Rohit and Jaiswal still on the crease | © Twitter (@Jay_Cricket18)
In a cricketing spectacle at Ranchi, India showcased its prowess on day three, spearheaded by the stellar performances of seasoned campaigner R Ashwin, the precision of Kuldeep Yadav, and the emergence of the young talent Dhruv Jurel. As the sun beamed down on the JSCA International Stadium, the anticipation heightened, and cricket enthusiasts were treated to a day filled with twists and turns.
The day began with India facing an uphill battle, trailing England by 134 runs with three wickets in hand. It was a daunting task, but 23-year-old wicketkeeper-batsman Dhruv Jurel stood tall, steering India to a total of 307 in the first innings. Falling just shy of a century, Jurel’s maiden Test fifty not only showcased his resilience but also narrowed the gap to a mere 46 runs.
England’s young offspinner, Shoaib Bashir, who toiled through 32 overs on the previous day, continued to pose a threat. His impressive five-wicket haul made him the second-youngest England bowler to achieve this feat in men’s Tests, following in the footsteps of Rehan Ahmed.
However, it was the experienced duo of R Ashwin and Kuldeep Yadav who turned the tide in India’s favor during England’s second innings. Ashwin’s guile and experience shone through as he claimed crucial wickets, including that of Joe Root, guiding England to a precarious position at 65 for 3. Meanwhile, Kuldeep’s crafty spin and economical figures of 4 for 22 added to England’s batting woes, limiting their lead to 191.
As the pitch began to exhibit unpredictable behavior, England lost five wickets for 25 runs after tea. Zak Crawley’s fifty and Jonny Bairstow’s resistance were notable, but they couldn’t withstand the turning ball. India’s spin twins, Ashwin and Kuldeep, spun a web around the English batters, leaving them reeling at 145 all out.
With a target of 192 runs for victory, India’s openers Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal held their ground, ending the day at 40 for 0. The task at hand is straightforward – 152 more runs needed for an Indian victory.
The significance of Ashwin’s five-wicket haul cannot be overstated. His 35th Test five-for not only dismantled England’s batting order but also underscored his timeless value to the Indian team. Kuldeep Yadav, stepping in with precision and control, complemented Ashwin brilliantly, showcasing the depth in India’s spin bowling department.
Dhruv Jurel’s mature innings earlier in the day should be noticed. The young wicketkeeper-batsman’s fifty injected vitality into India’s innings, providing a crucial platform for the team to mount a comeback. His aggressive stroke play, including smashing Shoaib Bashir for consecutive boundaries and a six, demonstrated the fearless approach that modern Indian cricketers embody.
As the sun sets on day three in Ranchi, the stage is set for a riveting finale. India, needing 152 more runs, holds the advantage thanks to the brilliance of Ashwin, Kuldeep, and the resilience of Jurel. The cricketing world awaits the final act of this engrossing Test match, where India aims to clinch victory and the series. The JSCA International Stadium is buzzing with anticipation, and cricket fans are in for a treat as the battle between the bat and ball unfolds in the heart of Jharkhand.
