Amit Mishra and Sachin Tendulkar (AFP Photo)
NEW DELHI: Amit Mishra, renowned for his spin bowling, surprised everyone with his exceptional batting performance, outclassing both
Indian batters
and
England
bowlers. In an innings where prominent players such as MS Dhoni and Gautam Gambhir got out for 3 runs each, Mishra partnered with Sachin Tendulkar to score 84 runs.
The English team grew increasingly frustrated due to Mishra's steadfast batting and their missed opportunities to dismiss Tendulkar.
The tension on the field was noticeable as English players struggled to capitalize on their chances.
The frustration led to a breach of cricket etiquette, with England players walking across the pitch. This behavior prompted the umpires to issue an official warning to England captain Andrew Strauss for his team's repeated violations. Despite the warning, the damage was done.
The footmarks on the pitch eventually favoured spinner Graeme Swann, who dismissed Mishra. Swann proceeded to take six wickets, contributing to India's batting collapse, with players like MS Dhoni, Suresh Raina, and Gautam Gambhir scoring in single digits.
Mishra's batting performance overshadowed his struggles with the ball. He confidently handled the English attack, achieving his second Test half-century. His 50 off 103 balls displayed his skill against Swann and fast bowlers. In both the innings, Suresh Raina failed to open his account.
Sachin and Amit Mishra good partnership for 4th wicket vs England
In the first innings, Mishra, primarily in the team as a spinner, bowled 38 overs without taking a wicket. England declared at 591 for 6, with Mishra conceding 170 runs, making him the most expensive Indian bowler in that innings.
However, he compensated with the bat, scoring 44 runs in the first innings and a half-century in the second. Rahul Dravid's 144 not out in the first innings and Sachin Tendulkar's 94 in second innings was the major highlight of Indian batting.
England secured a win against India by an innings and 8 runs. India failed to avoid a follow-on in the match. Ian Bell achieved a double century for England, while Kevin Pietersen scored 175 runs. Both players were eventually dismissed by Suresh Raina.
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