By Jurel and Spin Trio Swing Momentum in India’s Favor in Ranchi
Dhruv Jurel’s resilient batting and India’s spin trio turned the tables on the third day in Ranchi, shifting the momentum firmly in favor of the hosts. After a challenging position on the second day, India rallied on the third day, needing only 152 runs to win the Test and clinch the series, with all ten wickets intact going into the final two days.
Jurel, who displayed determination on the second day, continued his gritty performance on the third morning alongside Kuldeep Yadav. The duo frustrated England with their partnership of 76 runs for the eighth wicket, narrowing the deficit before James Anderson struck. Despite Kuldeep’s dismissal, Jurel accelerated, hitting crucial boundaries and nearing a well-deserved century before falling for 90.
Jurel’s efforts shifted momentum in India’s favor, limiting England to a first-innings lead of only 46. R Ashwin then rattled England’s top order, dismissing Ben Duckett and Ollie Pope in consecutive deliveries. Zak Crawley fought valiantly, but Ashwin’s dismissal of Joe Root further dented England’s hopes. Kuldeep then compounded England’s woes, dismissing Crawley and Ben Stokes before tea.
England’s lower order failed to provide substantial resistance this time. Kuldeep and Ravindra Jadeja made further breakthroughs before Ashwin completed his five-wicket haul, bowling England out for 145. India’s chase of 192 received a positive start before stumps, with Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal scoring crucial runs. Rohit, in particular, played aggressively, hitting four boundaries. England now faces an uphill task, needing a batting collapse from India to stay alive in the series.
Brief scores: India 307 (Dhruv Jurel 90; Shoaib Bashir 5/119) & 40/0 (Rohit Sharma 24*) need another 152 runs to beat England 353 & 145 (Zak Crawley 60; R Ashwin 5/51).
