Image Source: TNT Sports
[Saba Sports News] During the third Test against India at Niranjan Shah Stadium in Rajkot, England’s Jonny Bairstow was seen adopting a novel fielding position by kneeling to adapt to the low bounce of the pitch, aiming to catch any edges while Kuldeep Yadav faced Joe Root. Despite Bairstow’s strategy, it was James Anderson who claimed Yadav’s wicket as he mistimed a flick, caught by wicketkeeper Ben Foakes. Following Yadav’s dismissal, Ravindra Jadeja, who had been performing exceptionally well, was also out after scoring 112, having been elevated in the batting order in light of absent key players and contributing significantly to the team’s effort.
India had a rocky start on the first day, falling to 33/3, but Jadeja and Rohit Sharma turned the tide with a 204-run partnership, rescuing their team from a precarious position. Sharma’s departure for 131 led Sarfaraz Khan to take charge, aggressively scoring 62 runs before a miscommunication with Jadeja led to his run-out.
For England, Mark Wood shone with the ball on the first day, securing three wickets, although he and the rest of the English bowling lineup struggled for effectiveness on the second day. The spinners, Rehan Ahmed and Tom Hartley, managed only a single wicket as Ravichandran Ashwin and Dhruv Jurel appeared at ease against them.
India aims to set a target of 500 runs, anticipating that the pitch in Rajkot will favor the English batsmen. An exciting clash is anticipated as the English batters prepare to face the challenge posed by the Indian bowling attack.