England won first of the five-match Test series by 31 runs in a thrilling encounter on Saturday. A Test match that finished in less than three and half days had everything in it. It was Nothing short of a roller coaster ride as momentum shifted on either end making it difficult to predict which team would emerge victorious. Very seldom would have anyone thought that the youngster whose position in the Test side was highly debatable would make the difference.
Amidst expectations from veteran players to perform, the youngster put his hand up and lead from the front. He made an impressive 24 runs in the first innings batting with the tail followed by a substantial role with the ball in hand derailing Indian innings from 50 for no loss to 59 for three wickets in the space of just three overs by the left-hander. He picked four wickets in the first innings which helped England clinch a 13 run lead.
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The hosts faltered in second innings and were reduced to 87 for seven as a result of the sheer brilliance by India’s Ishant Sharma and R Ashwin. Walked in the young left-handed batsman, Sam Curran, and boy he produced one of the most crucial innings of his short Test career. He made 63 runs in no time, ensuring England bowlers have something to bowl at.
Roped in place of Moeen Ali, Sam Curran proved his worth by displaying all-round performance in the historic 1000th Test match of England. He was given the man of the match award for his scintillating performance.
Brief scores: India 274 all out (Kohli 149, Sam Curran 17-1-74-4) & India 162 all out (Virat Kohli 51, Ben Stokes 14.2-2-40-4) lost to England 287 all out in 89.4 overs (Joe Root 80, R Ashwin 26-7-62-4) & England 180 all out in 53 overs (Sam Curran 63, Ishant 13-0-51-5) by 31 runs.