In a day of fluctuating fortunes, England displayed resilience against India in the 1st Test at Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad. Anchored by Ollie Pope and Ben Foakes, England ensured that India would need to bat again in the ongoing Test.
Pope’s gritty century, coupled with Foakes’ solid partnership, propelled England beyond their 1st inning deficit. Despite Axar Patel claiming Foakes’ wicket, Pope and Rehan Ahmed held firm, preventing further damage. As Day 3 concluded, England led by 126 runs with four wickets in hand, including Ollie Pope.
The narrative of the day unfolded in two distinctive sessions. India initially struggled in the first session, with England aggressively attacking the Indian spinners. Despite Ravichandran Ashwin dismissing Zak Crawley, England remained unfazed, concluding the session at 89/1, trailing India by 101 runs.
However, India made a resounding comeback in the second session, spearheaded by Jasprit Bumrah’s breakthrough against Ben Duckett. Although Duckett and Pope had swung aggressively, India missed an opportunity by not reviewing an LBW decision against Duckett. Subsequent replays indicated a potential reversal. Bumrah, visibly frustrated, swiftly rectified the situation by dismissing Duckett with a vicious inswinger.
Jasprit Bumrah gave India a delightful route!
The middle-order engine room of Joe Root, Jonny Bairstow, and Ben Stokes faced further setbacks. Root succumbed to Bumrah, while Jadeja and Ashwin dismissed Bairstow and Stokes, respectively. It was the 12th time Ashwin outplayed Ben Stokes, making it his most against any other batter.
Earlier in the day, India managed to bat for just under an hour, with Joe Root completing a four-wicket haul. Rehan Ahmed dismissed Axar Patel, concluding the Indian innings at 436. Root showcased his prowess by dismissing Ravindra Jadeja and Jasprit Bumrah in consecutive deliveries, underscoring his impact in the match.
With England leading by 126 runs at Stumps on Day 3, the Test promises further excitement as India seeks a breakthrough and England aims to consolidate their position. The tussle between bat and ball has set the stage for an intriguing conclusion to this compelling Test match.
Here is how fans react to England’s comeback:
OLLIE POPE, THE STAR OF DAY 3 ? pic.twitter.com/bcIyGjxyfp
— Pankaj (@Pankaj41627) January 27, 2024
200 loading for pope??? poor captaincy by nofit???
— ??????? ??? (@WINRAT__Goatli) January 27, 2024
We want England to score at least 250 runs more
— Ayush (@vkkings077) January 27, 2024
Let's win this tomorrow
— Amit Shah (Parody) (@Motabhai012) January 27, 2024
Pope bats very similar to Ian Bell and is supposed to take the captaincy responsibility after Ben Stokes https://t.co/eYHxmoY5NU
— Sujeet Suman (@sujeetsuman1991) January 27, 2024
Positive of the day day is Ollie Pope's inning.
It looks pretty reasonable situation for England but tomorrow if Pope falls early then all of sudden total is going to look peanut ? for India
Let's see how England play in the first session of day number 4
— IK@BABAR (@ahmed_ikhlaq16) January 27, 2024
Pope is hope for England
— Hriday Singh (@hridaysingh16) January 27, 2024
England's day, well played young man
— Karthik (@vsk_says) January 27, 2024
A booming session ???#INDvENG pic.twitter.com/jcFkX4Z7TZ
— Parmjeet Singh (@ParmjeetSi25214) January 27, 2024
