How England’s players rated as India leveled the series with a 317-run win

On a pitch that challenged the quality of spinners and batsmen at facing the turning ball, here’s how the England player’s rated – as India took victory in the second Test by 317 runs – squaring the series 1-1 with two Tests to go.

Rory Burns – [0 & 25] – 5

A three-ball duck in the first innings was followed by a renewed attacking intent as Burns made 25, before edging Ravichandran Ashwin straight to Virat Kohli. Upon the return of Jonny Bairstow and Zak Crawley, the Surrey opener will be looking anxiously over his shoulder; an average of 14.5 across the first two tests hasn’t helped his cause.

Dom Sibley – [16 & 3] – 5

After a watchful 87 in the first Test, Sibley struggled as the new ball gripped and turned past his bat. The second innings dismissal is of particular concern, as Sibley rocked back and tried to play to mid-wicket, before the ball crashed into his pad. Disappointing returns but it was tough out there.

Dan Lawrence – [16 & 26/ 0-7] – 5.5

Once again Lawrence struggled in the unfamiliar No.3 role. Certainly, the Essex-man showed an improved attacking intensity in the second innings, before he was stumped. Even so, Lawrence hasn’t performed in the sub-continent and is likely to be replaced by either Jonny Bairstow or Zak Crawley – who are both in the squad for the third Test.

Pant was not to be outdone by Foakes as he showcased his skills to remove Lawrence. Credit: BCCI

Joe Root – [6 & 33 / 1-23 & 0-15] – 6.5

After a match winning knock in the first innings, Joe Root was unable to hit the same heights on an exceptionally challenging pitch. His 33 had its fair share of luck, but he once again showed more skill than those around him. With the ball, Root looked decent. The skipper should give himself a few more overs in the Day-Night Test.

Root was unable to find his usual fluency. Credit: England Cricket

Ben Stokes – [18 & 8 / 0-16] – 5

Not much he could do with the delivery from Ashwin to dismiss him in the first innings. Still finding his way back to form with the bat, and is worryingly being used less and less with the ball. Decent catch at slip off Jack Leach to dismiss Cheteshwar Pujara. Hopefully, Stokes should be much more involved with bat and ball in the pink-ball Test.

**Ben Foakes – [42* & 2 / 3 stumpings, 2 catches] – 7**

Top scorer in the first innings with an unbeaten 42 – Foakes looked just as good with the bat in hand as he did with the gloves. No byes in the first innings evidenced some stellar glove work. His stumpings to dismiss Rishabh Pant and Rohit Sharma were exceptional. Classy and showed the value of a specialist keeper. Needs a couple of big scores in the last two Tests if he is to have any chance of retaining the gloves this summer.

Ben Foakes was highly impressive on his return to the Test side. credit: ESPN Cricinfo

Geez, how brilliant is Ben Foakes #INDvENG

— Adam Gilchrist (@gilly381) February 15, 2021

Moeen Ali –[6 & 43 / 4-128 & 4-98] 7.5

A elegant 43 off just 18 balls made England’s defeat just a touch easier to take. With the ball, Moeen showed glimpses with a wonderful delivery to get Kohli in the first innings. The Worcestershire spinner was expensive throughout and even whilst picking up eight wickets he looked short of match practice – which was to be expected.

Moeen will return home for the remainder of the series citing bubble fatigue. It’s an understandable decision, but one that is certainly disappointing. Now, as third choice spinner we are unlikely to see the fan-favourite in the Test match arena for a while. In fact, he will be 35 the next time England tour the sub-continent.

Stuart Broad [0-37 & 0-25] – 5.5

Offered little but was never going to be heavily involved. The only England bowler to have an economy under three, so he held up an end when it was required. Feel like he might want to play in the day-night Test as there will certainly be more chances with the pink-ball under lights.

Olly Stone [3-47 & 1-21] – 7.5

A really promising performance from Stone, who showed why he will be such an asset for the summer ahead and the Ashes this year. Trapped Shubman Gill lbw for a duck, and toiled away through both innings on a pitch that offered little for the seamers. An impressive individual performance amongst the wider issues for England.

Olly Stone impressed with a 3-for in the first-innings. Credits: England Cricket.

Jack Leach [3-78 & 4-100] – 7

Slowly finding some confidence and consistency, Leach is starting to show his worth. Still there are some issues regarding his ability to hit a length regularly, and the frequent bad ball allowed the Indian batsmen to release pressure whenever it looked like it was growing. Picked up wickets and has grown through this tour. Ashwin and Axar Patel showed themselves to be of a different quality, but Leach is certainly England’s best spinner.