Indian spinners shared the spotlight on day three as they rescued the hosts from an early collapse and put India in driver’s seat in the Mohali Test. England scored 78 runs and lost four wickets as they trail behind by 56 runs with two days to go at stumps on day three of the third Test match.
After escaping an early collapse on day two, India resumed their innings at 271/6. Started from where they left, Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja looked in no mood to stop aiming for something big. In the quest to stamp his domination as a batsman, Ravi Ashwin found gaps early on but on his way to reach his 3rd hundred of the year, lofted one to the point position, giving England their first breakthrough of the day. As he was dismissed for well made 72, came in another bowler Jayant Yadav.
Watching the pair bat for long hours was the last thing the visitors wished for and much to their worry happened the same. The two spinners injected pace into their innings and kept on piling runs on the board, snatching the match away from England. Ravindra Jadeja then showed some character and brought up 3rd fifty of his career and second of the tour. His trademark celebration just added the cherry on the cake. However, his innings was cut short by Adil Rashid at 90, his highest score in Test cricket.
Watching his fellow-mates notching up some runs on the other end, Jayant Yadav too joined the party and scored his maiden Test fifty. India crossed the 400 mark after lunch but Ben Stokes fifer ended their innings at 417, giving India a lead of 134 runs.
In the absence of injured Haseeb Hameed, England sent two of their best top order batsmen on the crease to open, Alastair Cook and Joe Root. Carrying some anxious emotions on their faces, the pair did not look too comfortable with the lead on the board. Tipped to be one of the better batsmen of spin bowling, Cook did not live up to the reputation as he was clean bowled by a straight delivery from Ravi Ashwin for just 12 runs.
It wasn’t long before the offie deceived Moeen Ali with a flighted delivery which helped him pick his second of the innings for five.
Jayant Yadav, another off-spinner continued his impressive stint at the crease as he opened his account too by edging Jonny Bairstow for 15 runs. The delight on the faces of Indian cricketers showed how important his wicket was. Ben Stokes then was the last wicket to fell on the day as Ashwin trapped him in front of the wickets. The decision wasn’t given out initially but kudos to DRS, Kohli had that bang on after wasting one earlier. India completely owned the day three and now have left visitors to fight for their pride. With two days to go, the match is likely to be wrapped up on the fourth day.
At Stumps On Day Three:
India – 417; Ravindra Jadeja 90(170), Ravichandran Ashwin 72(113), Ben Stokes 5/73.
England – 78/4; Joe Root 36(101), Jonny Bairstow 15(34), Ravichandran Ashwin 3/19