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India Crushes England by 434 Runs in Rajkot, Securing Dominant Series Lead
In a historic performance, India demolished England by a staggering 434 runs in the third Test at the Niranjan Shah Stadium in Rajkot, securing a commanding 2-1 lead in the five-match series.
This victory marked India’s biggest Test win ever in terms of runs, surpassing their previous record of 372 runs against New Zealand in 2021.
Dominant Batting Sets the Stage:
A dominant Indian batting display laid the foundation for this resounding victory. Team India, led by Rohit Sharma, made history by declaring innings twice against England, a first in the “Bazball” era. Their aggressive batting dominance resulted in scores of 445 and 430/4 declared across both innings.
Young opener Yashasvi Jaiswal stole the show with a scintillating 214, equaling the record for most sixes in a Test innings (12). Ravindra Jadeja, the eventual Player of the Match, also chipped in with a crucial 112 in the first innings.
England’s Batting Collapses under Pressure:
England’s attempt to chase down a daunting target of 557 runs for victory ended in failure as their batting lineup collapsed spectacularly.
The visitors crumbled under the pressure, losing eight wickets in the final session to be bundled out for a mere 122 on Day 4. It marked England’s second-heaviest Test defeat, surpassed only by their 562-run loss to Australia in 1934.
Jadeja’s All-round Brilliance Shines Through:
Ravindra Jadeja was the undisputed hero of the match. His exceptional all-round performance included seven wickets in both innings and a valuable century in the first inning. His spin bowling proved particularly lethal, dismantling the English batting order of accuracy and control.
Jaiswal stated, “I wanted to make sure that I bat till the end and move the game forward when I came today.“
Jaiswal’s Double Ton and Record-Equalling Sixes Power India to Victory
Yashasvi Jaiswal continued his red-hot form, smashing his second consecutive double century and equalling a record for most sixes in a Test innings, as India crushed England by a massive 434 runs in the third Test at Rajkot.
Jaiswal’s Batting Masterclass:
The 22-year-old opening batsman, who had slammed a match-winning 209 in the previous Test, picked up right where he left off, crafting an unbeaten 214.
His knock was laced with power and precision, featuring a record-tying 12 sixes. Three of those mighty blows came in consecutive deliveries against the legendary James Anderson, a first for the veteran fast bowler.
Jaiswal joined an exclusive club, tying Akram’s 28-year-old record for most sixes in a Test innings. While powerful, Jaiswal’s knock also displayed composure and grit, especially after returning from a back injury.
Partnerships Pave the Way:
Jaiswal’s brilliance wasn’t a solo act. He formed crucial partnerships that laid the foundation for India’s dominant performance. His unbeaten 172-run stand with debutant Sarfaraz Khan in the second innings proved pivotal, while skipper Rohit Sharma’s 131 in the first innings provided a solid start.
Bowlers Shine Too:
India’s bowlers played their part equally well, bundling England out for 319 in the first innings and then skittling them for a mere 122 in the chase. The return of Ravichandran Ashwin, who took his 501st Test wicket, further bolstered the bowling attack.
Series Momentum Shifts:
With this emphatic victory, India has taken a crucial 2-1 lead in the five-match series. After losing the first Test, the team has bounced back strongly with back-to-back wins. The focus now shifts to Ranchi, where the fourth Test begins on Friday.
Looking Ahead:
Jaiswal’s emergence as a batting force, along with the team’s newfound momentum, has made India the clear favorites going into the next Test. However, England will be looking to level the series and regain their lost ground. The upcoming encounter at Ranchi promises to be another exciting chapter in this enthralling Test series.
My name is Krishanu Das the founder of the Sports Dribble.
I am Accountant by profession but a Sports Blogger by passion.
I am passionate about sharing my all knowledge and experiences of sports, with my readers and every sports enthusiast.
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