In a display of bowling prowess, Ravichandran Ashwin took center stage on Day 3 of the 5th Test between India and England, decimating the visitor’s top order within the first 10 overs of their second innings. England’s top three, including Ben Duckett, Zak Crawley, and Ollie Pope, succumbed to Ashwin’s spin, leaving the visitors in a precarious position.
Earlier in the day, James Anderson etched his name in cricket history by becoming the first fast bowler to claim 700 Test wickets. The milestone wicket came when he dismissed Kuldeep Yadav, ensuring England prevented the hosts from capitalizing on their overnight partnership. India’s innings concluded at 477, securing a commanding lead of 259 runs.
Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill had set the tone for India on Day 2, each securing their second centuries of the series. Their aggressive batting propelled India to a commanding position, with a 473-8 total at the end of their first innings. Despite Ben Stokes breaking the partnership and James Anderson inching closer to his 700th Test wicket, India maintained control of the match.
Debutant Devdutt Padikkal showcased resilience with a spirited 65, including a memorable six off Shoaib Bashir to reach his fifty. However, Bashir responded with a three-wicket burst, dismissing Sarfaraz Khan, Padikkal, and Dhruv Jurel. Tom Hartley added to India’s woes, removing Ravindra Jadeja and Ravichandran Ashwin in quick succession.
As the day concluded, the unbeaten partnership of Kuldeep Yadav and Jasprit Bumrah aimed to extend India’s lead beyond the 500-mark on Saturday. With the dominant Indian bowling lineup in play, England faces an uphill task in the remainder of the match.
