Opener KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant's heroics went in vain as England defeated India by 118 runs in the fifth and final Test at the Oval to clinch the five-match series 4-1. Chasing a daunting target of 463 runs, Rahul (149) and Pant's (114) centuries gave India a slim hope of clinching or at least saving the Test. However, after both went back to the pavilion, the English bowlers performed the last rites with ease, scalping the remaining three wickets in quick succession. You can watch video highlights here.
At the tea break, India had pushed England on the back foot. Rahul was batting on 142 while Pant, who was on 101, scored his maiden Test century. The duo played aggressively as the English bowlers struggled. India needed 166 runs in the final session, but Adil Rashid removed both the dangerous batsmen Rahul and Pant to put end to India’s hopes. Soon then, Sam Curran picked two quick wickets and then James Anderson, fittingly, picked the last wicket to seal the deal for England. Meanwhile, Anderson surpassed Australia’s Glenn McGrath as the fast bowler with most Test wickets. Anderson is now fourth on the overall list. Ind vs Eng 5th Test Day 5- As it Happened
India started the fifth day at 58/3, overnight batsmen Ajinkya Rahane (37) and Rahul showed tremendous resistance against the English bowlers by taking India past the 100-run mark. However, just when everything was going in India's way, Moeen Ali struck to send back Rahane as an across the line sweep by the batsman fell into the hands of Keaton Jennings in front of square, which left the visitors at 120/4. Rishabh Pant Scores Maiden Test Century, Here’s a Quick Look at Some Stats
Debutant Hanuma Vihari, who had notched up his maiden half-century in the first innings, fell cheaply after contributing just one run. A short delivery by Ben Stokes kissed Vihari's outside edge before landing in the gloves of Jonny Bairstow, putting India into deep trouble. KL Rahul Scores 5th Test Century as India Look to Earn Draw Against England at the Oval
Rahul and Pant the took India to 167 for five at lunch. In the process, Rahul completed his fifth Test century. Resuming the afternoon session, Rahul and Pant denied the English bowlers making any further inroads into the Indian camp, as the hosts had jolted them with two quick wickets in the morning session. It was the duo's fearless batting which helped India reach close to the 300-run mark without losing any further wicket. Pant too followed Rahul as he slammed his maiden Test ton. (Inputs IANS).
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 11, 2018 10:33 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).