Indian skipper Rohit Sharma scored a brilliant century during the third session of the opening day in Rajkot, bolstering the Indian innings alongside Ravindra Jadeja. India staged a comeback thanks to centuries from Rohit and Jadeja, who combined to score 204 runs. Notably, Rohit scored his first century in eleven innings and Jadeja achieved his fourth Test century on his home pitch. On Day 1 in Rajkot, Sarfaraz Khan made a stunning debut for India, smashing his first half-century in 48 balls as Rohit and Co. reached 326/5 at Stump's.
Rohit & Jadeja show at Rajkot
On Day 1 in Rajkot, Indian captain Rohit halted his series-low scoring streak with a much-needed century. India desperately needed a partnership at this point, having lost three wickets in rapid succession in Jaiswal (10), Shubman Gill (0), and Rajat Patidar (5) as the pressure mounted on the hosts. Rohit's knock arrived at just the right time. The two centurions from the Vizag Test, Jaiswal and Gill, were removed by Mark Wood, who also made things difficult for the Indian top order by picking up no. 4 Patidar in his opening over as a spinner.
Action coming upon Day 2
Ravichandran Ashwin is one strike away from 500 Test wickets, while England skipper Ben Stokes will make his 100th appearance. This is without a doubt Stokes' finest hundred since his career began in 2013, and England would be thrilled to add even more sweetness to their captain's historic victory.
One of the greatest players of all time in England, Stokes, along with coach Brendon McCullum, transformed Test cricket with their "Bazball," but over the next five days, some questions will be answered regarding its viability in India. James Anderson, an experienced England bowler who needs five more wickets to reach 700 Test wickets, is also on the verge of achieving a significant milestone alongside Ashwin and Stokes.
On Day 2, Bumrah will share the new ball with Mohammed Siraj, who is back. After KS Bharat's dismal performance with the bat, wicketkeeper-batter Dhruv Jurel finally gained the support of the management, and the young player is keen to take advantage of the opportunity in Rajkot.
Rajkot hosting the 3rd Test
The management of the Indian squad surprised everyone by giving Ravindra Jadeja a promotion over Sarfaraz Khan, who had just received his first Test cap earlier on Thursday morning. But the left-hander, who is still undefeated on 17, provided Rohit with excellent support during the first session. After being forced to miss the second Test because of a hamstring injury, Jadeja returned to the Indian starting lineup. In the XI, he took Axar Patel's place.
ICYMI!
A glittering evening in Rajkot as the stadium is renamed as Niranjan Shah Stadium 🏟️👏#TeamIndia | #INDvENG | @IDFCFIRSTBank pic.twitter.com/b3AWfUmx8d— BCCI (@BCCI) February 15, 2024
The SCA Stadium, which was opened in 2009, has only hosted two Test matches so far: India vs England in 2016 and India vs the West Indies in 2018. Eight years ago, the last time India and England faced off at this location, the Test resulted in a tie after both sides engaged in a run-fest. Before Murali Vijay and Cheteshwar Pujara reacted with innings of their own, Joe Root and Stokes scored hundreds. Nevertheless, the middle order, without the suspended Shreyas Iyer for the final three Tests, looks strong in the absence of Pujara.
Image Source: X(Twitter)/BCCI
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