Cricket News

Three reasons why India lost to England in first Test

India crumbled in their fourth innings, failing to chase down 231 on a difficult surface on Day 4 of the five-match series opener. It was an incredible comeback for the visitors, who were down by 190 runs following India’s free-flowing opening innings.

India lost a Test match for the first time in Hyderabad, and the outcome did not appear to be in their favour until Day 3. India led after bowling England out for 246 and scoring 436 in their first innings.

India suffered a significant blow as they lost the first Test against England in Hyderabad. After the first Test, it was a major setback for India, as England took the lead in the five-match Test series. Although there is a lot of cricket to be played, Rohit Sharma and his team will look to gain the upper hand in other matches.

The defeat against England has also dropped India to fifth place in the WTC 2023-25 standings, with 26 points from five matches and a PCT of 43.33. Here are the top 3 reasons why India lost the first Test against England in Hyderabad.

1. No other strategies for England’s batting

The difference between India’s bowling in the first and second innings was dramatic. Until Indian spinners slowed the game England’s batters got a flying start. However, everything went as planned in the first innings. When England came out to bat in the second inning India appeared to be out of ideas when Ollie Pope began to counter their onslaught by often executing the reverse sweep and scoop strokes. They appeared to be going through the motions, waiting for things to happen rather than attempting anything unusual, strategically, to disturb England.