NEW DELHI: Captain
Rohit Sharma
spearheaded India's revival with a resilient half-century following a commanding display by England fast bowler
Mark Wood
, who orchestrated a collapse in the top order, leaving the hosts reeling at 93 for three by lunch on the first day of the third Test on Thursday.
Enduring a series of trials, Rohit endured a blow to his helmet, survived a slip catch opportunity, and successfully challenged an lbw decision during his eventful innings, culminating in an unbeaten 52.
Meanwhile, Ravindra Jadeja, returning to the side after missing the second Test in Visakhapatnam due to a hamstring injury, provided steady support from the other end, accumulating 24 runs.
Opting to bat on a placid pitch, Rohit's decision was met with the stark reality of Wood's express pace, which proved effective even on such benign terrain.
Wood struck early, dismissing Yashasvi Jaiswal caught by Joe Root in the slip in his second over, limiting the promising batsman, who had notched a double century in the previous Test, to a mere 10 runs.
In his subsequent over, Wood sent Shubman Gill back to the pavilion for a duck, caught behind by the wicketkeeper.
In his milestone 100th Test appearance, England captain Ben Stokes introduced spin in the ninth over, reaping immediate rewards as Rajat Patidar fell for five, deceived by left-arm spinner Tom Hartley's extra bounce.
Wood continued to unleash a barrage of hostile deliveries, striking Rohit on his helmet grille and maintaining relentless pressure on the Indian batting lineup.
Rohit was granted a reprieve on 27 when an edge off Hartley eluded Root's grasp at slip, denying England a crucial breakthrough.
Later, Rohit survived an lbw decision initially given in favor of James Anderson, successfully overturning it upon review as replays confirmed the ball had made contact with the bat first.
Additionally, wicketkeeper Dhruv Jurel and batsman Sarfaraz Khan made their Test debuts for India amidst the unfolding drama on the field.
English (US) ·