England’s Test victory in Hyderabad wasn’t just a win, it was a seismic shift in cricketing power dynamics. From staring down a 190-run deficit to snatching victory by 28 runs, Ben Stokes’ team orchestrated a comeback for the ages. What makes it even more special? They did it all on Indian soil, a fortress rarely conquered by visitors. But amidst the celebrations, a question hangs heavy: Can Virat Kohli return swing the pendulum back in India’s favor?
The comeback was as dramatic as it gets. Ollie Pope’s sublime 196 laid the foundation, while debutant spinner Tom Hartley spun England to victory with a seven-wicket haul. It was a testament to their resilience, adaptability, and unwavering belief under Stokes’ leadership.
Daily Mail Sport’s experts couldn’t contain their awe. Nasser Hussain called it “one of England’s great Test wins,” David Lloyd labeled it “as good as it gets,” and Paul Newman declared it “better than all of them” – England’s greatest away victory yet.
Virat Kohli absence and its potential impact
Kohli’s presence was sorely missed in Hyderabad. Not just for his batting prowess, but also for his leadership and on-field intensity. As Paul Newman put it, “He’s just such a different character to the laid-back Rohit Sharma. He would have galvanised India and probably picked a fight or two with England’s batsmen.”
His absence, coupled with England’s momentum, makes the upcoming Vizag Test crucial. If England wins that, they could virtually seal the series before Virat Kohli even steps onto the field. The pressure on the former Indian captain would be immense, requiring a Don Bradman-esque effort to turn things around.
The Kohli Factor: Hope or Hype?
Nasser Hussain cautions against jumping the gun. “Let’s enjoy the four days England have just had before we worry about that,” he reminds us. Virat Kohli return, while exciting, doesn’t guarantee automatic success. He hasn’t played India yet, and England still has weapons like Ben Duckett and James Anderson waiting.
David Lloyd echoes this sentiment, emphasizing the difficulty of playing catch-up in Test cricket. Virat Kohli batting form, despite being impressive in World Cup and South Africa, might take time to adjust to the English bowlers. England’s missing piece, Harry Brook, could also return, complicating the equation further.
IND vs ENG: Beyond the individual battles
This England victory is a stark reminder of their growing confidence and mental toughness. Ben Stokes has instilled a never-say-die attitude that bodes well for the future. While Virat Kohli return injects a thrilling dose of unpredictability, England shouldn’t underestimate the collective spirit of Team India.
The story of this series is far from over. Virat Kohli might be the wildcard, but the real battle lies between two formidable teams, each hungry for glory. As Lawrence Booth concludes, “The burning question — would Pope have played had Brook been there? That’s a debate for another day.” The focus, for now, is on Vizag, where another chapter in this epic cricketing saga will unfold.
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