RAJKOT: India’s Mohammed Siraj claimed four wickets as his side bowled England out for 319 and established a lead of 126 in the absence of Ashwin on day three of the 3rd Test on Saturday. Ben Duckett’s stellar 153 and skipper Ben Stokes’ 41 in his 100th Test couldn’t prevent England from losing wickets consistently, leading to the conclusion of their innings in the second session in Rajkot.
Siraj, supported by Ravindra Jadeja and Kuldeep Yadav, dismantled England’s lower order. Stokes, aiming to stabilize after Duckett’s departure, succumbed to Jadeja’s left-arm spin, while Siraj further exploited England’s vulnerability by dismissing Ben Foakes in quick succession.
England, starting the day at 207-2 in response to India’s 445, lost two wickets within the first 30 minutes. Jasprit Bumrah and Kuldeep Yadav made early breakthroughs, with Joe Root falling to Bumrah’s delivery and Jonny Bairstow succumbing to Kuldeep’s lbw appeal.
Ashwin’s abrupt departure from the Test match due to a family emergency prompted Devdutt Padikkal to step in as a substitute fielder. The Board of Control for Cricket in India confirmed Ashwin’s withdrawal late Friday, citing his urgent need to be with his mother in Chennai.
