Pataudi Trophy 2021, 4th Test: Rohit and Pujara show extends India's lead to 171 at stumps on Day 3
By Ayush Gupta | First Published Sep 4, 2021, 5:57 PM ISTIndia is fighting against England in the fourth Test of the Pataudi Trophy at The Oval. On Day 3, India continues to have a marginal upper hand, while England seems to be feeling the pressure.
On Saturday, India continued its pursuit and put up an intense fight against England on Day 3 of the fourth Test for the Pataudi Trophy at The Oval in London. India has a lead of 171 runs at stumps, thanks to an impressive 127 by opener Rohit Sharma and Cheteshwar Pujara's classy 61.
The visitor was invited to bat first as it managed to score 191, while the host managed 290. India batted in a composed fashion on Day 2, finishing at 43/0.
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Resuming at the overnight score, Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul continued with the same approach, as runs kept coming in slowly. However, it was 40 runs later when the latter fell for 46 to seamer James Anderson after knicking it behind to wicketkeeper Jonny Bairstow.
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In came Cheteshwar Pujara, and, along with Rohit, he batted sensibly until the lunch break kicked in at 108/1. By this time, India already took the lead of nine runs and looked strong, having survived the opening session.
The post-lunch session saw the pair take total control of the session, contributing to a 116-run stand. During this time, Rohit brought up his eighth Test century, while it happened to be his first outside India.
While Pujara stood there like a brick wall, playing a composed innings, Rohit played with an attacking approach, especially against spinner Moeen Ali. Rohit was tested by short ball too, but to no avail, as he brought up his ton in style, off a splendid six over long-on.
In the post-tea session, things hardly changed as the duo continued with their appreciable cricket, producing a 153-run stand for the second wicket, while Pujara scored his 31st Test half-century. At 236, Rohit departed for 127 after being caught by Woakes at fine leg off pacer Ollie Robinson right after the new ball was taken.
Just a run later, Pujara too departed for 61 after edging it to Moeen off Robinson. The pair of skipper Virat Kohli and all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja took charge for the rest of the session and contributed to a 33-run unbeaten stand before the stumps kicked in ten minutes early due to bad light, as India extended the lead to 171 runs at 270/3.
For England, six bowlers have been utilised. While Robinson has attained the most success so far, spinner Joe Root has maintained the economy.
Brief scores: India 191 & 270/3 (Rohit- 127; Robinson- 2/67) leads England 290 (Pope- 81, Woakes- 50; Yadav- 3/76) by 171 runs.
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