India vs England 2016: 5 gains for Team India from the second Test in Vizag

Following a rather insipid start to the five-match series in Rajkot, both teams needed to set the ball rolling in Vizag. Upon winning a handy toss, India seized the upper hand through an efficient first-innings performance and rode on it to defeat England by a massive 246-run margin.

Aside from securing a 1-0 lead, there were quite a few other gains for the hosts from their dominant showing on a surface which did not offer as much turn as a typical Indian pitch would. Let us take a close look at five such profits for India from the second Test in Vizag.

---

#5 Exorcizing England’s batting depth

Umesh ended Bairstow‘s resistance in the first inningsCaption

Unlike their teams of the 90s or early 2000s, the current England side boasts of significant batting depth and does not appear to wilt at the sight of early chaos. Due to the presence of numerous multi-dimensional cricketers, their lower order has the capability to pose a consistent threat which was fleetingly on display in the series opener.

This time around, the Indian bowlers sustained their intensity right throughout and never allowed the visitors to resurrect the innings. Admittedly, their batting lineup could gain in strength with the possible inclusion of Jos Buttler and Chris Woakes for the third Test. But, the lower order’s issues in regrouping when confronted with the turning ball may come to haunt them yet again.

#4 Seamers find ways to add value

Shami has become a vital part of India’s bowling attack

Before the series started, England’s think-tank might have focused their planning squarely on the Indian spinners. However, the hosts do possess two genuine pacers who can swing the new ball and return to reverse the older one.

Mohammad Shami shone brightly by dismissing the seemingly immovable Alastair Cook in the first innings whilst managing to produce a stunning second innings spell wherein Joe Root was among his victims. On the other hand, Umesh Yadav delivered a major breakthrough when he breached Jonny Bairstow’s defence in the first innings and ended a promising partnership.

With three more games left, the pace duo could be expected to play their part on a more regular basis.

#3 Ashwin gets into his groove

Ashwin’s first-innings five-for could very well be among his best thus far

Being the top-ranked bowler in the world, there was considerable pressure on Ravichandran Ashwin to stamp his authority on pitches which were not tailor-made for him. In the first Test, he toiled hard without much reward and consequently India were unable to penetrate England’s batting lineup.

But, the wily off-spinner bounced back admirably in Vizag with his quintessential drift and loop devouring the visitors in the first innings. The delivery to outsmart Root was straight out of the top-drawer. Going by his own admission on the importance of getting into rhythm, Ashwin should continue to pose a stern examination on England’s ability to cope with spin for the remainder of the series as well.

#2 Kohli grasps the art of Test batting

Kohli led from the front with his almost impeccable shot selection

In the present Indian Test batting lineup, Virat Kohli has commanded the most attention whenever he arrives at the crease. Even though comparisons with some of the very best have been thrust upon him, there were question marks surrounding his ability to negotiate relentless spells of pressure under difficult conditions.

He went a long way in dispelling those concerns by adapting splendidly to the uneven bounce on the Vizag surface. It was only inevitable that Kohli would capture the intricacies involved within batting at the Test level. If his masterful 167 in the first innings or adroit 81 in the second innings were any indication, the 28-year-old has crossed another tipping point in his quest for greatness.

#1 Jayant Yadav gets a taste of Test cricket

Jayant has made a smooth transition from first-class to Test level(Image credits: Indian Express)

Without a doubt, the biggest gain from the match should be Jayant Yadav who completed his progress from the first-class arena to Test cricket without any fuss. The classical off-spinner had a memorable debut by making valuable contributions in all three departments of the game.

After joining hands with Wriddhiman Saha to create a much-needed opening on the field, he batted responsibly in both innings and helped cement India’s advantage. But, it was his bowling which garnered extensive coverage. Operating from a high-arm action, Jayant generated awkward bounce to complement his laudable accuracy. Needless to say, the 26-year-old has already evoked comparisons with his ‘good friend’ Ashwin.