Requiring a positive result to keep the series alive, England found themselves at a venue where they had previously accumulated some good memories. However, this one was anything but good as Alastair Cook’s team failed to take advantage of the toss and came a cropper against an in-form Indian side.
In reply to the visitors’ first-innings total of 400, the Virat Kohli-led batting lineup put in a dominant display which propelled them to a formidable lead. On a Wankhede surface that was conducive to sharp turn and bounce, the consistently probing Indian spin attack ran riot to inflict an innings defeat on the hapless England outfit and take an unassailable 3-0 lead in the series with one more Test left.
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Let us take a close look at who contributed what to help the hosts to a stirring triumph in Mumbai.
Virat Kohli – 9
Sublime and dominant, India’s skipper continued his merry way in this Test as well. The fact that he constructed a mammoth partnership each with an opener as well as a lower-order batsman showed his ability to read the game and play accordingly.
Kohli compiled a 340-ball 235 in the first innings and broke several records in the process. As far as captaincy is concerned, the 28-year old’s bowling changes and field placements were apt for the majority of the match but his usage of DRS left a lot to be desired.
Ravichandran Ashwin – 8.5
Although he perished for a three-ball duck, the Tamil Nadu all-rounder did what he often does – play a key role in at least one department of the game. Deceiving England’s batsmen in the air, Ashwin’s post-tea spell on the opening day got India back into the contest. In total, he picked up 12 for the match with 6 in each innings.
Jayant Yadav – 8
Prior to the series, Yadav was included in the squad primarily as an off-spinner who could bat a bit. But, with each game, he has steadily managed to improve his batting and add teeth to India’s lower-order. Coming to bat with the deficit still at 36 runs, the right-hander scored his maiden Test century during a crucial 241-run partnership with Kohli.
Murali Vijay – 8
Coming into this Test, Vijay was under considerable pressure with the England bowling unit threatening to aggravate his supposed weakness against the short ball. But, the phlegmatic opening batsman, who is nicknamed ‘The Monk’, showed his class by soaking up everything that was thrown at him and coasted to his second century in the series.
Ravindra Jadeja – 7.5
The Saurashtra all rounder’s value to the Indian team cannot be discerned from statistics alone. Aside from the breakneck speed at which he completes his overs, Jadeja keeps one end almost airtight and picks up wickets at critical junctures. A six-wicket haul for the match was complemented by a handy cameo with the bat.
Cheteshwar Pujara – 6
India’s most consistent batsman during this current home season (at least thus far), Pujara got the innings off to a solid start and added 105 runs for the second wicket alongside Vijay. But, he shouldered arms to a length ball from Jake Ball at the start of the third day to allow England to have a sniff.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar – 5.5
With Mohammed Shami suffering from a sore knee, Bhuvneshwar Kumar got an opportunity to return to the playing eleven. Though he went wicket-less in the first innings, the seamer picked up an early wicket in the second essay and rode on the momentum.
Parthiv Patel – 5.5
Having made an impressive comeback in the previous Test, Parthiv fell cheaply this time around. His glove-work, which had veered from spectacular to woeful in Mohali, mostly bordered on the latter part on a surface with extra bounce.
Umesh Yadav – 5
Probably the most unlucky bowler in this series, Umesh Yadav had been a victim of some shoddy catching from India's close-in fielders. With an unplayable delivery, the Vidarbha pacer squared up centurion Keaton Jennings when he was yet to get off the mark. But, the difficult chance did not go to hand.
KL Rahul – 4.5
Plagued by a slew of injuries, the stylish Karnataka batsman slotted back into the eleven. Just when it seemed like he was on his way to a substantial score, an incorrect idea to play against the turn resulted in his downfall.
Karun Nair – 3.5
Following an unfortunate dismissal in his maiden Test innings, Nair had to spend a few more anxious moments on the crease with the ball turning and bouncing in Mumbai. Eventually, he was sent back to the pavilion on review after failing to account for Moeen Ali's round-the-wicket angle.
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