India faced defeat against a determined England side in the first IND vs ENG Test match in Hyderabad on January 28 (Sunday). As the five-match series progresses to Visakhapatnam, with the second Test set to commence on February 2 (Friday), India will be eager to secure a crucial win and level the Test series.
Visakhapatnam has proven to be a successful venue for the Indian team in Test matches, with victories in both of the two Test matches played at this ground so far. Let’s take a look at India’s past performance in Visakhapatnam.
The Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium hosted its first red-ball game in the international circuit when England faced India in November, 2016. Under the captaincy of Virat Kohli at that time, India secured a commanding 246-run victory over the tourists. Kohli, who is slated to miss the second IND vs ENG Test as well due to ‘personal reasons’, was recognized as the Player of the Match for his outstanding performances, scoring 167 and 81 in the first and second innings, respectively.
India off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin played a crucial role in the Test match as well, making significant contributions. The seasoned spinner secured five wickets in the first innings letting India establish a substantial lead. Additionally, Ashwin chipped in with three wickets in the second innings, ultimately helping India take a 1-0 lead in the five-match series.
India Unbeaten In Visakhapatnam
In its second Test in October 2019, Vizag witnessed another remarkable contest as India faced South Africa. Replicating their success from 2016, India dominated the Proteas, securing a 203-run victory. The impressive performances of Mayank Agarwal, who scored a double century, and Rohit Sharma, who notched up 176 in the first innings and 127 in the second innings, proved to be too much for the South African side.
Once again, Ashwin played a pivotal role in the bowling department, claiming a seven-wicket haul in South Africa’s first innings. Mohammed Shami followed suit with a five-wicket haul in the second innings, helping India comfortably overcome the tourists and secure a 203-run win.
