Ishant Sharma, playing his 100th Test match, began with the assuredness of a number 10, assiduously blocking to give Ashwin time to add crucial runs to swell India’s slim lead. Ashwin eventually perished to a sweep that took to the skies after the ball bounced awkwardly. In the space of that one ball, Ishant Sharma‘s role transformed into that of the senior batsman – shielding Bumrah from the strike and hitting when possible, including a gorgeous six off Leach.  That was Ishant’s first six in Test cricket.

Bumrah survived today’s aggressive umpiring (England’s whining from the previous evening having got rewarded today) once by successfully reviewing the decision, but was subsequently trapped shortly thereafter, ending India’s innings with a lead of 33. 

That left Ishant not out at 10, only the fifth score in double digits in the Indian innings, headlined by Rohit Sharma’s 66. 

England’s Joe Root didn’t contribute with the bat yesterday, but his 5 for 8 will likely be his best Test bowling figures. 

Today’s top trend, young Prithvi Shaw had wished him as the match began, tweeting, “It%u2019s so inspiring to see @ImIshant play his 100th Test. A day that is both historic and memorable for you, smashing records and also stumps. Congratulations!”

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