India's third Test against England witnessed a masterclass from Rohit Sharma and Ravindra Jadeja, coupled with a stunning debut performance by Sarfaraz Khan. Despite a shaky start with India at 33 for three, Rohit's elegant 131 off 196 balls and Jadeja's unbeaten 110 off 212 deliveries formed a resilient 204-run partnership, steering India to a formidable position at 326 for five by stumps on day one.
Sarfaraz Khan, making his debut, stole the limelight with a fluent half-century, scoring 62 off just 66 balls. However, his innings was cut short by a tragic run-out following a mix-up with Jadeja, leaving the dressing room in frustration as skipper Rohit expressed his disappointment.
As play concluded for the day, Jadeja remained unbeaten alongside nightwatchman Kuldeep Yadav, with India eyeing a substantial total, possibly nearing the 500-run mark, in the batting-friendly conditions on day two.
England's Mark Wood showcased his prowess with the ball, claiming three wickets for 69 runs, including crucial dismissals of Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill early on. Spinner Tom Hartley also made an impact, removing Rajat Patidar for 5 runs.
The pressure on India was palpable, prompting a strategic move to promote Jadeja to number five, a position he rarely occupies. However, the decision paid off handsomely as Rohit and Jadeja stitched together a monumental partnership, only the third double-century stand for India against England in 135 Tests.
Rohit's composed century, his 11th in Test cricket, set the stage for India's resurgence, though his dismissal to Wood's short-pitched delivery marked a temporary setback. Sarfaraz, seizing the opportunity, displayed his wide array of strokes, reaching a maiden half-century in just 48 balls, with seven boundaries and a six to his name.
Jadeja, meanwhile, continued his fine form, falling just short of his century, ending the day unbeaten, having played a crucial role in India's dominance alongside Rohit.
Brief Scrores:
India 326/5 in 86 overs (Rohit Sharma 131, Ravindra Jadeja 110 not out, Sarfaraz Khan 62; Mark Wood 3-69, Tom Hartley 1-81) against England.
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