Hyderabad: India took a commanding lead of 175 runs by the end of the second day’s play against England in the first test match held at Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad. The Indian batsmen showcased a strong performance, with half-centuries from Yashasvi Jaiswal (80 off 74), K L Rahul (86 off 123), and an unbeaten 81 from Ravindra Jadeja. The team concluded the day with a score of 421/7 in reply to England’s first-innings total of 246.
Contributions from Rohit Sharma (24 off 27), Shubman Gill (23 off 66), Shreyas Iyer (35 off 63), Srikar Bharat (41 off 81), and Axar Patel (35 off 62) played a vital role in India’s dominating position. Despite multiple good starts, only Jadeja and Rahul managed to convert their innings into significant scores. Ravichandran Ashwin was run out on 1 off 11 due to a mix-up with Jadeja.
England’s Joe Root and debutant Tom Hartley captured two wickets each, while Jack Leach and Rehan Ahmed claimed one wicket each. India batted freely and with intent, amassing 302 for 6 during the day.
India aims to extend its lead beyond 200 on the third day, putting pressure on the visitors to secure victory in the first test and take the series lead. In England’s first innings, despite a heroic effort from captain Ben Stokes (70 off 88), the team managed to score only 246. For India, Ashwin and Jadeja each scalped three wickets, while Axar and Bumrah bagged two apiece. The match remains poised for an exciting finish as the teams continue to battle for supremacy.