India’s supremacy in the third Test in Rajkot is evident through various metrics. Rohit Sharma and Ravindra Jadeja’s centuries in the first innings, Mohammed Siraj’s four-wicket haul, Yashasvi Jaiswal’s unbeaten 214 in the second innings, Sarfaraz Khan’s consecutive fifties on debut, Shubman Gill’s 91 runs, and Ravindra Jadeja’s five-wicket haul, with only one England batter crossing the 20-run mark in the second innings.
Jaiswal’s undefeated double century and Jadeja’s five-wicket brilliance shine as India dominates, securing a convincing 434-run win over England to seize a 2-1 series lead.
In pursuit of 557 for victory, England’s batting collapsed in the final session, losing eight wickets and getting dismissed for a mere 122 on day four.
Jadeja dismissed Mark Wood for 33, securing the final wicket. Appropriately, Jaiswal completed the dismissal with a secure catch in the deep, sealing the victory with contributions from two key players in Rajkot.
England’s top order stumbled early, as openers Ben Duckett and Zak Crawley departed inexpensively. Jadeja, with his left-arm spin, caused chaos in the middle-order, dismantling the batting lineup.
Smiles all around here in Rajkot 😃👌#TeamIndia win the 3rd Test by 434 runs and take a 2⃣-1⃣ lead in the Test series 👏👏
— BCCI (@BCCI) February 18, 2024
Scorecard ▶️ https://t.co/FM0hVG5X8M#INDvENG | @IDFCFIRSTBank pic.twitter.com/C5QeI757QN
Captain Ben Stokes displayed some resistance but eventually fell prey to Kuldeep Yadav’s craftiness, managing only 15 runs in his historic 100th Test appearance.
Jaiswal’s remarkable innings of 214 off 236 balls in India’s second innings was the focal point of their dominant performance. Despite briefly retiring hurt at 104 due to back pain, Jaiswal’s exuberant celebration upon reaching his second consecutive double century symbolized his exceptional batting prowess.
Accumulating a total of 545 runs in the series to date, Jaiswal emerges as the leading batsman, highlighting his exceptional form and match-winning capabilities.
India’s triumph was orchestrated by their bowlers, dismissing England for 319, even in the absence of Ravichandran Ashwin, who departed the Test midway on day two due to a medical emergency.
Ashwin’s comeback to the field and the subsequent achievement of his 501st Test wicket marked a significant milestone. He joined an elite group as only the ninth bowler in history and the second Indian after Anil Kumble to accomplish this feat, adding another dimension to India’s resounding success.
Under skipper Rohit Sharma’s leadership, who scored 131, and with a valiant century by Jadeja, India posted a formidable total of 445 in the first innings after choosing to bat.
As the series shifts to Ranchi for the fourth Test commencing on Friday, India aims to sustain their momentum and secure the series, while England is determined to mount a comeback and level the scores in what anticipates another thrilling encounter.
Largest Test victories for India by runs:
- 434 vs Eng Rajkot 2024
- 372 vs NZ Mumbai WS 2021
- 337 vs SA Delhi 2015
- 321 vs NZ Indore 2016
- 320 vs Aus Mohali 2008
Most significant Test defeats for England by runs:
- 562 vs Aus The Oval 1934
- 434 vs Ind Rajkot 2024
- 425 vs WI Manchester 1976
- 409 vs Aus Lord’s 1948
- 405 vs Aus Lord’s 2015