Indian bowlers showcased a collective masterclass on the third day of the first Test against England, leaving the visitors struggling at 172 for five at tea. Ollie Pope (67 batting) and Ben Foakes (2 batting) held the innings together, with England trailing by 18 runs after India declared their first innings at 436 all out.
The Indian spinners found appreciable turn and grip, while the pacers displayed hints of reverse swing, exploiting these conditions skillfully. Jasprit Bumrah's in-ducker dismissed Ben Duckett, and a low-bouncing delivery accounted for Joe Root, who unsuccessfully challenged the leg-before decision through DRS.
Despite the challenging Indian tracks, Ollie Pope stood firm during his fifty, while other England batters struggled against the formidable duo of R Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja. Jadeja removed Jonny Bairstow, and Ashwin produced magic to dismiss Ben Stokes, with the ball spinning past his bat to rattle the stumps.
The English openers, Duckett and Crawley, initially employed a determined approach, using sweeps to counter Indian spinners. However, Ashwin's change in angle got rid of Crawley, caught by Rohit Sharma at slip. The promising start for England contrasted with the rapid end to India's first innings, concluding in 54 minutes with Jadeja falling leg before to Joe Root.
Jadeja's anticipated century eluded him as he was dismissed defending a turning delivery. The subsequent deliveries saw Root dismissing Bumrah, and Rehan Ahmed cleaning up Axar, as India lost the last three wickets without adding any runs. The bowlers' prowess and England's challenging position make India the clear advantage holder in this Test match.
(With Agency Inputs)
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