Ben Duckett score hundred on 88 balls | © (@Crickskills Twitter)
In a thrilling display of cricket prowess, India and England took center stage at the Niranjan Shah Stadium in Rajkot for the 3rd Test. Day 2 of the match witnessed an exhilarating blend of exciting moments, significant milestones, and gripping cricket action that left fans on the edge of their seats.
The Indian batting lineup, led by the ever-reliable skipper Rohit Sharma, delivered a stellar performance, amassing 445 runs in their first innings. Sharma’s brilliant innings, where he contributed 131 runs, showcased his exceptional skill and captaincy. Alongside him, Ravindra Jadeja played a crucial role, adding a commendable 112 runs to the team’s total. The duo’s partnership of 204 runs proved pivotal in setting a solid foundation for India.
Adding to the excitement was the debutant Sarfaraz Khan, who immediately scored a significant half-century on his Test debut. The collective efforts of the Indian batting unit highlighted their depth and resilience on the field. As the day concluded, India stood at 326/5 at Stumps on Day 2, with a commanding lead against England.
However, England needed to be more committed, mounting a resilient response to India’s total. Ben Duckett stole the spotlight by hitting a blazing century in just 88 balls in a remarkable display of batting prowess. His remarkable innings made him the third-fastest overseas player to achieve a century in India in Test cricket. As the day concluded, England scored 207/2, narrowing the gap against India.
The day also witnessed a historic milestone as Ravichandran Ashwin, the seasoned Indian spinner, took his 500th Test wicket. In just 86 tests, Ashwin became the second-fastest bowler in the history of Test cricket to reach this milestone, second only to Sri Lanka’s legendary spinner Muttiah Muralitharan.
Reflecting on the events of Day 1, the match showcased stellar performances from India. Rohit Sharma’s brilliant century and Sarfaraz Khan’s impressive debut half-century were standout moments. Ravindra Jadeja added another feather to his cap by securing his fourth Test hundred, emphasizing the depth and talent in the Indian squad.
As the series stands, it remains evenly poised, with England securing a victory in the first match and India bouncing back with a win in the second. The contrasting playing styles of both teams have added to the excitement, making the series a closely contested battle.
Looking ahead, India will aim to replicate their standout performance from the second Test, with a focus on the skillful Jasprit Bumrah and the in-form batting lineup. On the other hand, England, known for their aggressive approach, will seek to put the Indian bowling attack under pressure, especially with the series now at a critical juncture.
The India vs England 3rd Test has delivered thrilling cricket, with standout individual performances, historic milestones, and a closely contested series. Cricket enthusiasts can anticipate more excitement and nail-biting moments as the battle between bat and ball unfolds in the forthcoming days.
