Stay tuned. We are under 20 minutes away from the start of play in Rajkot.
Day three of a Test match is considered the moving day, and it's certainly advantage England at the moment, with Ashwin no longer available to execute Rohit Sharma's plans
Ashwin's milestone
Ashwin removed Zak Crawley (15) to end England's 89-run opening stand and take his tally of Test wickets to the landmark of 500. However, the hosts were dealt a blow on Friday night when the champion off-spinner had to withdraw from the remainder of the third Tes due to "family medical emergency".
Match summary so far
Ben Duckett infused life into England on Friday with his blazing unbeaten 133 , which included 21 fours and 2 sixes, as England reached 207 for 2 at stumps, with Joe Root (9*) the other unbeaten batsman. The hosts were bowled out for 445 earlier in the day and the visitors, thus, cut the deficit to 238.
Welcome back once again to Timesofindia.com, as we are all in readiness to continue bringing you live updates from action on day three of the tentalisingly poised third Test between India and England at Rajkot.
On Day 2, India showcased their batting prowess, posting a formidable total of 445 runs in their first innings, thanks in large part to resilient performances from Ravichandran Ashwin, debutant Dhruv Jurel, and a late cameo from Jasprit Bumrah. However, the loss of overnight batter Ravindra Jadeja and Kuldeep Yadav in the first hour provided England with a glimmer of hope, which was further amplified by Ashwin and Jurel's feisty partnership of 76 runs for the eighth wicket. With the match delicately poised and England set to commence their innings from 207/2, Day 3 promises to be yet another exhilarating chapter in this captivating Test encounter. Stay tuned.
Ben Duckett's magnificent knock, which saw him amass an impressive 133 runs, has not only put England in a strong position but has also placed India on the back foot despite the hosts holding a substantial lead of 238 runs. While England trail, their brisk scoring rate has undoubtedly rattled the Indian camp, setting the stage for a tantalizing battle as both teams look to seize the momentum.
Indian cricket team spinner Ravichandran Ashwin withdrew from the Test match against England in Rajkot due to a family medical emergency. The withdrawal came just hours after he became the second Indian bowler ever after Anil Kumble to take 500 Test wickets.
As the sun rises over the Niranjan Shah Stadium in Rajkot, anticipation fills the air as we gear up for the start of play on Day 3 of the enthralling Test match between India and England. With the visitors finishing Day 2 on a high note, courtesy of Ben Duckett's scintillating century propelling England to 207/2 at stumps, the stage is set for another day of riveting cricketing action.
... DAY 3, FIRST SESSION ...
Right then, that is it from this riveting Day 2 of this Test match. The game is nicely poised at the moment as England will try to continue batting like this and cut the deficit quickly while India will be looking to make early inroads to put some sort of pressure on the visitors. Day 3 will begin on 17th February, Saturday at 9.30 am IST (4 am GMT), but you can join us early for all the build-up. Cheers!
In the second session, India decided to attack a bit more, but Ravichandran Ashwin lost his wicket in that process. Dhruv Jurel also couldn't stay for much longer and just missed out on his half-century but the pair helped the hosts get past the 400-run mark. A few lusty blows from Jasprit Bumrah steered India to a total of 445. Rehan Ahmed got rid of both the set batters while Mark Wood wrapped things up finishing with four wickets in total. The England openers, Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett managed to go to Tea without any trouble. The last session completely belonged to the visitors as they went hammer and tons especially Ben Duckett who was smashing the bowlers all around the park. Zak Crawley became the 500th victim of Ravichandran Ashwin, but the openers added 89 runs before that. Ollie Pope looked a bit unsettled initially but calmed himself and built up another big partnership of 93 runs along with Duckett, but unfortunately got out not too long before Stumps. It was really all about the exceptional century from Ben Duckett as it was also the second fastest by an English opener in Test cricket.
Ravichandran Ashwin, the man of the moment is up for a chat. He talks about his 500 wickets in Test cricket and is very happy to reach the milestone. Talks about his father being very proud as it was his dream that Ashwin get 500 Test wickets. Adds by saying that there has been a lot of hard work and dedication throughout his career till now and it gives him ample satisfaction when he stands on 500 Test Wickets.
Don't missanything!
Subscribe to our newsletter and get all the stories that matter delivered to your inbox
Invalid id. Please enter again
Just like Day 1, India lost a couple of wickets early on Day 2. The Nightwatchman Kuldeep Yadav and the centurion Ravindra Jadeja. However, very similar to the first session on the opening day, the hosts recovered brilliantly this time through a big partnership between the much-experienced Ravichandran Ashwin and debutant Dhruv Jurel. They managed to keep the scoreboard ticking and saw out till Lunch. It was James Anderson who got the early breakthrough for the visitors while the plan to give the ball to Joe Root worked as he got rid of Jadeja, but after that, they failed to build on that and allowed the hosts to steady their ship again.
Ben Duckett, take a bow! He walks back to a round of applause from the crowd and the Indian players show their appreciation as well. We have witnessed one of the best Test knocks as Duckett was simply sensational right from the start. He remains unbeaten on 133 off just 118 balls while England now trails by 238 runs with 8 wickets in hand. India for most of the session were on the back foot, but the highlight for them would be the 500th Test wicket for Ravichandran Ashwin who becomes only the second Indian bowler to achieve this feat after the great Anil Kumble. However, the hosts will have a lot to think about as we head into the 'Moving Day' of this Test match.
Ravichandran Ashwin to Joe Root, FOUR! Full toss and punished! The last ball of the day goes away to the fence. Ravichandran Ashwin bowls a low full toss just outside the line of the off stump to Joe Root who takes a front foot out and drives the ball through the covers gap and picks up a boundary to himself to end DAY 2 of this cricket match.
Ravichandran Ashwin to Ben Duckett, Pitched up fuller on the stumps. Ben Duckett flicks the ball into the square leg gap and runs a single.
Ravichandran Ashwin to Ben Duckett, On the line of the leg stump and Ben Duckett gets a hit on the back pads! Huge appeal for LBW turned down by the Umpire! India take another review. The UltraEdge shows no bat involved. The ball tracking shows that the ball is pitched outside the leg stump line but only just. India lose a review and Ben Duckett survives a late scare.
Ravichandran Ashwin to Joe Root, Bowls the ball up on the off stump line. Joe Root flicks the ball to deep square leg for a single.
Ravichandran Ashwin to Ben Duckett, Fuller again, slow outside the off stump. Ben Duckett drives the ball to deep point and runs a single.
Ravichandran Ashwin to Ben Duckett, Tosses the ball up on the off stump. Ben Duckett drives the ball to covers off the front foot.
Ravichandran Ashwin is back on.
Mohammed Siraj to Ben Duckett, Short ball straying down the leg side. Ben Duckett stays on the crease and flicks it with comfort to long leg and runs a single.
Mohammed Siraj to Ben Duckett, Pitches the ball up on the stumps. Ben Duckett drives it straight to mid on once again.
Mohammed Siraj to Ben Duckett, Hits the pads but outside the line of the leg stump from a fuller length. Ben Duckett looks to flick the ball but misses it completely.
Mohammed Siraj to Ben Duckett, Pitches the ball up on the stumps line and Ben Duckett times the drives well but straight to mid on. Is annoyed with himself for missing out on a boundary option.
Mohammed Siraj to Ben Duckett, Hits the deck on 135 clicks on top of the off stump. Ben Duckett stays on the crease and taps it back to the bowler.
Mohammed Siraj to Ben Duckett, Holds the length outside the off stump line. Ben Duckett plays at it late towards gully on the bounce.
Jasprit Bumrah to Joe Root, hits the length on top of the off stump. Joe Root blocks it off the front foot.
Jasprit Bumrah to Joe Root, Nails the yorker on the middle stump line. Joe Root blocks it off well.
Jasprit Bumrah to Joe Root, Short ball on top of the leg stump line. Joe Root flicks the ball to the right of fine leg and runs a couple.
Jasprit Bumrah to Joe Root, Holds the length on top of the off. Joe Root stays on the crease and blocks it off.
Jasprit Bumrah to Joe Root, Swings the ball into the right-hander from a good length on the off stump. Joe Root blocks it towards mid-wicket.
Jasprit Bumrah to Ben Duckett, Short and wide outside the off stump. Ben Duckett cuts the ball to the right of covers and runs a single.
India are not happy with the condition of the ball and asks the umpire to check it. It fails to pass through the ring twice but on the third attempt it does and the hosts will have to continue with it. Also, Jasprit Bumrah comes back into the attack now.
Mohammed Siraj to Ben Duckett, Full and straight on the leg stump. Ben Duckett flicks the ball to the right of deep square leg and completes a single to end the over.
Mohammed Siraj to Joe Root, Swings one into the right hander, fuller in length on the middle stump line. Joe Root flicks the ball to mid-wicket and runs a single off the midfield.
Mohammed Siraj to Joe Root, Goes wide of the crease and gets the ball to move into the right hander, on top of the middle stump line from the length. Joe Root taps it back to the bowler.
Mohammed Siraj to Joe Root, Bowls the ball on top of the off stump from a good length. Joe Root stays on the crease and blocks it off well.
Mohammed Siraj to Ben Duckett, Holds the length back on the stumps. Ben Duckett swings the bat getting an inside edge to fine leg for a single.
Mohammed Siraj to Ben Duckett, Hits the length hard on top of the off stump. Ben Duckett stays back and blocks it off.
Ravindra Jadeja to Ben Duckett, Just short at the stumps. Ben Duckett flicks it to long on for a single.
Ravindra Jadeja to Ben Duckett, SIX! What a shot! Reverse sweep into the crowd! Ravindra Jadeja holds the length back on the leg stump line and Ben Duckett changes stance and reverse slogs the ball over the sweepers boundary for a flat six.
Ravindra Jadeja to Ben Duckett, Tossed up on the stumps. Ben Duckett taps it to mid-wicket.
Ravindra Jadeja to Joe Root, Another NO BALL again from Ravindra Jadeja! Bowls it fuller on the stumps and Joe Root flicks the ball to deep mid-wicket for a single.
Ravindra Jadeja to Joe Root, Fuller on the off stump line. Joe Root blocks it off the front foot.
Ravindra Jadeja to Joe Root, Flighted ball on the stumps. Joe Root taps it back to the bowler. The umpire signals a NO BALL for overstepping.
Ravindra Jadeja to Ben Duckett, Just short at the stumps. Ben Duckett stays back and flicks the ball to deep square leg.
Ravindra Jadeja to Ben Duckett, tossed up on the stumps. Ben Duckett blocks it off the front foot.
English (US) ·