having captained India in 18 successive Tests without tasting defeat. Gavaskar achieved the feat in his first 18 Tests in charge from 1976 to 1980.
Starting off the day on 12/0, England opener Keaton Jennings and captain Alastair Cook enjoyed a successful first session as the pair worked in tandem to keep the scoreboard ticking.
Jennings and Cook ended up converting their 12-run partnership into a 103-run stand before Cook was removed by Ravindra Jadeja for 49.
Having gained a major boost with the wicket of Cook, Jadeja struck again four overs later as he dismissed Jennings via caught and bowled for 54, which came off 121 balls and included seven boundaries.
Jennings was England’s top-scorer with 54 runs
Image courtesy of: ESPNcricinfo
Jadeja continued to torment England as he took out Joe Root and wicketkeeper Jonny Bairstow in quick succession.
Having lost four wickets for just 26 runs, England were in desperate need of a big partnership, and Moeen Ali and Ben Stokes somewhat provided that with a 63-run stand.
But, once Moeen was sent packing by Jadeja for 44, England’s collapse resumed as Stokes and debutant Liam Dawson were also back in the pavilion soon after.
Things went from bad to worse for the tourists as they continued to lose wickets at regular intervals. As if that wasn’t enough, Jadeja returned to snap up the last two wickets of Stuart Broad and Jake Ball to seal India’s convincing win.
Having scored 477 in their first innings, England made the highest first innings score that led to an innings defeat.
Jadeja was easily the most successful bowler with seven wickets, while Ishant Sharma, Umesh Yadav and Amit Mishra claimed one wicket each.
Cook was less than impressed with his side’s performance, and said: “No excuses, India were the better team and deserved to win. It was a fifth day wicket, out of the rough it turned, we got ourselves in a good position at lunch but it wasn’t enough to get out. We dropped vital chances and India have been punishing us – it’s hard to stop the momentum. Credit to Virat, they’ve outplayed us. Hard to say as a professional but they’ve been better.
“It’s a series of missed opportunities, dropped catches have cost us. Not being able to score enough runs and take enough wickets. It’s a tough dressing room to be in, we tried as hard as we can but it wasn’t good enough. Same for both sides, but momentum can go with you. It’s a tough place to come to.”
India captain Virat Kohli was ecstatic to have won the series 4-0, and said: “[Proud of team?] Absolutely, especially after winning 3-0, coming out and performing like this, evidence of the character in the side. It was evident the way they batted [and] bowled. We wanted the youngsters to step up, someone like KL, then Karun comes in after two Test matches. They got us to a position where there was only one winner.
“Always a tricky position, score 477 then concede a lead of 281, We understood that if we got a couple of wickets, it could slide pretty quickly, Jadeja doing his job, picking up seven – it was great to watch. [4-0 despite losing four tosses?] Toss was out of the equation, pitches out of the equation. Conceded 400 but ended up winning by an innings, that doesn’t happen very often. We worked hard day in, day out, we don’t care what happens outside, lots of respect in the changing room. That’s how we ended up being in a winning position more often than not. Every time were we under the pump, we’ve fronted up. The lower order has made outstanding contributions. [Fast bowlers] The pace was up there, consistency was better than theirs and that makes me very proud.”
India batsman Karun Nair was named Man of the Match for his triple century, and said: “I think it will take a couple of days to set in. I was going through all the texts and wishes that I got [last night]. It’s an amazing feeling when you contribute to winning a match, so hats off to the team. Everyone congratulated me but we were more focused on winning the match. There’s a lot to learn, I’ve been learning each day, working hard on my game.”