India looked in no hurry as they added only 70 runs to their overnight score of 124 runs. Thus, the visitors batted cautiously as they respected the conditions in the first session of Day 3 of the ongoing third Test match.
Cheteshwar Pujara was able to complete his 18th Test fifty as he took his time in the opening session. On the other hand, Indian skipper Virat Kohli also completed his 19th Test half-century.
India was able to strengthen their lead.
Meanwhile, England wicketkeeper Jonny Bairstow suffered a blow to his left-hand finger when he tried to collect a ball. James Anderson final ball of the 44th over dipped on Bairstow. Thus, the England gloveman was seen in a lot of pain. As per the latest reports from England and Wales Cricket Board, Jonny Bairstow is sent for an X-Ray on his finger.
On the other hand, Indian pair of Cheteshwar Pujara and Virat Kohli took their time to stamp authority on the game. Thus, the right-handers were able to further take the game away from the hosts. Meanwhile, Kohli also survived an LBW shout from England when he inside-edged the ball on to his pads.
India was in no hurry.
In fact, the pitch had some spark for the England bowlers in the first twenty minutes. However, Indian batsmen had come out with a set plan to counter the England bowlers.
After playing the first half-an-hour safely, Virat Kohli and Pujara decided to keep rotating the strike. There wasn’t much for the England bowlers. Furthermore, the Indian pair added to England’s misery.
Meanwhile, India is in a dominating position as they have put their noses in front.
Brief Scores: India 194-2
Cheteshwar Pujara 56, Virat Kohli 54
Therefore, India lead by 362 runs.
Here is how Twitter reacted to India’s first session.
Why don't they make more players like Cheteshwar Pujara anymore? He knows how to cut the swing and make the game dead for the opposition. He has been doing it brilliantly since morning, and he deserves a pat on his back.#ENGvIND
— ?????? ????? (@GautamSodhi1) August 20, 2018
https://twitter.com/chetannarula/status/1031497498815328256
Jonny Bairstow going for an X-ray on his left middle finger. #EngvInd
— Vithushan Ehantharajah (@Vitu_E) August 20, 2018
18th half-century for Cheteshwar Pujara (@cheteshwar1),
3rd vs @englandcricket,
2nd in England & 2nd at this venue (@TrentBridge) as well.#ENGvIND #TrentBridgeTest— Akhil Gupta ? (@Guptastats92) August 20, 2018
https://twitter.com/Mittermaniac/status/1031510184802308097
https://twitter.com/RuBluez/status/1031510143626764289
The commentators @nassercricket and @KumarSanga2 (I think) just recommended @roryburns17 as the next opener for England should there be change in opening partners. #Cricket #ENGvIND #INDvENG
— 21st Century Cricket (@21CenturyCric) August 20, 2018
Turning out to be a superb partnership for India. 100 for the taking for both Kohli and Pujara.#ENGvIND
— Sarfraz (@sarfcric) August 20, 2018
Glorified Net Session Now #ENGvIND
— Chatil Panditasekara (@ChatilPandi) August 20, 2018
Ruthless Batting..Frm @imVkohli Murdering England Bowlers..With his batting!! ? Best In The World!! #EngvInd
— ? (@iamaslam50) August 20, 2018