By Zinedine The England cricket team’s tour of India in 2021 was a highly anticipated event for fans of the sport worldwide. This series saw two cricketing giants clash in a thrilling battle across multiple formats, including Test matches, ODIs, and T20s. For those who missed out on the action or want to relive the memories, this article provides a detailed guide to the England team’s performance, key highlights, and memorable moments from the India tour.
England’s Squad for the India Tour 2021
The England squad for the 2021 India tour was a formidable mix of experience and emerging talent. The team was led by Joe Root, who was in exceptional form throughout the series. The squad included renowned players like Jonny Bairstow, Ben Stokes, and Jofra Archer, alongside rising stars like Ollie Pope and Dom Bess.
England Squad for Test Series:
- Joe Root (captain)
- Rory Burns
- Dom Sibley
- Jonny Bairstow
- Ben Stokes
- Ollie Pope
- Jos Buttler (wicketkeeper)
- Moeen Ali
- Dom Bess
- Jack Leach
- Stuart Broad
- James Anderson
- Jofra Archer
England Squad for ODI Series:
- Eoin Morgan (captain)
- Jonny Bairstow
- Jason Roy
- Dawid Malan
- Ben Stokes
- Liam Livingstone
- Jos Buttler (wicketkeeper)
- Moeen Ali
- Sam Curran
- Chris Woakes
- Mark Wood
- Adil Rashid
- Reece Topley
England Squad for T20 Series:
- Eoin Morgan (captain)
- Jonny Bairstow
- Jason Roy
- Dawid Malan
- Ben Stokes
- Liam Livingstone
- Jos Buttler (wicketkeeper)
- Moeen Ali
- Sam Curran
- Chris Jordan
- Mark Wood
- Adil Rashid
- Tom Curran
Test Series Highlights: A Battle of Titans
The four-match Test series was a thrilling contest, with both teams showcasing their skills and battling hard for every run. The series began with a draw in Chennai, followed by a comprehensive win for India in the second Test. England bounced back in the third Test, claiming a memorable victory at Ahmedabad. However, India ultimately emerged victorious in the series, winning the fourth Test by a significant margin.
Joe Root’s Masterclass: A Century in Chennai
One of the standout performances of the series came from England captain Joe Root. In the first Test at Chennai, Root displayed his incredible batting prowess, scoring a magnificent century (124 runs) and putting the England team in a strong position.
“Joe Root was the difference maker in the first Test. His century put England in a commanding position, and he was a constant threat throughout the series,” says Tom Richards, a renowned cricket commentator.
India’s Dominance in Ahmedabad: A Clinical Performance
The fourth Test at Ahmedabad witnessed India’s dominance over England. The Indian bowlers were relentless, creating pressure and dismissing the English batsmen with ease. The Indian team’s exceptional performance secured a convincing victory and clinched the series.
“India’s performance in the fourth Test was exceptional. They bowled beautifully and made it look easy. It was a true display of their strength and experience,” says Mark Taylor, a former Australian cricket captain.
ODI Series: England’s Dominant Performance
The three-match ODI series saw England dominate India, winning all three matches convincingly. The team’s batting was particularly impressive, with Jonny Bairstow, Jason Roy, and Ben Stokes scoring centuries throughout the series.
Bairstow’s Century in Pune: A Spectacular Display
Jonny Bairstow was in blistering form throughout the ODI series, and he showcased his exceptional strokeplay in the first ODI at Pune. Bairstow blasted a century (114 runs) off just 89 balls, leading England to a comfortable victory.
“Jonny Bairstow was on fire in Pune. He was hitting the ball with so much power and precision. It was one of the most impressive ODI innings I’ve seen,” says Ravi Shastri, former Indian coach and commentator.
T20 Series: A Tight Contest
The five-match T20 series was a closely fought contest, with both teams showcasing their skills in this exciting format. England won the first two matches, but India fought back to win the third and fourth matches. The series ultimately ended in a draw, with both teams winning two matches each.
England’s Strong Start: A Dominant Performance in Ahmedabad
England made a strong start to the T20 series, winning the first two matches comfortably. In the first T20 at Ahmedabad, England’s bowlers were on fire, restricting India to a low total. The England batsmen then chased down the target with ease, securing a convincing victory.
“England’s bowlers were phenomenal in the first T20. They bowled with great pace and accuracy, keeping the Indian batsmen under pressure. It was a great team effort,” says Michael Vaughan, former England captain and commentator.
Conclusion: A Memorable Tour for England and India
The England cricket team’s tour of India in 2021 was a highly entertaining and memorable event for fans of the sport. The series witnessed thrilling battles across multiple formats, with both teams showcasing their skills and fighting hard for every run. Despite the series ending in a draw in the T20 format, the tour was a testament to the talent and passion of both the English and Indian teams.
FAQs:
Q: What was the final score of the Test series?
A: India won the Test series 3-1.
Q: Who was the Player of the Series in the ODI series?
A: Jonny Bairstow was named Player of the Series in the ODI series.
Q: How many matches did England win in the T20 series?
A: England won 2 matches in the T20 series.
Q: What were the key highlights of the tour?
A: Key highlights of the tour included Joe Root’s century in Chennai, India’s dominant performance in the fourth Test, Jonny Bairstow’s century in Pune, and England’s strong start to the T20 series.
Q: Where can I find more information about the tour?
A: You can find more information about the England team’s tour of India in 2021 on the official websites of the International Cricket Council (ICC) and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).