England amassed a massive 345-run lead against India after bowling them out for a paltry 78 in their first innings. The visitors, led by Virat Kohli, managed to wrap up the English tail in just 3.2 overs as they looked to overhaul the huge total. The Indian innings was opened by KL Rahul and Rohit Sharma.
India aiming for a solid start lost KL Rahul cheaply, courtesy a brilliant one-handed catch by Jonny Bairstow in the slip cordon.
This is how the catch played out. Craig Overton angled the ball in, forcing Rahul to prod forward and defend the ball. However, the ball moved slightly and took an outside edge of Rahul’s bat and flew right to the slip cordon.
Bairstow, at second slip, dived to his left and stuck out his hand only for the ball to stick to his hands. This catch not only brought joy to the bowler but also sent the slip cordon into a frenzy.
Watch the video here:
After KL Rahul’s dismissal, the Indian innings was steadied by Cheteshwar Pujara and Rohit Sharma. Both the batsmen batted intelligently and motored the Indian innings forward.
At tea, India were at 112/1 thanks to Rohit’s second half-century of the series. He was ably supported by Cheteshwar Pujara who punished the loose balls.
However, Rohit’s stay in the middle was cut short by Ollie Robinson, who trapped the Indian LBW. The right-handed batsman departed after scoring 59 off 156 balls. During his stay, he hit seven boundaries and a solitary maximum.
As India looks to climb the massive mountain of 375 runs, the 82-run partnership between Pujara and Rohit could be one of the turning moments of the match.
India are currently touring England for a five-match Test series. The opening Test was drawn as rain played spoilsport. The second Test saw India register a dramatic victory over the hosts to take a 1-0 lead in the series.
The third Test is being played in Leeds.