On this day in 2018: India’s stunning comeback Test win at Trent Bridge

There is probably no better sight in the world than to watch a classic Test match. Add to it two powerful opposition and it further garners the audacity of the entire setting. When England and India battle it out against each other, there are contests, there is excitement and there are intriguing moments. One such instance is when India displayed their sheer flair in the third Test match against England at Trent Bridge in 2018.

India entered into Trent Bridge in the backdrop of dismaying performance at the Lord’s. But in the third Test match, they completely outplayed the hosts and registered a massive win by 203 runs, and made the equation 1-2 in the five-match Test series. The all-around show by Hardik Pandya, the Virat Kohli classic, and a solid performance by Jasprit Bumrah fashioned India’s victory in Nottingham.

Kohli, Pandya, and Bumrah star in India’s impressive 203-run triumph over England

After winning the toss, Joe Root put India to bat first. KL Rahul and Shikhar Dhawan stitched an opening stand of 60 runs. But then in came Chris Woakes, who ran through the top three of the Indian team and exuded his mettle. Virat Kohli (97) and Ajinkya Rahane (81) then held the fort of the team putting up a 159-run partnership between them. The team couldn’t add to the duo’s partnership as they were wrapped up at 329.

England started the proceedings subtly but Hardik Pandya made sure they were sent to the back foot. He scalped five wickets as the hosts were bundled up for 161. On day three, after a decent start from the openers, Virat Kohli (103) and Cheteshwar Pujara (72) stood for a 113-run partnership to give a wicket-less morning session for England.

Later, Hardik Pandya (52*) took the charge with the bat as India posted a massive target of 521 onboard. Alastair Cook and Keaton Jennings played the nine overs left at the end of day three. Day four was an example of a pure form of Test cricket. After being reduced to 62/4, Jos Buttler (106) shone with a splendid knock. He was well-assisted by Ben Stokes (62). But finally, India found the wicket they were looking for all afternoon, as Buttler walked back to the hut falling to Bumrah.

Jasprit Bumrah bowled a sensational spell to clinch five wickets. A tough fight from Adil Rashid pushed the match to the fifth day. On the final day, just one wicket away from victory, Ashwin dismissed James Anderson to win the game for India.