The much-anticipated 3rd Test match between India and England kicked off in Rajkot with a thrilling first day of action. The match, being played at the Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium, witnessed some brilliant performances from both teams.
Rohit Sharma’s Stellar Knock
Indian opener Rohit Sharma once again showcased his batting prowess as he played a brilliant innings on Day 1. Sharma’s knock was crucial in setting the foundation for India’s innings. He displayed excellent technique and timing, scoring boundaries at regular intervals. His partnership with Cheteshwar Pujara was instrumental in stabilizing the Indian innings after an early wicket.
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Sharma’s innings was a treat to watch, as he effortlessly dispatched the English bowlers to all parts of the ground. His ability to find gaps in the field and rotate the strike was commendable. He reached his half-century in style, with a boundary off Joe Root’s bowling. Sharma’s knock came to an end when he was caught at slip by Ben Stokes off the bowling of James Anderson. His innings of 82 runs off 118 balls was crucial in giving India a solid start.
Joe Root’s Resilient Century
England’s captain Joe Root displayed exceptional skill and determination as he notched up a brilliant century on Day 1. Root’s innings was a masterclass in batting, as he tackled the Indian bowlers with precision and finesse. His ability to play both spin and pace was evident throughout his innings.
Root’s century came at a crucial time for England, as they were reeling at 71/4 at one stage. His partnership with Jonny Bairstow helped England recover from the early setbacks. Root’s innings was filled with elegant strokes and calculated aggression. He reached his century with a boundary off Ravindra Jadeja’s bowling. Root’s knock of 125 runs off 197 balls helped England gain momentum and put up a competitive total on the board.
Other Notable Performances
Apart from Sharma and Root, there were other notable performances on Day 1 of the 3rd Test. Cheteshwar Pujara played a patient innings, providing stability to the Indian batting line-up. His partnership with Sharma was crucial in laying the foundation for a big score.
For England, Jonny Bairstow played a crucial knock of 57 runs, providing support to Root in the middle order. His aggressive strokeplay and ability to rotate the strike helped England recover from the early setbacks.
The Battle of the Bowlers
The bowlers from both teams also had their moments on Day 1. India’s Jasprit Bumrah was the pick of the bowlers, picking up three wickets and causing trouble for the English batsmen. His ability to generate pace and movement made him a constant threat.
For England, James Anderson and Ben Stokes bowled with accuracy and picked up crucial wickets. Anderson’s experience and swing bowling troubled the Indian batsmen, while Stokes provided the breakthroughs when needed.
Conclusion
The first day of the 3rd Test match between India and England in Rajkot witnessed some exceptional performances from both teams. Rohit Sharma’s brilliant knock and Joe Root’s resilient century were the highlights of the day. The battle between the bowlers also added to the excitement of the match. With four more days of action to come, cricket fans can expect more thrilling moments in this highly anticipated Test match.
