India were off to a shaky start on the third day of the second Test against England in Chennai on Monday. Having resumed their second innings with an overnight score of 42/1, India lost the plot as England bowlers tore through the line-up. Cheteshwar Pujara was the first Indian wicket to fall, courtesy of an unlucky moment at the crease.

Looking to go negotiate the turn of the ball, Pujara danced down the wicket only to flick the ball straight to Ollie Pope at short leg. What could’ve been an easy return to the other side of the crease, ended in a nightmare as his bat got stuck into the pitch, on the line.

Ben Foakes, behind the stumps, was quick to collect the ball and take the bails off before the Indian batsman could get his foot back in the crease.

Things couldn’t have been more bizarre for Pujara, who got out in an unlucky manner in the first Test, as well.

It was only a matter of time for India as they fell like dominos, giving in to the English bowling department.

“This is the time when you blame the pitch,” former India batsman Sunil Gavaskar cheekily said on commentary.

“Earlier, the ball was getting stuck, and now the bat is getting stuck. It is even now, now you blame the pitch,” he continued.

However, at lunch on day three, India enjoyed a massive 351-run lead against England. With the pitch showing no signs of slowing down, it’s safe to assume that the Test would be completed within four days.

For England, left-arm spinner Jack Leach, who bowled a long spell this morning, was the best bowler with 3 for 63 while Moeen Ali (2/46) was the other wicket-taker.