Yashasvi Jaiswal showcased his batting prowess by achieving his second century of the ongoing series, while Shubman Gill provided solid support with an unbeaten fifty, allowing India to strengthen their lead to 322 runs and firmly control the third Test against England at the Niranjan Shah Stadium on Saturday.
The unexpected absence of Ravichandran Ashwin due to a family medical emergency left India with one less frontline bowler going into Day Three. However, other bowlers stepped up admirably, with Mohammed Siraj particularly impressive, claiming 4-84, especially after a potent spell post-lunch.
Kuldeep Yadav shone in the morning session with his pace and variations, taking two wickets, while Ravindra Jadeja and Jasprit Bumrah also contributed with two wickets each. Bumrah's dismissal of Joe Root triggered England's collapse, as they lost eight wickets for just 95 runs, granting India a significant 126-run lead and seizing control of the match, a scenario that seemed improbable earlier in the day.
In their second innings, Jaiswal initially showed patience before launching an assault on England's bowlers to reach a well-crafted 104, including nine fours and five sixes. Unfortunately, he had to retire hurt due to back spasms, interrupting his partnership of 155 runs with Gill. Gill, on the other hand, played with composure, striking six fours and two sixes on his way to an unbeaten 65 at stumps, with Kuldeep Yadav providing support on three not out, guiding India to 196/2 in 51 overs.
England started Day Three positively, but Bumrah's early breakthrough dismissed Root, continuing his struggles in the series. Kuldeep soon trapped Jonny Bairstow LBW, while Ben Duckett fought to surpass 150 runs before falling to a well-directed ball. Stokes faced difficulty against Bumrah and Kuldeep, eventually succumbing to Jadeja's delivery.
After lunch, England's innings unraveled quickly as Siraj dismissed Rehan Ahmed with a perfect yorker, and Jadeja had Tom Hartley stumped by debutant keeper Dhruv Jurel. Siraj's impressive bowling ended England's innings by clean-bowling James Anderson.
India's second innings began positively, with Rohit Sharma striking two boundaries off James Anderson's first over. However, Sharma fell victim to Root's bowling, with a successful LBW review by England. Gill and Jaiswal steadied the ship, gradually accelerating the scoring rate as they frustrated England's bowlers.
Jaiswal's aggressive batting display, including a flurry of boundaries and sixes, led him to a splendid century before unfortunate back spasms forced him to retire hurt. Gill continued to dominate, reaching his fifty with authority. Despite a brief setback with Rajat Patidar's dismissal, India managed to score 152 runs in the final session of Day Three, firmly establishing their grip on the Test match.
Brief scores: India 445 & 196/2 in 51 overs (Yashasvi Jaiswal 104, Shubman Gill 65 not out; Tom Hartley 1-42, Joe Root 1-48) lead England 319 all out in 71.1 overs (Ben Duckett 153, Ben Stokes 41; Mohammed Siraj 4-84, Ravindra Jadeja 2-51) by 322 runs
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