Skipper Rohit Sharma's resilient innings of 131 runs from 196 deliveries, coupled with a dazzling century from all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja (110* off 212 balls) along with Sarfaraz Khan's lightning fifty propelled Team India to a commanding total of 326/5 at the close of play on Day 1 of the third Test against England at the Niranjan Shah Stadium in Rajkot on Thursday, February 15.
Sarfaraz Khan on fire
Debutant Sarfaraz Khan made a fiery start to his Test career with a contribution of 62 runs from 66 balls, but unfortunately, a regrettable run-out brought an end to his impressive debut. Following Sarfaraz's dismissal, nightwatchman Kuldeep Yadav was called upon to partner with Jadeja at the crease.
Choosing to bat first, Team India encountered an early setback, with three wickets falling rapidly for just 33 runs. Jadeja, stepping in before debutants Sarfaraz Khan and Dhruv Jurel, joined forces with the captain to not only steady the innings but also construct a formidable partnership. Together, they accumulated 204 runs off 329 deliveries, bolstering the team's position significantly.
How Day 1 panned out?
In the first session of the game, Mark Wood and James Anderson displayed exceptional precision in their bowling, consistently hitting the right lines and lengths. Wood made the breakthrough by inducing an edge from Jaiswal with a well-angled delivery, sending him back to the pavilion. Shortly after, Wood added to his tally by forcing an uneasy Shubman Gill to nick behind to wicketkeeper Ben Foakes.
The visitors secured their third wicket in the ninth over as Hartley delivered a ball that sharply jumped off a length, causing Rajat Patidar to edge towards cover. Rohit Sharma faced a challenging moment against Wood's short-ball tactics, attempting aggressive cuts and sweeps with three fielders strategically placed in the leg-side. After surviving a dropped catch by Joe Root at first slip during a slog attempt at 27, Rohit's luck persisted when he narrowly avoided an lbw decision while dancing down the pitch against Anderson. Undeterred, the skipper Rohit showcased his batting prowess and reached his fifty in 71 deliveries.
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