Incredible England test win!

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India rarely lose a test match in India , especially when they have a hundred run plus first innings lead. England inflicted only India's 4th test defeat in 46 matches on Sunday in dramatic style. England chose not to have a warm-up match or two for the test series in India but instead landed in Dubai to warm-up by the pool, then cool down by slinging some beers. .It worked a treat. It started badly with the team selection, three spinners and just one fast bowler, the first time England had done that since the 1920s. Anyone who watches cricket knows it spins in India so you need spin bowlers. Leaving out James Anderson, he of 600 plus wickets, averaging 24 in India, was odd. But again, it worked. India replied with 436 runs, a big 190 run lead, experienced at scoring on these turning pitches. This match looked over on day three but enter the Pope, Ollie Pope, some divine guidance delivering 196 runs, the highest score by an Englishman in the second innings in India, chipping of one of Alistair Cook's records at 176. That's how good the score was. He had replaced the highly talented Harry book in the team, who's father had died last week so Harry stayed home. England set India 231 to win. Its never easy to chase on 4th day pitches. Tom Hartley was on debut, the third spin bowler. He had been smashed for 135 runs in the first innings, the worse ever bowling for a spin bowler on debut for England in a test. But in the second innings he corrected that somewhat spectacularly, taking 7-62 ! Yep, the best bowling on debut for an Englishman abroad. England closed out the win on the 4th day in the last over for a thrilling and historic 24 run win as Siraj was stumped trying to smash a six. Its 1-0 up and 4 tests to go. I cant wait for test two. Ben Stokes seems to be a captain the lads will die for on the pitch and McCullum's laid back Kiwi coaching style the magic tough. Hartley had no real form in first - class cricket and a surprise pick for the match but fitted that Bazball model, a tall guy that can whack it and bowl it. The weekend was topped off with the West Indies dramatic 8 run win in Brisbane, their first Down Under since 1997. Its one test all there. God I love cricket!