After the openers gave a solid start, Rohit Sharma and Cheteshwar Pujara frustrated the English bowlers for most of the day, as India were 270/3 at stumps.
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Rohit Sharma spearheaded India’s fightback with a remarkable century on Day 3 of the fourth Test against England. Following their disappointing batting performance in the first innings, Indian batsmen seemed to have found their rhythm in this series again. Virat Kohli’s boys looked comfortable from the word go in their second innings. After the openers gave a solid start, Rohit Sharma (127 runs off 256 balls) and Cheteshwar Pujara (61 off 127 runs) frustrated the English bowlers for most of the day, as India were 270/3 at stumps. As a result, the visitors took a crucial 171-run lead with still two days left to play. Skipper Virat Kohli (22 off 37) and Ravindra Jadeja (9 off 33) were on the crease when the day’s play came to an end.
Batting was the main concern for India in the third Test. India managed just 78 runs in the first innings of the previous match, and slightly improved those numbers to 278 in the second innings. But it was not enough as the sub-continent side suffered a humiliating innings and 76-run defeat. That lean streak continued into the fourth Test, with India being bowled out for a mere 191 runs in the first innings. With three below-par batting performances, it was not sure how the batters would respond to England’s 99-run lead. However, the visitors were in total control on Saturday, with the home side managing to pick only three wickets the entire day.
India started Day 3 on 43/0 with both openers KL Rahul and Rohit Sharma keen to build on the solid display they showed at the end of the second day. Both players complimented each other and rarely took risks. The first six of the match came only in the 24th over. A top edge from Rahul went over the ropes.
Not long after, Rory Burns dropped Rohit’s catch after an outside edge goes low to the right of Burns, who dives but failed to grab it. The Indian opener survived. With both openers taking a cautious route, it was a struggle for the England bowlers to get a breakthrough, which finally arrived in the 34th over.
Rahul (46 off 101) was the first man to depart. James Anderson got the wicket as Jonny Bairstow took the catch. It was initially not given out, but a review by the home side overturned the ruling. India were 83/1 and the new batsman is Cheteshwar Pujara
Pujara, who was criticised heavily for his lack of runs before the start of the series, showed glimpses of his ability on few times in this tour. On Saturday, he re-discovered his scoring touch, as Pujara not only held his wicket but scored at a brisker pace as well.
The duo started to frustrate England bowlers with their approach on Day 3. They took singles and doubles whenever they can, along with the odd boundaries. In the 47th over, Rohit raced to his fifty and was determined on hitting a big score.
Rohit then reached his hundred in sensational fashion, hitting a massive six over long-on from Moeen Ali’s bowling to bring up his first overseas century. The entire dressing room applauded his efforts as India were back in this contest.
Next, it was Pujara’s turn to reach the half-century with a classy boundary. Soon their partnership raced to 150 runs and India looked to be running away with the match. Skipper Joe Root turned to Ollie Robinson and he immediately struck twice with the new ball.
From a short ball, the ball took Rohit Sharma’s top edge on the pull. It went high in the air for Chris Woakes to run from fine leg to complete the catch. The Mumbai batsman walked back with an impressive 127 runs from 256 balls, putting India in the driver’s seat. The opener also completed his 3,000 Test runs during the knock.
In the same over, Pujara 61 off 127) departed after Ali took the catch in slips. India were suddenly in a spot of bother at 237/3. Virat Kohli (22 off 37) and Ravindra Jadeja (9 off 33) held their ground well for the remainder of the day as bad light stopped the play earlier. With still two days left in this Test match, India will be keen to give the hosts a big target to have a chance at winning the game.
