After posting 445 runs on the board, India found themselves under a bit of cosh as England’s opener Ben Duckett was in the mood. England were 224-2 and they were motoring along on a flat pitch. That’s when Indian bowlers turned a corner and helped the hosts in bouncing back.
England’s premier batter Joe Root was dismissed while trying to play the reverse scoop and then the floodgates opened. Mohammed Siraj bowled an inspiring spell as he bagged four wickets and England lost their last eight wickets for 95 runs. Furthermore, Kuldeep Yadav bowled a superb spell as he bagged two wickets whereas Jadeja also scalped a pair.
The home team was able to take a huge lead of 126 runs and from there on, it was it was almost impossible for England to make any comeback. India then racked up 430-4 in the second essay, courtesy of a double century from Yashasvi Jaiswal, and gave a gigantic target of 557 runs to England.
The visitors were then bundled out for 122 as Ravindra Jadeja bagged a five-wicket haul. The hosts registered their biggest Test victory in terms of runs as they won by 434 runs to take a 2-1 lead in the five-match series.
Rohit Sharma said in the post-match presentation while speaking to the host broadcasters, “Lots of turning points, was a good toss to win, we know how important in India it is to win the toss, the way we came back and bowled after that onslaught. The bowlers showed a lot of character, not to forget we did not have our most experienced bowler as well. With the bat we knew the job was half-done, those two youngsters got us the lead we wanted and obviously Jadeja with the ball in the 2nd innings was superb.”
Rohit admitted England was able to put them under pressure after their fine start in the first innings but his message was clear to his bowlers – Stay calm.
Rohit added, “They played well and put us under pressure. We have got class in our bowling, the message was to stay calm and I’m really proud of how we came back the next day. When those things happen, it’s a delight.”
Rohit also went on to praise Yashasvi Jaiswal, who went on to score 214 runs and continued his purple patch in the series. The left-hander has scored 545 runs in the first three Test matches at a Bradmanesque average of 109.
Rohit concluded, “I have spoken a lot about him, in Vizag as well, people outside the changeroom have spoken as well. I don’t want to talk too much about him, he has started his career on a high, I want him to continue doing well, yeah looks a good player.”
India and England will next take on each other at JSCA International Stadium Complex, Ranchi in the fourth Test match from Friday.
