India Dominant in 4th Test as England Stumble on Day 3

Vineet Chopra

Pune 25 Feb 2024: In pursuit of England’s target of 192 runs, the Indian team displayed a formidable performance in their second innings. At the close of play on day three, Team India had amassed 40 runs without the loss of any wickets. Captain Rohit Sharma led the charge with 24 runs, supported by Yashasvi Jaiswal with 16 runs. Earlier in the day, the English side faltered, being bowled out for a mere 145 runs in their second innings. Notable among India’s batting heroes was Dhruv Jurel, who, in his second Test appearance, contributed a commendable 90 runs to India’s first innings total of 307 before being the last man dismissed.

Day three of the Ranchi Test belonged to India’s spinners, as the English batsmen struggled against the turning deliveries of R Ashwin and Kuldeep Yadav. England’s second innings wilted under pressure, culminating in their swift dismissal for 145 runs.

England’s second innings got off to a shaky start, with R Ashwin claiming consecutive wickets of Ben Duckett and Ollie Pope. Duckett managed just 15 runs before departing, while Pope failed to score. Ashwin further dented England’s hopes by dismissing Joe Root, who had scored a century in the first innings, for a mere 11 runs. Stokes, too, failed to make an impact with the bat and was bowled out by Kuldeep Yadav. Despite a resilient 60-run innings from Jack Crowley, Kuldeep ultimately brought an end to his batting display. Jadeja accounted for Bairstow’s dismissal at 30 runs, while Ashwin sent Ben Fox packing for 17 runs. Ashwin completed his stellar performance by dismissing Anderson, caught by Dhruv Jurel, as England’s innings folded for 145 runs. Ashwin claimed five wickets, with Kuldeep contributing four to India’s dominant bowling effort.