Yashasvi Jaiswal on day three propelled India to complete control in Rajkot

In a stunning turn of events, England finds themselves in a precarious position in the third Test as a dramatic collapse and a breathtaking century from Yashasvi Jaiswal on day three propelled India to complete control in Rajkot.

After a resilient fightback on the second evening had seemingly shifted momentum in England’s favor, they resumed on 207-2 in response to India’s 445. However, a calamitous turn of events saw the tourists lose their last eight wickets for 95 runs, being bowled out for 319. The collapse began with Joe Root’s dismissal, attempting a reverse scoop against the pace of Jasprit Bumrah, caught at second slip.

Jonny Bairstow’s early departure for a duck and Ben Duckett’s tame dismissal to Kuldeep Yadav for 153 further compounded England’s woes. Captain Ben Stokes made a valiant 41 but became the first victim in a final slide of 5-29 after lunch, resulting in England conceding a first-innings deficit of 126.

Left-arm wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav showcased a beguiling spell, while paceman Mohammad Siraj claimed an impressive 4-84, leading India’s bowlers in the absence of Ravichandran Ashwin, who withdrew from the Test due to a family emergency.

Yashasvi Jaiswal hammered home India’s advantage with his second consecutive century, forming a damaging partnership of 155 with Shubman Gill, who remains unbeaten on 65. England’s bowlers struggled to contain India’s free-scoring in the evening session before Jaiswal retired hurt with a back problem on 104.

By the end of the day, the hosts had surged to 196-2, holding a substantial lead of 322 runs and positioning themselves to take a 2-1 lead in the series. England faces an uphill battle to salvage the Test, while India looks poised to capitalize on their commanding position as the series unfolds.