India vs England ? 3rd Test ? Live Cricket Score and Match Update - England thump India to take 2-1 lead
England completed a dominant seven-wicket win over India at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, to take an unbeatable 2-1 lead in the four-match Test series, December 9, 2012.
They faced some intense moments during their 41-run chase but Ian Bell and Nick Compton held nerves to remain unbeaten on 28 and 9 respectively, and help their side turn around the series in their favour following the opening loss at Ahmedabad.
India, meanwhile, lost back to back games for the first time on their home soil since 1999-2000, after being thoroughly outplayed by an opposition whose own credentials of playing spin were called into question ahead of the showdown. ???
However, as it stood, the defeat has raised doubts over the home side?s aptitude for the longer version. If they seemed complacent before the series, they were duly taught a lesson on how the game is played under adverse conditions.
Determination, resolve and more importantly, skill remained England?s trump cards, and for all the limitations they had against spin, they were able to back themselves rather than embrace their short comings.
The final day began with Ravichandran Ashwin resuming from his overnight score of 83, partnered by last man Pragyan Ojha. Aswhin took the strike for the first six balls, despite having the chance to take a single, and smashed two fours off Steven Finn to take the lead to 40.
It then gave James Anderson the opportunity to bowl at Ojha and the spearhead pacer got the wicket off the third delivery as the ball kissed the top of off-stump.
With just 41 to get, England seemed in a hurry to overhaul the target. They further appeared overconfident; knowing that they had done the bulk of the damage, but their complacency somewhat halted their charge, after they were reduced to 8 for 3.
Ashwin finally showed his skill with the ball by taking out Alastair Cook (stumped) and Kevin Pietersen (caught), courtesy Mahendra Singh Dhoni, while Ojha picked up Jonathan Trott, plumb in front.
They then resorted back to their principal game, and in no time, victory was accomplished. Nick Compton batted doggedly as he has done all along, allowing Bell to pounce on the loose deliveries. The latter, who himself is struggling for runs, added a run-a-ball 28, including the winning single. Bell thumped the air in delight as celebrations begun in the dressing room. ?
For India, it was indeed a speculator fall from grace at the symbolic Eden Gardens.?
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