Rajkot: Young opener Yashasvi Jaiswal’s sensational century bolstered India’s dominant position on the third day, complementing a commendable performance by the host team’s bowlers.
Jaiswal formed a formidable partnership of 158 runs with Shubman Gill before being forced to retire hurt due to back spasms. Their collaboration was crucial, initiated when Rohit Sharma was dismissed LBW with India at 30 in the second innings, stifling England’s budding hopes of a comeback.
Gill, initially fluent, adjusted his approach to England’s strategic bowling, supporting his circumspect partner Jaiswal. Jaiswal, after a patient start, unleashed a barrage of boundaries against the experienced James Anderson, propelling India into a period of dominance.
He displayed a variety of shots, including sweeps, lofts, and reverse-sweeps, reaching a century in just 122 balls. The celebration, however, was short-lived as his aggressive innings led to a back injury, forcing him to retire hurt after a stroke-filled 104.
While Jaiswal took the spotlight, Gill played a mature innings, securing his second fifty-plus score of the series as India’s lead surpassed 300. However, towards the end of the day, setbacks occurred with Jaiswal retiring hurt and Rajat Patidar falling victim to a long hop for the second time in the Test.
Despite the late hiccups, India had earlier excelled in the day, securing a 126-run first-innings lead with inspired bowling. Despite the absence of R Ashwin, India’s four-man attack was lively on the third day, creating opportunities as the pitch started to offer turn. Kuldeep Yadav, especially, posed a constant threat, claiming two wickets in the morning session.
The day began with Jasprit Bumrah dismissing Joe Root for the ninth time in Tests, followed by Kuldeep trapping Jonny Bairstow LBW. Duckett’s dismissal marked the end of a monumental innings for England, leading to cautious play by Ben Stokes and Ben Foakes. However, Stokes attempted to take on Ravindra Jadeja early in the second session and ended up being caught at long-on, followed by Foakes chipping one to mid-on from Siraj.
The lower order quickly crumbled with Siraj dismissing Rehan Ahmed and James Anderson through yorkers, while Tom Hartley was out stumped against Jadeja, providing India with a substantial lead.
In summary, India’s stellar batting, supported by a strong bowling performance, puts them in a commanding position with a lead of 322 runs over England.