Ole Robinson claims five-wicket haul as England crush India by innings and 76 runs to settle the series

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Olly Robinson put on a dazzling display of seam bowling as England beat India on the morning of the fourth day of the Headingley Test, racing to win a round and 76.

The Tourists had scraped and made their way back into the game on the third day, hitting 215 for two to shake off much of their fortuitous deficit over 354 runs, but they saw their resistance recede to ruins when England topped the LV Insurance Series 1-1 with certainty in fashion.

England captured eight wickets for 63 as they blew their opponents away with a relentless whirlwind of bowling pace testing and holding steady. Robinson was the star performer, taking four big wickets to wrap up a great five-for-65.

James Anderson and Moeen Ali both took one as the pressure built up, before Craig Overton cleared things up to leave India stunned at 278.

It was a glorious day for Robinson in particular, as he proved himself at the highest level on a ground where his career almost derailed.

The 27-year-old was sacked by Yorkshire as a teenager for breaching club discipline, but now he’s a raving Western Terrace elite.

It was also a proud day for County White Rose favorites as Joe Root finally beat Michael Vaughan with a record win in the 27th Test as England captain.

After two days of outright domination, England’s momentum wobbled somewhat on Friday, working on 80 unlucky times while the Indian batsmen stood tall.

In any normal circumstances, second innings steel of this magnitude would be enough for the bats side to dominate the game but India was still a big shortfall.

Having ceded their lead in 354, they rallied heavy for the franchise to appeal 139 times. A sunny, clear morning promised the best batting conditions in the match, but for England, hopes were high on the second new ball, which was immediately picked up.

After three goalless overtakes, the breakthrough came. Robinson’s height means his natural height often removes stems but here he pushed it far enough and made the ball roll in the air.

Cheteshwar Pujara, who had previously looked very safe in defence, missed all corners and completely dragged the bat. With no shot shown, he was stoned dead in front of the stump, and was postponed for a few moments by a baffling ruling that was not ruled out, which England quickly overturned.

After ending the 99-year partnership, the attention turned squarely to Virat Kohli.

India’s captain was panicking at 46, being caught behind Anderson and seemingly ready to accept his fate until Ajinkya Rahan spoke to him on a successful transfer. This stay of execution gave him enough time to get into his first half century of the series, but his number skyrocketed soon after.

Robinson once again found the perfect recipe – a long back, a touch off the torso and a straighter off the field. Kohli mistimed the poky campaign and was not let down by Root’s hand as he fell into the catch on his first slip.

Robinson walked away delighted, having cut off the head of the Indian serpent, the release of tension being felt.

Rahani is a player of proven pedigree but lately he has looked at his best. A few sweet strokes hinted at his quality, but it wasn’t really surprising when he nibbled at Anderson’s delivery that kept his streak out and fed Joss Butler.

The ball was talking, the shots were sticking and the resistance was almost broken.

Rishabh Pant never looked like he had the stomach for a long fight, instead he chose to run the track or get away from his body.

It only lasted seven deliveries, and Robinson captured his third of a stellar morning with one formation toward the hoop and finished in Overton’s hand on the third slip.

Everything England touched was progressing, and when Root was sent for the role of Muin Ali, he chose Muhammad al-Shami in only two shipments.

It was a great parcel, tossed outside, then shredded again through the gate to clean the tail. India was exactly 100 times behind as the seventh wicket fell and the only question now was the scale of the defeat.

Robinson earned a well-deserved five when he continued to investigate away and earn the advantage of Ishant Sharma, holding the ball high to all four corners of the ground that he briefly called home as a young player.

He finally made it through after a long and decisive period that will long be remembered, and his replacement, Overton, finished things.

As it was that day, he hit an awkward streak and waited for the fouls to arrive, Ravindra Jadeja (30) and Mohamed Siraj (none) leading into the three-ball space.

England is finished before lunch, in a series that has threatened to slip between their fingers and will head to the Kia Oval next week to climb.

By Rory Dollar

Third test, fourth day: As it happened.

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