Ravichandran Ashwin came back to join his team by lunch break on day four. But it was his long-term partner Ravindra Jadeja who stole all the limelight on day four. Yashasvi Jaiswal built the stage with his second double hundred in two games. England crumbled under pressure like a pack of cards and they could not take the game to day five. After the defeat in the first Test, the hosts have made a stunning comeback to take a commanding 2-1 lead in this enthralling Test series.
Team Lineups
India made four changes to the team that comprehensively won the second Test at Vizag. KL Rahul is out with the quadriceps injury sustained in the first Test. With the selectors running out of patience with Shreyas Iyer, Sarfaraz Khan made his highly anticipated debut after waiting for a long time on the wings. The 26 year old has been the most run scorer over the past three seasons in the Ranji Trophy. Team India handed a debut to another youngster in the form of Druv Jurel.
The 23 year old wicketkeeper batsman was drafted into the team due to the inconsistent performances of Srikar Bharat. Jurel is a right handed batsman who is technically solid and can score runs easily. After his lacklustre show in the last Test match, Mukesh Kumar was omitted from the squad. The 30 year old pace bowler was released for the Ranji Trophy match. Mohammed Siraj was back to take his place in the Indian bowling attack.
Ravindra Jadeja is back after missing the second match with a knock. He replaced Axar Patel in the team. Virat Kohli was still unavailable due to personal reasons. Ravichandran had to withdraw himself from the team because of undisclosed personal reasons. India had to bowl the entirety of third day with their most experienced bowler missing from the attack. He was back in the fourth day and took one wicket with his bowling.
England made one change to their team that was beaten by India in the first Test. Mark Wood was back to the team after sitting out the second Test match. Despite impressing with the ball in his first Test match, Sohaib Bashir had to drop to the bench for team combination. James Anderson kept his place in the playing eleven. The veteran pace bowler is closing on to the 600 wicket.
England
1. Zak Crawley 2. Ben Duckett 3. Ollie Pope 4. Joe Root 5. Jonny Bairstow 6. Ben Stokes (Cap.) 7. Ben Foakes (WK) 8. Rehan Ahmed 9. Tom Hartley 10. Mark Wood 11. James Anderson
India
1. Rohit Sharma (Cap.) 2. Yashasvi Jaiswal 3. Shubman Gill 4. Rajat Patidar 5. Ravindra Jadeja 6. Sarfaraz Khan 7. Dhruv Jurel 8. Ravichandran Ashwin 9. Mohammed Siraj 10. Jasprit Bumrah 11. Kuldeep Yadav
Indian skipper Rohit Sharma won the toss and had no hesitation to bat first. The pitch at Rajkot looks to be in prime condition for batting. There would be a hint of a turn from the third day. Otherwise, the flat deck in this ground is perfect for batting. There is a chance that the pitch would start to break after the third day, allowing the spinners to get some turn off the surface. The pace bowlers would have a tough time bowling on this flat pitch.
India has played two previous Test matches at Rajkot. They secured one win and a draw in the other match. In 2018, India beat West Indies by an innings and 278 runs. In the first match back in 2016, India had to settle for a draw against England. The average first innings score at this ground is 649 posted by India against the West Indies. The only instance of win at this ground was achieved by India while choosing to bat first at this ground. The average first score innings at this ground is 356. The average run rate is high with 3.58 runs scored in every over at this ground.
Fixture
India had won both of their Tests at Visakhapatnam prior to this game. The most recent Test match at this ground saw India beat South Africa by 203 runs. India and England have met on 133 occasions prior to this Test match. The visitors have the upper hand with 51 wins. The other 50 Test matches ended in a draw. India has emerged victorious on 32 occasions. In Tests in India, the hosts have won 23 games. Two of England’s 15 Test wins came in 2012, the last time a visiting side had toppled the Indians in their own backyard in a series. The first Test match in India’s history was played against England at Lord’s in June. 1932.
| Venue | The first day of the third Test match between India and England was played at Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Saurashtra, Gujarat, India. |
| Date | The game started on Friday, February 15, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. local time. |
Captaincy & Tactics
India celebrated a monumental day in Test cricket that reverberated with the thump of resounding victory, serving as a potent reminder to those who doubted their indomitable spirit on home soil. Despite a period of transition, the Indian cricket team showcased their prowess by clinching a stunning 434-run win against England in Rajkot, marking their largest victory margin by runs and inflicting the second-largest defeat upon the visitors.
The stage was set on a picturesque spring day, under a clear sky, with a bustling crowd witnessing a masterclass in batting by the Indian team that dismantled the English bowling attack with finesse, setting an imposing target. Subsequently, the home bowlers exploited the pitch conditions to create a treacherous battleground for the opposition. In a display of dominance, the Indian batters not only shattered existing records but also flirted with the prospect of setting new ones, showcasing a level of performance that was unmatched. It was a defining moment for the emerging talents in the Indian batting lineup, laying a solid foundation for the team’s success.
Yashasvi Jaiswal emerged as a standout performer, showcasing exceptional resilience and skill as he crafted a remarkable innings. Despite retiring hurt on 105, Jaiswal returned to the crease to achieve a second consecutive double century. His breathtaking innings was characterized by a record-equalling number of sixes in a Test inning, propelling India to a new high in terms of maximum sixes in a Test match. With two Tests left in the series, India surpassed their own record for the most sixes in a series, underscoring their aggressive intent and dominance.
Drawing parallels to a cricketing legend from three decades ago, Jaiswal mirrored Vinod Kambli’s feat of scoring back-to-back double centuries, etching his name as the third-youngest player to achieve this milestone. His innings, embellished with a mix of towering sixes and elegant boundaries, encapsulated the essence of his talent and potential. The partnership between Jaiswal and debutant Sarfaraz Khan was a spectacle to behold, as they orchestrated a dazzling display of power-hitting and precision, setting the stage on fire with their remarkable camaraderie.
Kuldeep Yadav played a pivotal role in dismantling the English batting lineup with his crafty spin bowling, showcasing his all-round capabilities by contributing with the bat as well. His early exploits set the tone for India’s dominance, while his astute gameplay troubled the English batsmen, leading to crucial breakthroughs. Supported by his teammates, including the seasoned campaigners, India asserted their authority on the game, culminating in a comprehensive victory.
Furthermore, the Indian bowling unit, spearheaded by Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj, exhibited exemplary control and skill, exploiting the favorable conditions to unsettle the English top order. The acrobatics of debutant wicketkeeper Dhruv Jurel, exemplified by a breathtaking run-out, added an extra dimension to India’s fielding prowess, setting a new standard of excellence on the field.
As the match progressed, the Indian spin duo of Ravindra Jadeja and R Ashwin wreaked havoc on the English batsmen, leaving them grappling with the sharp turn and bounce on offer. The ineffable quality of the spinners was evident as they systematically dismantled the English batting lineup, leaving them reeling at a precarious position. The contrasting fortunes of the two sides’ spinners underscored India’s depth and skill in the bowling department, further consolidating their stronghold in the match.
In the closing stages of the game, Jadeja’s heroics with the ball, complemented by Ashwin’s milestone achievement of claiming his 250th left-hand victim, encapsulated India’s dominance in all facets of the game. The collective effort of the Indian team, fueled by grit and determination, culminated in a resounding victory that not only upheld their legacy but also set a benchmark for excellence in Test cricket.
In essence, India’s triumph in Rajkot symbolized a triumph of resilience, skill, and teamwork, underscoring their unwavering commitment to excellence in the sport. It was a day to remember for Indian cricket, a day when history was made, records were shattered, and a resounding message was sent to the cricketing world – India stands tall, invincible on their home turf.
Batting Analysis
As the leaves of autumn began to blush with the hues of red, signaling the changing seasons, a mesmerizing partnership unfolded on the cricket field, foretelling the harrowing ordeal that awaited England in the decisive third Test match. The dynamic alliance between Yashasvi Jaiswal and Sarfaraz Khan, comprising a scintillating 172-run stand off a mere 26.2 overs, set the stage for the relentless onslaught that would transform this contest into a nightmare for the English team. Jaiswal’s stellar unbeaten knock of 214 runs from 236 deliveries, embellished with a record-equalling 12 sixes, including the joint-highest in a Test innings, alongside Sarfaraz’s explosive 68 off 72 deliveries, propelled India to set a daunting target of 557 for England on the fourth day at the Niranjan Shah Stadium.
The momentous declaration by Rohit Sharma at 430 for four marked a significant milestone as the first team to declare against England in the McCullum-Stokes era, leaving the English side visibly depleted both tactically and emotionally, their once fierce roars now muted in the face of impending defeat.
In response, the English batting lineup faltered, succumbing to the relentless pressure imposed by the Indian bowlers, ultimately being dismissed for a meager total of 122 runs. Ravindra Jadeja’s fiery bowling display, culminating in a five-wicket haul, coupled with his commanding century in the first innings, propelled India to a commanding 2-1 lead in the five-match series, sealing a resounding 434-run victory in just four days – their largest triumph by runs and England’s second-most significant defeat in history.
The signs of England’s downfall were evident early on as opener Ben Duckett, the hero of the previous innings, fell victim to a mix-up resulting in a run-out, followed by Zak Crawley’s dismissal lbw to the relentless Jasprit Bumrah. The pivotal moment arrived when Ben Stokes misjudged a straight delivery from Kuldeep Yadav, leading to his lbw dismissal and sealing his team’s fate. The return of R. Ashwin to the Indian squad, following a brief absence due to a personal emergency, further bolstered the host side and added to England’s woes.
The downward spiral for England commenced shortly after lunch, epitomized by a humbling display against the seasoned fast bowler James Anderson. Jaiswal’s audacious assault on Anderson, featuring three consecutive sixes in an over – including hits over fine leg, cover, and straight boundary ropes, for a total of 21 runs – left the veteran bowler rattled. The swift partnership between Jaiswal and Sarfaraz continued to flourish, with Sarfaraz unleashing his attacking prowess to compound England’s misery, forcing Anderson’s premature withdrawal from the bowling attack after conceding 37 runs in just three overs.
As the innings progressed, Sarfaraz notched his second half-century on debut off 65 deliveries, while Jaiswal matched Wasim Akram’s Test record for the most sixes in an inning with a display of clean hitting. The duo’s assault on the English bowling attack further stretched the lead beyond the 400-run mark, with Jaiswal’s return to the crease after retiring hurt the previous day symbolizing his unyielding resolve and dominance at the crease.
Meanwhile, England’s captain Joe Root found himself in a predicament, bowling his 100th over in the series – a stark contrast to his modest contributions with the bat, amplifying his team’s struggles on the field. The ineffectiveness of the English attack was palpable, reflecting their fatigue from extended spells in the relentless sun without adequate rest, as India capitalized on their weariness to amass runs at a rapid pace.
As India’s lead swelled, the morning session witnessed a lackluster display from the English bowlers, failing to pose significant challenges to the Indian batsmen. Stokes grappled with the dilemma of containing India’s brisk scoring rate versus attempting to secure crucial wickets, epitomizing England’s wavering strategy in the face of adversity. Kuldeep’s valiant contributions, including a maiden international six off a left-arm spinner, added to India’s dominance, propelling the lead towards a formidable total.
The partnership between Kuldeep and Gill was met with an unfortunate run-out mix-up, tarnishing what could have been a fruitful stand. Stokes’ contentious reviews, characterized by recklessness and misjudgment, epitomized England’s faltering decision-making, further compounded by missed opportunities to challenge crucial decisions. The subsequent turn of events, with Kuldeep falling victim to a contentious lbw decision, highlighted England’s unraveling fortunes, culminating in a string of unfavorable outcomes.
Ultimately, England’s defeat in the third Test was a result of their capitulation on multiple fronts, relinquishing control in a manner reminiscent of India’s loss in Hyderabad. With a short turnaround before the fourth Test, England faces daunting challenges as they strive to regroup and mount a resurgence against a determined Indian team. As the series moves to Ranchi, the onus is on England to recalibrate their approach and summon a spirited response to salvage their pride in the face of adversity.
Bowling Analysis
In the high-stakes third Test showdown between India and England at the prestigious Niranjan Shah Cricket Stadium in Rajkot, the hosts showcased a commanding display of cricketing prowess to outclass their opponents by a resounding margin of 434 runs. After posting a formidable total of 445 runs in their first innings and restricting England to 319 runs, India mounted yet another imposing total of 430 runs in their second innings before declaring, setting England a daunting target of 556 runs for victory.
The resolute performance by India was fueled by remarkable individual displays, with Yashasvi Jaiswal’s breathtaking double century, Rohit Sharma’s masterful century, Ravindra Jadeja’s sublime century and crucial fifer, alongside Mohammed Siraj’s impactful four-wicket haul in the first innings and Jadeja’s five-wicket haul in the second innings. These stellar contributions propelled India to their largest-ever victory in terms of runs in their storied 577-Test history, firmly establishing their dominance in the series with a 2-1 lead over England.
India’s monumental triumph in the third Test marked a milestone in their Test cricket legacy, surpassing their previous best victories against New Zealand by 372 runs in 2021 and South Africa by 337 runs in Delhi in 2015. The emphatic win catapulted India to the second position in the World Test Championship (WTC) rankings, underscoring their stature as a force to be reckoned with in the international cricketing arena.
The monumental second innings for India was set in motion by a stellar batting display from Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, and Sarfraz Khan, who collectively propelled the team to a commanding lead exceeding 500 runs. Following the declaration of the innings, the English batsmen faced an uphill battle, struggling from the outset and succumbing to the relentless pressure exerted by the Indian bowlers, resulting in a swift dismissal for a mere 122 runs in just 39.4 overs on Day 4.
As India gears up for the fourth Test against England at the JSCA International Stadium Complex in Ranchi commencing on 23 February, the stage is set for another riveting chapter in this fiercely contested series. The contributions of key players such as Shubman Gill, Kuldeep Yadav, and the standout performer Yashasvi Jaiswal in the decisive moments of the match laid the foundation for India’s resounding victory, underscoring the depth of talent and resilience within the Indian squad.
The gripping narrative of the match unfolded on the field as Shubman Gill and Kuldeep Yadav formed a resilient partnership, breaching the 50-run mark before encountering a setback with Gill’s untimely run-out, denying him a well-deserved century. Kuldeep’s departure soon followed, edging a delivery to slip, as India’s innings progressed amidst moments of brilliance and setbacks.
The return of Yashasvi Jaiswal to the crease following back spasms on Day 3, accompanied by Sarfraz Khan, epitomized the resilience and determination of the Indian batters, as they navigated the English bowling attack to extend India’s lead past the 300-run mark before lunch. The duo’s partnership, coupled with the burgeoning lead, underscored India’s dominance and strategic acumen as they seized control of the match.
The day was not without its share of noteworthy developments off the field, as speculations regarding the inclusion of Ravichandran Ashwin in the Indian squad for the upcoming match gained traction. The official confirmation of Ashwin’s return by BCCI Secretary Jay Shah added to the intrigue surrounding the team dynamics, setting the stage for heightened anticipation ahead of the pivotal fourth Test.
In reflection of the pivotal moments of the match, England’s struggle to contain India’s aggressive batting approach in the second innings, coupled with standout performances by Joe Root and Tom Hartley with the ball, failed to turn the tide in their favor. As the match unfolded, the unpredictable nature of Test cricket underscored the resilience and competitive spirit of both teams, setting the stage for an enthralling climax in the remaining fixtures of the series.
Looking ahead, the onus is on England to regroup, strategize effectively, and mount a spirited comeback in the upcoming Test to challenge India’s dominance and level the series. With the prospect of breaking partnerships, curtailing India’s lead, and orchestrating a compelling fightback looming large, England is poised to unleash their full arsenal and strive for redemption in their pursuit of victory in the face of adversity.
Fielding Analysis
Mohammed Siraj displayed athleticism when he ran Ben Duckett out in the second innings. Rohit Sharma showed sharp reflexes to catch Ollie Pope out. Dhruv Jurel put up an outstanding performance behind the stumps with a magnificent catch to dismiss Ben Foakes. Mohammed Siraj continued his impressive form in the outfield with a catch of Rehan Ahmed. Yashasvi Jaiswal fittingly completed the final catch at long on as India stormed to the finishing line.
Key Performances
Yashasvi Jaiswal was the star man for the Indians with the bat in hand. The 22 year old posted a record smashing score of 214 before his captain declared the second innings. Jaiswal equalled the record of highest innings in a Test innings (12) set by Washim Akram. The 22 year old had to retire from the field due to a back spasm on day three, but he returned to the fore after Shubman Gill got dismissed.
Gill himself was quite unlucky not to reach centuries in consecutive Test matches. The Punjab batter was run out on 91 by Ben Stokes. Sarfaraz Khan continued in the same fashion of his first Test innings. The 26 year old scored 68 from 72 deliveries with the help for 6 fours and 3 sixes. The English bowlers looked helpless in front of the batting onslaught. None of them managed to claim more than one wicket.
The second innings of the Englishmen belonged to Ravindra Jadeja. The homegrown boy picked up 5 wickets for just 41 runs to bowl the visitors out on day 4. He was greatly backed up by the crafty Kuldeep Yadav who picked up 2 wickets for 19 runs. Jasprit Bumrah and Ravichandran Ashwin got one wicket apiece.
Mark Wood was the top scorer for England in the fourth innings. The pace bowler played an innings of 33 runs off just 15 deliveries to entertain the crowd. Ben Stokes, Ben Foakes and Zak Crawley were the other three batsmen who got into double figures as England were bowled out before stumps on day four.
Match Result
India completed a momentous victory by 434 runs. The hosts finished their triumph after bowling England out for only 122 in the fourth innings. After the surprising defeat in Hyderabad, the men in blue are now 2-1 ahead in the series with two more games to go.
Player of the Match
For his seven wickets in the match and 112 runs in the first innings, Ravindra Jadeja was chosen as the best player of the match. The Gujarati all-rounder recorded figures of 2/51 in the first innings and 5/41 in the second.
Brief Scorecard
| India First Innings: 445/10 (130.5 overs) | England First Innings: 319/10 (71.1 overs) | India Second Innings: 196/2 (51 overs) | England Second Innings: 122/10 (39.4 overs) |
| Rohit Sharma 131 (196) | Ben Duckett 133 (118) | Yashasvi Jaiswal 104 (133) | Mark Wood 33 (15) |
| Ravindra Jadeja 112 (225) | Ben Stokes 41 (89) | Shubman Gill 65 (120) | Ben Foakes 16 (39) |
| Mark Wood 4/114 (27.5 overs) | Mohammed Siraj 4/84 (21.1 overs) | Tom Hartley 1/42 (15 overs) | Ravindra Jadeja 4/51 (12.4 overs) |
| Rehan Ahmed 2/85 (22 overs) | Ravindra Jadeja 2/51 (10 overs) | Joe Root 1/48 (14 overs) | Kuldeep Yadav 2/19 (8 overs) |
Day Highlights
Day Wrap-Up
In the end it was a comprehensive victory for Team India who looked to be growing in confidence despite the absence of some key figures. Youngsters have stepped up at the right time to fulfil their roles in the team. Inspiring debuts of Sarfarz-Jurel and dominant performances from Jadeja-Jaiswal saw India secure victory on the fourth day. The two teams will lock horns once again for the fourth time in this five match Test series. The JSCA International Stadium in Ranchi awaits the next chapter of this epic rivalry of two cricketing giants.
