Picture : The Indian Express
After being outclassed at Edgbaston and Lords India needed to win the Third test Match at Trent Bridge to keep the series alive. Slammed by former players and critics for their inept batting in first two Tests, Team India finally showed some intent and some resolve and produced a fantastic all-round performance to outclass England by 203 runs in the third Test to keep the five-match series alive. It was a complete team performance.
Needing only a wicket on the final morning, India completed the formalities in only 2.5 overs . England ended their second innings 317 all out chasing a huge target of 521 after Jos Buttler’s maiden Test century. Buttler shared a 169-run partnership with Ben Stokes (62) provided some resistance after England’s top four had been removed for 62 . Jasprit Bumrah took 5 for 85 .
The final wicket was taken by Ravichandran Ashwin, who dismissed James Amderson (11), caught by Ajinkya Rahane.
The new ball bowlers Ishant Sharma (2/32 and 2/70) and Mohammed Shami (1/56 and 1/78) were relentless in their attack. Vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane (81 in first innings) and Cheteshwar Pujara (72 in second innings) got some confidence back . The important thing for Rahane and Pujara was to get some runs under their belt.
Skipper Virat kohli as usual was brilliant . What a form he is in the series 440 runs already. He was outstanding at Trent Bridge with scores of 97 and 103. Indian batting revolves around him was proved yet again.
Hardik Pandya (five-for 28 and half-century 52 ) produced an all-round performance with wickets and runs to justify his place and make a statement to the sceptics. The slip catching improved with Rahul taking seven catches.
Rishabh Pant proved that he is ready for the big game . Five catches in the first innings showed that it won’t be easy for the first choice Test keeper Wriddhiman Saha to just walk back into the team .
