India bounced back strongly in the five-match Test series against England, securing a 2-1 lead after a commanding victory by 434 runs in the third Test match at Rajkot. Despite facing adversity with a loss in the first Test at Hyderabad, India showed resilience and determination, leveling the series in Vizag before dominating in Rajkot. The match showcased India’s ability to turn disadvantages into strengths, particularly evident in their performance with several new faces in the playing XI, including two debutants and a player in only his second Test match.
Winning the toss, India chose to bat first but stumbled early, losing three wickets quickly. However, a formidable partnership between Rohit Sharma and Ravindra Jadeja steered India out of trouble, followed by contributions from Sarfaraz Khan and the lower-order batsmen, propelling India to a formidable total of 445. Despite England’s strong start in their first innings, powered by Ben Duckett’s century, India’s bowlers, led by Mohammed Siraj, staged a remarkable comeback, bowling England out for 319 and securing a significant lead of 126 runs.
In the second innings, India’s dominance continued as Yashasvi Jaiswal’s double century (214*) and Shubman Gill’s 91 extended India’s lead beyond England’s grasp. Jaiswal’s aggressive batting display, including three consecutive sixes off James Anderson, showcased India’s batting prowess. England, chasing an improbable 557 runs, crumbled under the pressure, collapsing for just 122 runs, handing India a resounding victory by 434 runs. Jaiswal’s stellar performance earned him praise, becoming the first Indian to score two double centuries against England in Test cricket, marking a historic achievement in the series.
