Picture credit: Twitter
England cricket team clinched a historic 7-wicket win over India and levelled the five-match Test series 2-2 after Jonny Bairstow and Joe Root stitched unbeaten 269 run-stand to ensure a comprehensive win for the hosts. After the hosts were restricted to 284 in their first innings of the match, the Jasprit Bumrah-led side delivered a below-par-batting performance in the 2nd innings as they could only add 245 runs to their 132-run lead.
In response to India's 378, England openers Alex Lees (56 off 65) and Zak Crawley (46 off 76) added 107 runs on board in just 21.4 overs and set up the perfect foundation for the middle-order. England batter Zak Crawley was the first one to dismiss as India skipper Jasprit Bumrah got him bowled. The hosts lost three wickets in the span of two runs as they were soon reduced to 109-3 in 24.1 overs.
While everyone was expecting India to be the favourite in the match and thought England will crumble down, former skipper Joe Root and Jonny Bairstow carried on their top-form played brilliantly to spoil India's chances to win a five-match Test series. The duo came heavy on Indian bowlers and smashed them all around to close the gap on Day 4. While the England batters were delivering their A-game in the middle, former Indian cricketer Wasim Jaffer posted a hilarious meme on Twitter highlighting how Indian Premier League improve Bairstow's game.
Check out Wasim Jaffer's tweet:
Notably, Bairstow represented Punjab Kings in the recently concluded Indian Premier League and played some match-winning knocks for the franchise. He amassed 253-runs in 11 matches at the strike rate of 175. His 66 off just 29 balls with the help of four boundaries and seven sixes against Royal Challengers Bangalore was his highest score.
Speaking of the Test match, Bairstow smashed 114 off 145 deliveries and reached triple figures in three consecutive matches, while it's his second of the ongoing Test match. He earlier scored 106 off 140 balls in the first innings.