India’s 29-year-old chinaman bowler, Kuldeep Yadav, made a significant impact on his return to Test cricket in the ongoing second Test against England in Visakhapatnam. Replacing the all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja in the playing XI, Kuldeep showcased his prowess with two crucial breakthroughs, turning the tide in India’s favour on Day 2.
![Kuldeep Yadav](https://cricshots.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/kuldeep-yadav-vizag-test.jpg)
In an impressive display of skill, Kuldeep deceived England’s wicket-keeper batsman, Ben Foakes, with a beautifully flighted delivery. Foakes misjudged the ball, closing his body and bat early, resulting in the ball moving marginally inside and staying low after pitching. The wicket-keeper batsman, expecting bounce, made an error in judgment, failing to get the bat in time before the ball hit the stumps. Foakes contributed just 6 runs off 10 balls before departing.
Kuldeep Yadav’s impact continued as he dismissed leg-spinner Rehan Ahmed, who tried to pull away a short delivery but ended up giving a catch to Shubman Gill at short mid-wicket. Ahmed also contributed 6 runs before departing, leaving England struggling at 173 for 6.
ALSO READ: Jasprit Bumrah Backs Spinners, Urges Swift Overs To Preserve Ball Shine
The second Test mirrored the pattern of the first Test in terms of England’s batting struggles. After a promising start provided by Ben Duckett and Zak Crawley, the middle order collapsed once again. Duckett was Kuldeep’s first victim, departing for 21 off 17 balls. Crawley, who had a brisk innings of 76 off 78 balls, fell to Axar Patel.
England’s experienced Test batter, Joe Root, remained subdued, falling to Jasprit Bumrah for 5 runs. Bumrah continued his impactful spell, delivering a raging yorker to dismiss Ollie Pope for 23 runs and completing a hat-trick of wickets by removing Jonny Bairstow.
WATCH – Jasprit Bumrah’s Masterclass: Stunning Inswinger Sends Ollie Pope Packing
While Ravichandran Ashwin and Mukesh Kumar had a less productive day, yet to claim a wicket, the overall bowling unit performed well, led by Kuldeep Yadav’s remarkable comeback in his first Test appearance since December 2022. India’s bowlers, including Bumrah and Patel, showcased their prowess, ensuring a challenging day for England despite a standout batting performance from one player.