England slump to big defeat

ENGLAND had no answer to Ravindra Jadeja as their attempt to salvage a stalemate fell flat with an innings defeat in the fifth Test.

Alastair Cook's team failed to avoid a final embarrassment at the end of one of their most taxing tours, bowled out for 207 to lose by an innings and 75 runs with nine overs unused on the last evening.

Jadeja (seven for 48), rather than his great spin ally Ravi Ashwin, was the architect of England's downfall this time - although there was an element of self-destruction too on a blameless pitch which had allowed India to pile up a record-breaking 759 for seven declared before the end of day four.

England were therefore 4-0 series losers, ending their epic year of 17 Tests with a record-equalling eight defeats.

Their unstoppable slide took hold after tea with a remarkable collapse of six wickets for 15 runs, following an early-afternoon wobble of the first four for 26.

Moeen Ali and Ben Stokes created an illusion of resolve in a stand of 63 only for the former's reckless and flawed attempt to hit Jadeja over the top to end instead in the safe hands of Ashwin above his head at mid-on, and kickstart the procession.

England are therefore left to reflect on adding - for the second week running - to the list of teams, previously amounting to two in cricket history, who have contrived to turn a total of 400 at their first attempt into an innings defeat.

For skipper Cook, it would be time soon enough to consider whether this sorry team performance might impact after all on his decision whether to extend his record four-year tenure.