India was able to put their noses in front as they are currently leading England by 292 runs with eight wickets in the bag. The tourists were able to skittle out England for a paltry 161 in the first innings. Thus, the visitors gained a lead of 168 runs in the first innings. Meanwhile, Hardik Pandya was the star of the day for India.
Indian bowlers were all over the place in the first session and England openers were able to put 46 runs in just nine overs. However, India was able to bounce back strongly post the Lunch session.
Hardik Pandya breathed down the neck of England batsmen.
In fact, India was able to take all the wickets in the second session of the day. Hardik Pandya led the way as the all-rounder got the ball in the right areas and moved the ball away from the right-handers. Pandya struck with the first ball of his spell when KL Rahul took a good low catch to send Joe Root back. There were some doubts and the decision had to be sent upstairs to the third umpire.
Pandya put on an exhibition of fine outswing bowling as he ripped apart England’s line-up. Thus, Hardik Pandya was able to scalp his best figures as he took five for 28. Consequently, the Indian all-rounder was able to answer his critics in style. In fact, this was the best Pandya bowled in the whole series as he was able to hit the corridor of uncertainty.
The conditions were perfect and Indian bowlers made merry when they got the ball in the right areas. No England batsmen were able to get going as the hosts collapsed like a house of cards. In fact, hosts batting was put into pressure by some disciplined Indian bowling. Rishabh Pant also had a fine debut as he took five catches which are the most for any Indian debutant wicketkeeper.
India in command.
Meanwhile, Indian openers once again gave a good start to the team as they put together an alliance of 60 runs to strengthen the lead. KL Rahul batted in the topmost gear and played some delightful strokes in 33-balls 36. However, Stokes was able to find the gap between Rahul’s bat and pad, the ball kissed both to finally find its way to the stumps.
Shikhar Dhawan also looked good for his 44 before he could not read Adil Rashid’s wrong one. On the other hand, Cheteshwar Pujara looked to score from the get-go and made full use of a spread field.
Brief Scores: India: 124-2, Shikhar Dhawan 44 Cheteshwar Pujara 33*.
England 161, Jos Buttler 39, Hardik Pandya 5-28.
India lead by 292 runs with eight wickets in hand.
