RAJKOT: The third Test between England and India kicked off with England fast bowler Mark Wood making early inroads into India’s top order. However, the hosts managed to stage a recovery, reaching 93-3 at lunch after opting to bat first in Rajkot on Thursday.
Winning the toss, Indian captain Rohit Sharma elected to bat first, but England’s Wood quickly put India on the back foot by claiming the wickets of Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill. The Indian batting lineup further stumbled to 33-3 when spinner Tom Hartley dismissed Rajat Patidar.
However, Rohit Sharma, showing his class and resilience, led the recovery charge for India, reaching an unbeaten 52 by the lunch break. He found support in Ravindra Jadeja, with the pair putting on an unbroken partnership of 60 runs, with Jadeja contributing 24 not out.
England’s Wood Strikes Early Blows as India Stands at 93-3 in 3rd Test
The match holds special significance for England’s captain Ben Stokes, marking his 100th Test appearance. Stokes, who steered his team to victory in the series opener, is aiming to guide his side to another triumph after India leveled the series with a win in the second Test.
Wood’s inclusion as the sole change in the England lineup proved fruitful, with the pacer dismissing Jaiswal early on, caught at slip by Joe Root for just 10 runs. Gill followed suit in the next over, falling victim to Wood’s relentless pace, caught behind by wicketkeeper Ben Foakes without scoring.
The introduction of spin saw Hartley strike again, removing Patidar, whose chip shot found Ben Duckett at cover for just five runs. Despite these early setbacks, Rohit Sharma’s aggressive approach allowed India to regain momentum, with the skipper reaching his fifty off 71 balls.
As the match unfolds, both teams will be eager to gain the upper hand in what promises to be another thrilling encounter in this closely contested Test series.
