Rohit Sharma and Ravindra Jadeja both scored centuries as India took control of the third Test on day one. After the English domination during the early stages of the match, the two veterans put on a 200+ stand to put India in a commanding position. Sarfaraz Khan also shone with the bat as played a stroke filled innings of 62. The Mumbaikar was unfortunately run out, but showed glimpses of his talent. The English were frustrated after the early surge with the ball.
Team Lineups
India made four changes to the team that comprehensively won the second Test at Vizag. KL Rahul is out with the quadriceps injury sustained in the first Test. With the selectors running out of patience with Shreyas Iyer, Sarfaraz Khan made his highly anticipated debut after waiting for a long time on the wings. The 26 year old has been the most run scorer over the past three seasons in the Ranji Trophy. Team India handed a debut to another youngster in the form of Druv Jurel.
The 23 year old wicketkeeper batsman was drafted into the team due to the inconsistent performances of Srikar Bharat. Jurel is a right handed batsman who is technically solid and can score runs easily. After his lacklustre show in the last Test match, Mukesh Kumar was omitted from the squad. The 30 year old pace bowler was released for the Ranji Trophy match. Mohammed Siraj was back to take his place in the Indian bowling attack.
Ravindra Jadeja is back after missing the second match with a knock. He replaced Axar Patel in the team. Virat Kohli was still unavailable due to personal reasons.
England made one change to their team that was beaten by India in the first Test. Mark Wood was back to the team after sitting out the second Test match. Despite impressing with the ball in his first Test match, Sohaib Bashir had to drop to the bench for team combination. James Anderson kept his place in the playing eleven. The veteran pace bowler is closing on to the 600 wicket.
England
1. Zak Crawley 2. Ben Duckett 3. Ollie Pope 4. Joe Root 5. Jonny Bairstow 6. Ben Stokes (Cap.) 7. Ben Foakes (WK) 8. Rehan Ahmed 9. Tom Hartley 10. Mark Wood 11. James Anderson
India
1. Rohit Sharma (Cap.) 2. Yashasvi Jaiswal 3. Shubman Gill 4. Rajat Patidar 5. Ravindra Jadeja 6. Sarfaraz Khan 7. Dhruv Jurel 8. Ravichandran Ashwin 9. Mohammed Siraj 10. Jasprit Bumrah 11. Kuldeep Yadav
Indian skipper Rohit Sharma won the toss and had no hesitation to bat first. The pitch at Rajkot looks to be in prime condition for batting. There would be a hint of a turn from the third day. Otherwise, the flat deck in this ground is perfect for batting. There is a chance that the pitch would start to break after the third day, allowing the spinners to get some turn off the surface. The pace bowlers would have a tough time bowling on this flat pitch.
India has played two previous Test matches at Rajkot. They secured one win and a draw in the other match. In 2018, India beat West Indies by an innings and 278 runs. In the first match back in 2016, India had to settle for a draw against England. The average first innings score at this ground is 649 posted by India against the West Indies. The only instance of win at this ground was achieved by India while choosing to bat first at this ground. The average first score innings at this ground is 356. The average run rate is high with 3.58 runs scored in every over at this ground.
Fixture
India had won both of their Tests at Visakhapatnam prior to this game. The most recent Test match at this ground saw India beat South Africa by 203 runs. India and England have met on 133 occasions prior to this Test match. The visitors have the upper hand with 51 wins. The other 50 Test matches ended in a draw. India has emerged victorious on 32 occasions. In Tests in India, the hosts have won 23 games. Two of England’s 15 Test wins came in 2012, the last time a visiting side had toppled the Indians in their own backyard in a series. The first Test match in India’s history was played against England at Lord’s in June. 1932.
| Venue | The first day of the third Test match between India and England was played at Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Saurashtra, Gujarat, India. |
| Date | The game started on Friday, February 15, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. local time. |
Captaincy & Tactics
On the exhilarating first day of the third Test match between India and England, the narrative unfolded with a mix of tension and triumph for the Indian batting lineup. Finding themselves in early trouble at 33 for 3 on a pitch conducive to scoring, India faced a critical juncture with two debutants set to follow. However, the resilience and flair displayed by Rohit Sharma and Ravindra Jadeja in their outstanding 204-run partnership for the fourth wicket not only steadied the innings but also propelled India to a commanding position at 326 for 5 by the close of play. The delightful centuries by Rohit and Jadeja, coupled with Sarfaraz Khan’s dynamic debut knock of 62 off just 66 deliveries before an unfortunate run-out, added spark to India’s innings.
Significantly, the composition of the Indian top order featuring three players with fewer than two Tests under their belt, a rarity not seen since 1999, added an intriguing layer to the day’s proceedings. Meanwhile, Mark Wood’s early strikes against key batsmen Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill showcased England’s intent, providing them with a promising start with the ball.
Jadeja’s proactive promotion to No. 5 in the batting order served a dual purpose of shielding debutant Sarfaraz and injecting a left-hand presence in the lineup. Despite returning from a recent hamstring injury and navigating through personal challenges, Jadeja’s focused and uncluttered approach at the crease symbolized his mental resilience and adaptability, underlining his value to the team.
Rohit’s innings was a blend of innovation and classical strokeplay, as he weathered the storm unleashed by the England bowlers early on and then dictated terms with his array of shots. Notably, his milestone-laden century was a testament to his growing stature as a leader within the inexperienced batting unit.
Batting Analysis
As the day progressed, the ebb and flow of the game saw Jadeja and Rohit dominate the English bowling attack, showcasing a blend of aggression and composure. The duo’s calculated strokeplay and strategic approach ensured India’s steady progress, with Jadeja’s fluent century being a highlight of the day’s play.
Sarfaraz Khan’s fearless approach against pace and spin was a revelation, as he showcased his adaptability and shot-making prowess, particularly against the spinners. The unfolding drama of Jadeja’s innings, marked by a tense passage in the 80s and 90s, added an element of suspense to the proceedings. The missed opportunity on 93, followed by a dramatic run-out on 99, underscored the fine margins of elite cricket and kept the contest finely poised.
As the day drew to a close, with Jadeja unbeaten on a brilliant 110 alongside Kuldeep Yadav, the stage was set for further enthralling cricketing battles on the subsequent day. The dynamic performances and evolving storylines on display hinted at a riveting continuation of the Test match saga, keeping fans and enthusiasts on the edge of their seats.
As the day progressed, the ebb and flow of the game saw Jadeja and Rohit dominate the English bowling attack, showcasing a blend of aggression and composure. The duo’s calculated strokeplay and strategic approach ensured India’s steady progress, with Jadeja’s fluent century being a highlight of the day’s play.
Sarfaraz Khan’s fearless approach against pace and spin was a revelation, as he showcased his adaptability and shot-making prowess, particularly against the spinners. The unfolding drama of Jadeja’s innings, marked by a tense passage in the 80s and 90s, added an element of suspense to the proceedings. The missed opportunity on 93, followed by a dramatic run-out on 99, underscored the fine margins of elite cricket and kept the contest finely poised.
Rohit Sharma, renowned for his aggressive approach at the crease, showcased a remarkable blend of defensive solidity and attacking prowess during his composed innings of 131 runs off 196 balls, embellished with 14 boundaries and 3 mighty sixes. His patient yet impactful knock proved to be a cornerstone of India’s innings, guiding them to a commanding total of 326/5 at the close of play on the first day of the third Test against England at the illustrious Niranjan Shah Stadium in Rajkot.
Throughout his innings, Rohit’s bat met the ball with remarkable precision, especially after navigating through the early challenges posed by the English bowlers on a surface offering exaggerated turn and variable bounce in the initial phases of the match. Undeterred by the short-ball tactic employed by the English bowlers initially, Rohit adapted astutely and displayed exceptional shot selection on his way to crafting his 11th Test century, the ninth achieved on home soil.
A pivotal moment in the day’s play came when Rohit paired up with Ravindra Jadeja to construct a resilient 204-run partnership for the fourth wicket, rescuing India from a precarious situation following the early dismissals. Responding assertively to the short-ball tactics, the duo counter-attacked sensibly, demonstrating their cricketing acumen and temperament under pressure.
The experienced duo navigated through a challenging phase during the afternoon session when James Anderson managed to find reverse swing, posing a threat with subtle variations and movement. Yet, Rohit and Jadeja exhibited composure and solid defense, defying the bowling attack and steering India towards a crucial hundred-run partnership amid a wicket-less session.
Bowling Analysis
As the day concluded with India at 326/5 after 86 overs, with Ravindra Jadeja unbeaten on a splendid 110* alongside Kuldeep Yadav, the stage is set for a riveting Day 2 contest between the two sides at Rajkot. England, led by Mark Wood’s three wickets and Tom Hartley’s crucial breakthrough, will look to regroup and bounce back on the subsequent day to put pressure on the Indian batsmen.
Reflecting on the series backdrop, the fiercely contested battle between India and England has seen both teams claiming a victory each in the first two Tests, setting the stage for a thrilling decider in Rajkot. The contrasting strategies and approaches of the two teams, with England’s aggressive Bazball tactics challenging India’s dominance at home, have added an intriguing dimension to the series narrative.
As the teams prepare for the upcoming day’s play, the onus will be on India to replicate their stellar performance from the second Test, while England will rely on their batting prowess and spin options to keep the hosts on their toes. The absence of key players like KL Rahul and Virat Kohli for India and the tactical squad selection by England, including the emphasis on pace and spin combinations, promise an exciting showdown in the third Test match.
With the series delicately poised and the stakes high for both teams, the stage is set for a gripping battle of skill, strategy, and mental fortitude as India and England lock horns in what promises to be a captivating Test match at Rajkot.
Noteworthy was Ben Stokes’ strategic acumen in deploying field placements and bowling changes to challenge the Indian batsmen tactically, showcasing his leadership prowess on the field. Stokes’ astute captaincy was evident through innovative field settings tailored to exploit the weaknesses of the opposition batters, illustrating his sharp cricketing acumen and proactive decision-making.
Debutant Sarfaraz Khan, after shaking off the initial nerves, displayed glimpses of his burgeoning talent by compiling a brisk 62 runs off just 66 deliveries, highlighted by his authoritative strokeplay and aggressive intent. However, a mix-up with Jadeja resulted in an unfortunate run-out, curtailing his promising innings prematurely.
The day’s proceedings witnessed an enthralling battle between bat and ball, with India making strategic changes to their playing XI by introducing fresh faces like Mohammed Siraj, Ravindra Jadeja, and debutant Dhruv Jurel. Despite a shaky start that saw early setbacks, India’s fightback was marked by Rohit’s resilience, Jadeja’s brilliance, and Sarfaraz’s positive intent, shaping a captivating narrative in the third Test encounter against England.
Fielding Analysis
Rohit Sharma played an immaculate knock which saw him score the 11th century of his illustrious Test career. The Indian captain got a life in the early exchanges of the game. On the final delivery of the 13th over, Tom Hartley delivered a ball that turned and gripped. Rohit attempted to sweep the ball away, but only managed to get a top edge to the ball. The ball went to Joe Root who seemed to have paid little attention to the ball. Root’s feeble attempt to take the catch granted Rohit Sharma an early reprieve.
In an earlier part of the day, Joe Root caught Jaiswal at the first slip. Ben Foakes completed a regulation catch to dismiss Shubman Gill, the centurion of the last game. Ben Duckett also completed an easy grab to send Rajat Patidar back to the pavilion.
Key Performances
Rohit Sharma scored the 11th Test century of his career to put India in a commanding position. The Indian skipper was patient throughout his innings and scored 131 from 196 deliveries. The hitman of India found a perfect partner in Ravindra Jadeja. The home ground hero just missed out on a century in the first Test match of the series. However, this time he made sure to reach three figures with ease.
This was Jadeja’s third Test century. The 204 run partnership between Jadeja and Sharma was crucial to put India in control of the Test match. Sarfaraz Khan looked solid in the first Test match of his career. The 26 year old was confident with his feet movement, showed praiseworthy hand & eye coordination and solid mentality. He scored 62 from 66 deliveries before unfortunately getting run out.
The English bowlers had a hard time with the ball during a long day at the office. Mark Wood bowled well for his three wickets in the first day of the Test match. Tom Hartley was the only other bowler to take a wicket in this Test match. James Anderson’s 2.35 economy rate is proof of his fine bowling performance, however the English legend was unable to take a wicket in this match.
Turning Point
The turning point of the day came after Ravindra Jadeja was promoted up the order after India was reduced to 33 for 3. Jaiswal. Gill and Patidar had returned to the pavilion at that point. The debutant Sarfarz Khan was next in the order to come out. However, the Indian think tank eventually decided against it and sent the experienced Jadeja instead. He joined Rohit Sharma in the middle and started a countercharge against the Englishmen.
Jadeja started to steady the ship while Sharma was initiating a counter punch. They started to use their feet well against the English bowlers with the ball softening. 39% of the shots played by the duo were on the front foot. The English spin attack could not provide any answer to the dominance of these two world class cricketers. The 204 run partnership in 54 runs came at a time when the visitors looked like running away with it.
Day Result
India are 326 runs ahead after the day’s play. The hosts have five more wickets in hand, with Ravindra Jadeja batting at a score of 110.
Brief Scorecard
| India First Innings: 326/5 (90 overs) | England First Innings: Yet to bat |
| Rohit Sharma 131 (196) | |
| Ravindra Jadeja 110* (180) | |
| Mark Wood 3-43 (15 overs) | |
| Tom Harley 1-67 (17 overs) |
Day Highlights
Day Wrap-Up
Ravindra Jadeja and Rohit Sharma scored twin centuries to put India on the driving seat after the first day in Saurashtra. The English bowlers dominated the first hour of play as India was reduced to 33/3 after nine overs. Then Rohit Sharma and Ravindra Jadeja added 204 runs for the 4th wicket partnership to steer India out of the murky waters. The Indians would look to take control in the first session against a dominant side. England, on the other hand, would look to take early wickets to restrict India within 400 as the series reaches its crunching stage.
