England stutters to a 7-wicket win to take 2-1 Series lead

Tags: India Vs England 3rd Test at Kolkata - Dec 5-9, 2012, England tour of India 2012-13

Published on: Dec 09, 2012

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It took less than an hour for England to wrap up an inevitable victory in the Third Test at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata. The visitors humbled India for a 7-wicket win to take a crucial series lead of 2-1. The match would have been over yesterday evening itself but for R Ashwin and the support he got from no.10 and no.11.

By BV Swagath

It took less than an hour for England to wrap up an inevitable victory in the Third Test at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata. The visitors humbled India for a 7-wicket win to take a crucial series lead of 2-1. The match would have been over yesterday evening itself but for R Ashwin and the support he got from no.10 and no.11.

Ashwin, this morning struck two sweet boundaries to get to 91 and was fancying his chances of scoring a 2nd Test century. However, he was stranded on the same score, unbeaten though as Pragyan Ojha got bowled by a beauty from Anderson. It was a short of length delivery which angled in but held its line to take a thin nick which also took the off stump bail before reaching the keeper. India were bowled out for 247 in 84.4 overs to leave England a target of 41.

A cakewalk was expected for England but there was a flutter of sorts as they went onto lose three early wickets. Skipper Cooper started the slide by overconfidently giving the charge to Ashwin for big shot and was beaten out of his crease by a widish turner for a stumping in the first over. Pragyan Ojha in the 4th over trapped Trott infront of off with an arm ball which beat a forward defence. Ashwin then got a straighter one to force an outside edge from Pietersen to the keeper.

England after those three wickets showed some caution before getting to the target in 12.1 overs. Skipper Alastair Cook was given the Man of the Match for his outstanding knock of 190 in the first innings.

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