IND vs ENG: Mohammed Siraj castles Tom Hartley with a ripper on Day 1 in Ranchi

The fourth Test between India and England finally got underway on Friday, February 23 at JSCA International Stadium Complex, Ranchi. England captain Ben Stokes won his second toss of the series and opted to bat first on a treacherous surface. The decision backfired big time as England were reduced to 112/5 in the first session.

However, Joe Root and Ben Foakes (47 off 126) stabilized the innings with their massive 113-run stand before Mohammed Siraj brought India back into the game. After leaking 43 runs in his first six overs, the right-arm seamer made a brilliant comeback by dismissing Foakes who hit one straight to Ravindra Jadeja at short mid-wicket.

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He further castled Tom Hartley with a beauty which hit the top of his off stump. Bowling from around the wicket, Siraj brought the ball back into the left-hander with the angle which nipped away just enough and hit his off stump.

Watch the dismissal here:

Earlier in the day, England got off to a decent start after opting to bat first as openers Zak Crawley (42 off 42) and Ben Duckett (11 off 21) added 47 runs for the first wicket. Debutant Akash Deep shone with the ball for India in his first spell as he made Duckett edge one straight to wicketkeeper Dhruv Jurel.

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He further trapped Ollie Pope (0 off 2) in front of the stumps two balls later to leave England on 47/2. The 27-year-old also cleaned up Crawley with a dream delivery bowling him through the gate and hitting the top of his off stump.

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After three quick blows, Jonny Bairstow (38 off 35) and Joe Root added 52 runs for the fourth wicket before Ashwin trapped the former in front of the stumps. Captain Ben Stokes also departed cheaply for 3 (6) as a delivery from Jadeja stayed low and hit his pads. Meanwhile, Joe Root was the standout performer of the day for England with his 31st Test hundred.