Kuldeep Yadav’s Puts India in Command on Day One of Fifth Test Against England

In a remarkable showcase of spin brilliance, Kuldeep Yadav achieved a milestone, becoming the third left-arm wrist spinner to secure 50 Test wickets and clinching his fourth five-wicket haul in red-ball cricket. The 29-year-old’s exceptional performance unfolded during the post-lunch session, steering India’s fortunes on the opening day of the fifth Test against England in Dharamsala. The day witnessed a dramatic collapse as England plummeted from 175/3 to 183/8 in just 37 deliveries.

As Zak Crawley resumed his innings after lunch, appearing set for a century, he fell victim to Kuldeep’s strategic setup. Kuldeep’s variations in pace and lengths, including well-timed googlies, led to a big-turning leg break that outfoxed Crawley, beating him on the drive past the inside edge. Despite a close call at short leg, where a denied review took place, Kuldeep’s brilliance secured a crucial breakthrough.

While the Dharamsala pitch initially favored seamers, it transformed into a platform for spin dominance in the afternoon. Although not a blatant turner, Kuldeep’s expertise allowed him to extract substantial turn, complemented by Ravindra Jadeja’s effective utilization of skid and pitch variations. Jadeja contributed to England’s downfall by dismissing Joe Root LBW after the English captain misjudged a slider.

The momentum shift in the session saw Kuldeep operating at an elevated level, posing challenges for England’s batters. Despite Jonny Bairstow’s attempts at aggressive strokes, he eventually succumbed to a Kuldeep googly. Ben Stokes grappled with the spinning deliveries, ultimately falling victim to a trapping LBW.

Marking his 100th Test, Ravichandran Ashwin showcased bowling prowess, claiming two wickets in a single over during his second spell. A hasty shot from Tom Hartley resulted in a catch at long-on, and Mark Wood’s first-ball duck added to England’s struggles. With Ben Foakes displaying resilience, the England wicket-keeper batsman faces the daunting task of guiding the tail-enders. This collapse represents another instance in the series where England has crumbled from a position of strength. The enthralling contest promises more twists and turns in the remaining days.

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