In the first Test of their five-match series, India, led by contrasting knocks from Ravindra Jadeja, Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul, established a commanding position against England at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad. A resilient 87 runs from all-rounder Jadeja which featured seven boundaries and two sixes, was pivotal in India posting a first innings total of 436 runs, thus securing a substantial lead of 190 runs over England.
Commencing Day 3 at 421/7, India had already gained a 175-run lead, with Jadeja and Axar Patel resuming their innings. Jadeja, starting the day on 81 runs, and Axar, at 35 runs, looked set to extend India's dominance. Jadeja kicked off the day's proceedings with a quick single against pacer Mark Wood, continuing to build the innings steadily. However, his resistance was eventually broken by Joe Root in the 120th over.
Root's bowling proved pivotal as he dismissed Jasprit Bumrah for a golden duck immediately after Jadeja's wicket. Shortly after, Rehan Ahmed took the last wicket of Axar Patel, wrapping up India's innings at 436 in 121 overs.
The Indian bowlers had previously set the tone on Day 1, dismissing England for 246 runs. Jadeja, alongside Ravichandran Ashwin, each claimed three wickets, showcasing India's spin prowess.
The Indian innings began robustly with openers Yashasvi Jaiswal and Rohit Sharma. Jaiswal, only 22 years old, raced to a swift half-century, eventually scoring 80 off 74 deliveries before falling to Joe Root. Rohit Sharma's innings was curtailed by Jack Leach.
Subsequent contributions came from Shubman Gill with a 66-ball 23 and Shreyas Iyer, who scored 35 off 63 balls. KL Rahul narrowly missed a century, falling for 86 to debutant Tom Hartley. His innings included eight boundaries and two sixes.
Later in the innings, KS Bharat added 41 runs, setting the stage for Jadeja and Axar Patel to bolster India's total late on Day 2, ending the day at 421 for 7.
This match is significant as India has maintained a remarkable record of not losing a home Test series in the last 12 years, including two victories against England. The last team to defeat India at home was Alastair Cook's England squad in the 2012/13 season, adding an intriguing historical context to the current series.
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