Ind vs Eng 3rd test: Joe Root’s century and Dawid Malan’s 70 runs took England to 345 runs lead. Mohammed Shami, Siraj, and Jadeja brought India back for a fighting chance. Ind vs Eng 3rd test day 1 India all out for just 78.
Malan and Root a nightmare.
Starting the day, ball was not doing much. No real help from the pitch for the pace bowlers was seen. Burns and Hameed started with few boundaries until a hint of reverse swing was seen.
Mohammed Shami struck with the reverse swing to clean up Rory Burns ( 61 runs from 153 balls, 6(4), 1(6) ). Pitched up delivery, pitching just outside off, seaming into Burns which he missed. Shami showing his reverse swing skills. England 135-1 leading by 58 runs.
Ravindra Jadeja to the attack on a dry pitch which looked like it will turn. He got Hameed ( 68 runs from 195 balls, 12(4) ) straight away with just a hint of spin from around the wicket. Hameed missing the line to get knocked on.
A long partnership was to follow as Root was on the crease with Malan. Joe Root was batting with a healthy strike rate too. Session 1 ended with no further drama. With both teams sharing the session.
Session 1 stats: [ 26 overs ], [ 62 runs ], [ 2 wickets ], [ 2.38 run rate ].
Indian woes grew larger.
England on the charge with session 2 underway. Root particularly playing very quickly and also effectively. Both batters were dealing in boundaries with some scary moments here and there.
With Jadeja on the attack, Root took out his favorite weapon and started to sweep the ball. He brought up his 50 fairly quickly in just 57 balls. It was looking like a batting pitch even after the new ball was taken. Luck was also on England’s side with edges not carrying to the corridor.
In the meantime, Malan also reached his comeback 50 in 99 balls. Both batters were well set to convert into big scores.
India got what they wanted with Malan ( 70 runs from 128 balls, 11(4) ) out with a soft dismissal caught behind on the leg side. It was given not out at first but Kohli and Siraj’s decision to review overturned the decision in India’s favor. England 298-3 leading by 220 runs.
Session 2 stats: [ 26 overs ], [ 116 runs ], [ 1 wicket ], [ 4.46 run rate ].
India starting a comeback: Ind vs Eng 3rd test, session 3.
Root and Bairstow started the session well rotating the strike. England skipper reached his 23rd 100 with a flick to the cow corner region facing 124 balls. Well deserved 100 on his home ground.
Jonny Bairstow ( 29 runs from 43 balls, 4(6) 1(6) ) had to depart from an outside edge from Mohammed Shami. A good low catch from Virat Kohli. England 350-4.
Jos Buttler’s ( 7 runs from 12 balls, 1(4) ) test match struggles continue with a flick shot straight into the hands of square leg fielder. 3rd wicket for Shami.
It was then 2 wickets in consecutive overs. First, Root ( 121 runs from 145 balls, 14(4) ) was bowled from a ripper by Bumrah. It was not like a dream ball but it held the angle and Root just missed it. Moeen Ali ( 8 runs from 18 balls, 1(4) ) was the second man to depart, Trying to go over the top of mid-on but was caught by Axar Patel ( sub ). England 387-7.
Sam Curran and Overton took on the attack and were somewhat successful too. Sam Curran ( 15 runs from 30 balls, 2(4) ) could not handle a bouncer from Siraj and was caught at deep square-leg. England 418-8.
It will be the last wicket of the day. With Craig Overton and Ollie Robinson surviving the day. England leading by 345 runs.
Session 3 stats: [ 35 overs ], [ 125 runs ], [ 5 wickets ], [ 3.57 run rate ].
Bowling Figures: Mohammed Shami: [ 26-7-87-3 ], Mohammed Siraj: [ 23-3-86-2 ], Ravindra Jadeja: [ 31-7-88-2 ], Jasprit Bumrah: [ 27-10-58-1 ], Ishant Sharma: [ 22-0-92-0 ].
Watch Ind vs Eng 3rd test, day 2 highlights, here.
