ENG v IND, 3rd Test: Batters Stand Tall As India Takes Day 3 Honors

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India vs England 2021: Indian batting stood tall on day 3 and reached 215/2 after bowling England out for 432 in the first innings. 

Resuming the day at 423/8, England batters could only add nine runs to their overnight in three overs they played before Mohammed Shami and Jasprit Bumrah wrapped up the tail. The hosts went to the pavilion with a lead of 345 runs in the first inning. 

The Indian openers - Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul - when came to the bat had to not only survive the new ball but also the dark overcast conditions over the Leeds. 

The two never looked comfortable and had to survive a lot of plays and misses throughout the 19 overs. Rahul got himself a lifeline after an LBW decision was overturned.  On the last ball before lunch, Rahul eventually ran out of luck and edged one to the slips where Jonny Bairstow caught with one hand off Craig Overton. 

Resuming the 2nd session on 34/1, Pujara had joined Rohit after KL Rahul had got out just before Lunch. England bowlers tried to attack Pujara's stumps early on but drifted towards the leg which he obliged and hit two fours to get going in his inning. 

Rohit was in his zone and despite a few edges and misses, he continued to survive and score at every opportunity he got. The opening batter reached his fifty and once again provided a solid foundation at the top. Pujara supported him well with his unbeaten 40 till lunch. 

The final session started with Robinson beating Rohit and hitting on the pads. The umpire gave it out and on review, the opener was indeed adjudged out with umpire's call. 

Virat Kohli joined Pujara and two looked positive from the ball one. Even though England bowlers tried Kohli to drive the ball, the Indian captain looked adamant not to go with the bait offered and showed discipline. 

Pujara, from the other end, was playing freely. He got a lot more boundary balls than usual and converted all of them. The batting-friendly conditions made the two 'not in form' batters dig deep and bat in whichever way they wanted. 

The day ended with Pujara and Kohli going back to the pavilion with an unbeaten 99 run partnership in 196 balls. 

Brief Score: 

India - 78/10 & 215/2 
England - 432/10