India jumped off to a commanding first-innings lead thanks to hundreds from Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill on the second day of the fifth and final test match against England. All five of India's top hitters—including rookie Devdutt Padikkal—contributed to the team's impressive 473-8 total, giving them a 255-run lead. India, who were already leading the series 3-1, seemed solidly in charge even as Ben Stokes took his first wicket in eight months and James Anderson was close to his 700th wicket in a test match.
After hitting a six off Bashir to reach fifty, Padikkal put up a strong 65-run innings. The off-spinner then took three wickets in a row, dismissing Dhruv Jurel, Sarfaraz Khan, and Padikkal. Bashir concluded with 4–170 figures. After Tom Hartley entered the game, Ravindra Jadeja and Ravichandran Ashwin were eliminated quickly. In an attempt to push India's total above 500, Kuldeep Yadav and Jasprit Bumrah's unbroken 45-run partnership for the ninth wicket will continue on Saturday.
In the first session, Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill belted visitors around the park. But for the first time since the Ashes last year, Ben Stokes bowled, and with a wonderful delivery, he dismissed Rohit for 103 off 162 on the opening ball of his over. After Stokes broke a 171-run partnership, Anderson went to 699 Test wickets by dismissing Gill in the next over off 110 runs.
Padikkal then counterattacked for India, with Sarfaraz joining in. In the second session, following a drink break, the latter changed gears and resumed playing at his regular tempo.
Stumps on Day 2 in Dharamsala!#TeamIndia extend their first-innings lead to 255 runs as they reach 473/8 👏👏
Kuldeep Yadav & Jasprit Bumrah with an unbeaten 45*-run partnership 🤝
Scorecard ▶️ https://t.co/OwZ4YNua1o#INDvENG | @IDFCFIRSTBank pic.twitter.com/6gifkjgSKJ— BCCI (@BCCI) March 8, 2024
Day 2's first session was dominated by Rohit and Gill, especially the latter. After both players easily reached their hundreds, Gill hit his fourth six of the innings to put India ahead. In the first session, the two batters gave not even the slightest indication of a chance; they ended up hitting boundaries at will.
Image Source: X(Twitter)/BCCI
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