England picked up an emphatic win against India in the first Test match at Chennai to kick-start a highly anticipated series. Chasing 420 on the final day with 39 runs on board at the loss of one wicket, the hosts were bundled out at 178 before Tea.
And for social media, the high of Gabba hadn’t quite evaporated yet, as the defeat in Chennai happened.
Former England captain, Kevin Pietersen who had earlier sent out a message to all the Indian fans to brace themselves for the series reminded them of the same. Also another display of his Hindi!
India , yaad hai maine pehele hi chetawani di thi ke itna jasn na manaye jab aapne Australia ko unke ghar pe haraya tha 😉
— Kevin Pietersen🦏 (@KP24) February 9, 2021
Another former England captain, Michael Vaughan also lauded the efforts of the England team.
To hammer India in India is an incredible performance … 227 run victory … This team are onto something potentially very special this year … #INDvENG
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) February 9, 2021
One of the most famous cricket Twitter celeb and former India cricketer, Wasim Jaffer did give some hope to the Indian fans with a statistic that they will be keeping in their mind before the next Test match.
Don't lose heart Indian fans.
Last time India lost first test of a series, they won the series.
Last time India lost first test of a home series, they won the series 😉#INDvsENG— Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14) February 9, 2021
Another India legend and a very very special cricket fraternity member, VVS Laxman lauded the efforts from the visitors and appreciated how England captain Joe Root and senior statesman, James Anderson took the responsibilities into their hands.
Congratulations on this magnificent win to England. The senior players did a lot of the heavy lifting. @root66 and @jimmy9 led by example. Sets up the rest of the series rather nicely. #INDvENG @StarSportsIndia
— VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) February 9, 2021
38-year old James Anderson of course took the game away from India in his first over of the day. The video of him dismissing both Shubman Gill and Ajinkya Rahane in the same over is doing round. An eye-pleasing sight for any bowlers to see stumps do the cartwheel, that too on day five of a Test match in the subcontinent.
Jimmy Anderson 🐐pic.twitter.com/F3Me1kGtmz
— England's Barmy Army (@TheBarmyArmy) February 9, 2021
The Indian fans were of course trying to remember the not so long ago chase at Gabba.
Gabba ki team laao yaar
— Gabbbar (@GabbbarSingh) February 9, 2021
Though India’s innings ended at 178 but captain Virat Kohli looked in fine touch when he was in the middle, something which cricket fans and pundits from around the world acknowledged.
That is the best I have seen Virat Kohli bat in a Test. It took a grubber to get him.
— Jarrod Kimber (@ajarrodkimber) February 9, 2021
England captain Joe Root also took to Twitter to praise his team and express his emotions after starting the series on a high note.
No better way to mark your 100th Test. Couldn’t be more proud of the team! On to the next one 🦁🦁🦁 pic.twitter.com/oCufss4ZLy
— Joe Root (@root66) February 9, 2021