India vs England: Ojha, Pujara Give Hosts Nine-Wicket Victory

It was more difficult than initially expected, but India eventually ground out a nine-wicket win over England in the first Test in Ahmedabad.

Following on after their first innings, the visitors fought hard with Alastair Cook scoring a brilliant hundred, but the inevitable was always just around the corner.

In the opening session, India picked up the five wickets that were required after England had started the day on 340 for five, with the hosts then needing 77 runs for a victory.

That target, after India bowled out the English for 406, was easily achieved with Cheteshwar Pujara again the standout batsman.

Virender Sehwag chipped in with a quickfire 25, before Pujara, opening for the absent Gautam Gambhir, and Virat Kohli scored the rest of the runs in under 16 overs. Pujara was unconquered for the entire Test match, after his unbeaten double hundred in the first innings, finishing the match on 41 n.o.

Earlier in the day, Pragyan Ojha was the catalyst to England's demise, picking up the two crucial wickets of Cook and Matt Prior.

The England captain started the day on 168 while Prior began 16 runs short of triple figures. The wicketkeeper-batsman was the first to go, falling for 91 after looping a catch straight back to Ojha. Cook (176 in 374) followed soon after, with Ojha (four for 120) finding a way through the almost impregnable defenses of the left-hander.

The other three English wickets fell quickly enough, with India left with the simple task of knocking down the 77 runs.

"There was something in wicket to start with but as the game progressed there was low bounce but not much turn," India captain MS Dhoni said during the post-match presentation. "It was hard work for the spinners and it was a fantastic effort from them.

"Even if you misjudged the flight you had time to adjust and not much carried to the slips. It was important not to give many runs."

Dhoni also lauded the efforts of man of the match Pujara and Ojha. "It was a fantastic game for Pujara," he said. "He has the temperament to play big innings and has shown that on the domestic circuit. He makes sure he converts fifties to hundreds."

"Ojha looks to bowl tight and he knew it was up to him to take responsibility."

England will need to have a major rethink now before the second Test in Mumbai on November 23 while Dhoni will hope for more of the same from his team, as well as the conditions.