In the very next over, Pope joined his skipper back in the pavilion, thanks to a blinder of a catch at third slip by captain Virat Kohli off Shami. However, there was no doubt in everyone’s mind that Kohli was going to notch up another big one given his form and talent.
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Bumrah insisted India remained positive even when Buttler and Stokes were well set. That’s when Bumrah stepped up and and delivered the spell of the Test.
Stokes and Buttler ensured stable partnership, scoring 89 runs in 27 overs.
Kohli partnered with Ajinkya Rahane and Cheteshwar Pujara to steadily take India past the 200-run mark by the 63 over. Due to Pandya wrecking havoc, none of the English Batsman could score half-century leave alone the double figures. After being dismissed for just 161 runs in their first innings, the England batsmen are low on confidence.
The duo of Ben Stokes and Jos Buttler were batting really well as they forged a brilliant stand of 169 runs which made the Indian fans nervous.
With questions being asked about his batting abilities against the red ball after a lean run in county cricket for Yorkshire – he averaged 14.33 in six four-day matches, Pujara failed to make an impression during India’s three-day tour match against a depleted Essex side. Captain Root had more trouble getting started but by mid-session, the third-wicket pair had taken England to 62 without serious further alarm.
There were many play-and-miss deliveries, but nothing came forth for the bowlers.
A no ball initially denied Bumrah his five-for and handed Rashid a let-off, but he delighted in removing Stuart Broad (20) as news broke that the England man would be fined for sending off Pant on day two, with the hosts then battling through to the close of play, delaying the seemingly inevitable. Indian pacer Ishant Sharma strikes as Alastair Cook is dismissed for 17. He creates another hard angle and Alastair Cook, who pushes a shot, edges a catch to KL Rahul at 2nd slip.
From 32-2, Joe Root (13) and Olliver Pope (16) put on 30 runs for the third wicket.
Alastair Cook was nine not out and Keaton Jennings 13 not out after England were left with a tricky nine overs to bat in the day following India’s second-innings declaration at 352 for seven.
Jos Buttler’s 106 was the first Test century by one of England’s top six in 2018.
If at all, the viewers are not able to catch the live action on their TVs, they can watch India vs England 3rd Test Match live through online streaming.
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Kohli followed up his 97 in the first innings with a 103 in the second as India imposed a target of 521 for England to chase in the final innings. After India exceeded the lead of 500 and Hardik Pandya completed his half-century, Kohli chose to declare at 352 for 7.
