The simmering cauldron of the India-England Test series began to boil over on Monday as fiery exchanges and crucial wickets painted a thrilling picture in Visakhapatnam. Ravichandran Ashwin, India’s premier off-spinner, orchestrated a dramatic turn of events, dismissing Jonny Bairstow in a heated dismissal and injecting renewed intensity into the contest.
Bairstow, fresh off a swashbuckling century in the previous Test, looked menacing once again. He countered the Indian attack with characteristic flair, dispatching deliveries to the boundary with ease. However, fate intervened in the form of a Jasprit Bumrah in-swinger. The umpire’s finger rose, sending Bairstow on a short walk down the pitch.
WATCH – Ravichandran Ashwin Strikes, Rohit Sharma Reacts: Root’s Dismissal Shakes England
But the drama was far from over. As Bairstow pondered a review, Ashwin’s animated send-off, coupled with a verbal exchange, ignited a spark on the field. The review proved futile, confirming the LBW decision and leaving England reeling at 196-6.
Here is the video of the incident:
Lafda loading btwn Ashwin and Bairstow 🤣#INDvENG #INDvsENGTest #Ashwin #JonnyBairstow pic.twitter.com/0By8a31Kva
— Ayush (@yush_18) February 5, 2024
This dismissal marked a turning point in the match. Ashwin, who had endured a relatively quiet series so far, rediscovered his magic touch. Bowling with renewed purpose, he exploited the angle against England’s right-handers, creating nagging doubts with deliveries that pitched on middle and drifted away.
His guile first sent Ollie Pope packing, the hero from the previous Test edging a superb catch to Rohit Sharma in the slips. Then came the big scalp of Joe Root, who, tempted by the extra bounce, miscued a big slog, offering a straightforward catch at third man.
WATCH – Waqar Salamkheil’s Fierce Send-Off To Wanindu Hasaranga Sparks Drama In T20 Clash
With two new batsmen, Ben Stokes and Ben Foakes, at the crease, the pendulum of the match swung precariously. India, buoyed by Ashwin’s resurgence and the crucial dismissals, tightened their grip on the contest. The air crackled with anticipation, promising an enthralling battle in the remaining overs of the daywide.
Did Jonny Bairstow just say “f*** off Ashwin”? #INDvENG
— Andrew Wu (@wutube) February 5, 2024
Almost surprised it’s taken this long into their careers for R Ashwin and Jonny Bairstow to have a bit of a go at each other. Always seemed like a very obvious feud in the making #IndvEng pic.twitter.com/gnS1Y4VmDe
— Bharat Sundaresan (@beastieboy07) February 5, 2024
Heated exchange of words between Ravi Ashwin and Jonny Bairstow when Bumrah gets him LBW and Team India started celebrating.#INDvsENGTest #INDvENG pic.twitter.com/c9RkG3ysL6
— Pictures that Speak 1000 Words (@PicsThatScream) February 5, 2024
Ashwin anna giving a send off to Jonny bairstow will make virat kholi proud.#aggression #ashwin#bumrah#India #ENGvsIND#test
— Red Flag🚩🚩 (@_Redflag45) February 5, 2024
