By Hishan Welmilla
Despite the historic feat of five centuries in a Test, India faltered due to collapses at critical moments, missed fielding opportunities, lackluster bowling beyond Bumrah, and a passive approach late in the game. These lapses allowed England to chase down 371—their second‑highest successful Test chase—claiming a shock victory.
India’s haul of runs was undermined by failures in the final third of each innings and an inability to close the match—an instructive loss despite the individual heroics.
India’s batting was undeniably brilliant, notching up five centuries and a massive 835 total across both innings, yet a series of key failures handed the match to England:
🛑 1. Collapses at critical junctures
First innings collapse: From a commanding 430–3, India lost their last seven wickets for just 41 runs.
Second innings collapse: Another collapse saw six wickets tumble for 31 runs.
These late-innings batting failures cost India crucial momentum.
🧤 2. Dropped catches & sloppy fielding
India dropped multiple chances, including those off Brook and Duckett, allowing England to rebuild in their innings
Shubman Gill admitted: “A few dropped catches and the lower order not contributing … cost us”
🎯 3. Underwhelming bowling support
Outside of Jasprit Bumrah, the rest of India’s bowlers lacked penetration in key moments
Shardul Thakur, included as a bowling all‑rounder, went for 6.33 an over in just six overs and bowled a high proportion of no-balls
🧠 4. Tactical misjudgments & wavering aggression
India failed to maintain pressure in the field, especially when England were chasing — their approach became too reactive
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England, by contrast, executed an aggressive but refined chase — the so-called Bazball style — with intent and adaptability
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