Axar-Ashwin combine to demolish England in pink-ball affair as India inch closer to WTC final

Left-arm spinner Axar Patel created an illusion of turn with 11 straighter deliveries that put India on the brink of the World Test Championship final with a 10-wicket demolition of England inside two days in the day-night third Test in Ahmedabad on Thursday. (Source: Twitter/BCCI) 

Ashwin, Axar lead England's carnage as India script massive win in pink-ball Test 

In only his second Test, Axar (15-0-32-5), with a match-haul of 11/70, relentlessly hit the good length area and hoodwinked England batsmen, who played for turn only to find that there was none on offer from him. (Source: Twitter/BCCI)  

Ashwin, Axar lead England's carnage as India script massive win in pink-ball Test 

The result was their lowest total against India -- 81 all out in 30.4 overs leaving the hosts with a target of 49 which they achieved with minimum fuss taking a 2-1 lead in the four-match series. The visitors were also knocked out of contention from the WTC final. (Source: Twitter/BCCI) 

Ashwin, Axar lead England's carnage as India script massive win in pink-ball Test 

Off-spinner R Ashwin (15-3-48-4) proved to be an ideal foil for Axar, as the 34-year-old became the fourth Indian bowler and second fastest in the world to complete a commendable milestone of 400 Test wickets with the dismissal of Jofra Archer. (Source: Twitter/BCCI) 

Ashwin, Axar lead England's carnage as India script massive win in pink-ball Test 

Ironically, it was the non-turning deliveries from Axar that had the England's rank and file pressing the panic button as they pre-empted away turn every time. Whether it was Zak Crawley, Jonny Bairstow or skipper Root, everyone lost the mind-game as Ashwin also joined the fun with records tumbling one after another. (Source: Twitter/BCCI) 

Ashwin, Axar lead England's carnage as India script massive win in pink-ball Test 

Meanwhile, the sharp turn in Motera also helped England skipper Joe Root finish with career-best bowling spell of 5/8 from 6.2 overs as his efforts resulted in India's dramatic collapse from 114 for 3 to 145 all out. (Source: Twitter/BCCI)   

Ashwin, Axar lead England's carnage as India script massive win in pink-ball Test