RAJKOT: Captain Rohit Sharma and middle-order batsman Ravindra Jadeja showcased remarkable resilience, each scoring a determined century to lift India from a precarious position to a commanding 326 for five in the third test against England.
Initially, India found themselves struggling at 33-3 within the first hour as Mark Wood’s pace proved effective on a placid track at the Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium.
However, Rohit and Jadeja orchestrated a remarkable recovery, forging a crucial 204-run partnership to revive the hosts’ fortunes. By the close of play, Jadeja remained unbeaten on 110, securing his fourth test hundred, while nightwatchman Kuldeep Yadav stood at one not out. Rohit’s innings of 131 was laden with drama, encompassing three sixes, 14 boundaries, and several pivotal moments, including surviving a blow to his helmet, a dropped catch in the slip, and a successful lbw review.
Despite England’s attempts to capitalize on a flat surface with aggressive bowling, Rohit’s strategic decision to bat paid dividends. However, the combination of Ben Stokes and Wood disrupted Rohit’s momentum, with the latter dismissing him with a well-executed short-ball strategy.
Debutant Sarfaraz Khan showed promise with a brisk fifty, but his partnership with Jadeja was cut short due to a run-out, inciting frustration from Rohit in the pavilion. Additionally, the match witnessed the test debut of wicketkeeper Dhruv Jurel for India.
