A typically dazzling ton from Yashasvi Jaiswal backed up India’s bowlers’ excellent show on the third day as the hosts put themselves into a strong position in the Rajkot Test. The hosts ended the third day at 196/2, having lost the wickets of Rohit Sharma and Rajat Patidar, who threw away his wicket to a long hop for the second time in the match.
The last time India took first innings leads in excess of 100 in each of the first three Tests of a home series was against Sri Lanka in 1993/94 (293, 310 & 239). They’ve got to score lots of runs in the second essay because the pitch is a belter and England have developed a reputation for going after the targets in the fourth innings no matter how tall they are.
Earlier, India were simply outstanding with the ball and in the field today and the circumstances of this performance made it even more impressive. They were down in the dumps last evening after taking a shellacking from Ben Duckett and were staring at a long toil. That didn’t come to pass though because India, despite being handicapped by the withdrawal of R Ashwin, turned up today with an inspired bowling effort. The visitors were sent packing for just 319 after being 224/2 at one stage earlier today.
HARTLEY STRIKES 💥#INDvENG pic.twitter.com/FKH7wm0XFn
— Cricket on TNT Sports (@cricketontnt) February 17, 2024
