Aoba Tanaka 
Yashasvi Jaiswal of India and Shubman Gill of India during the third day of the 3rd Test match between India and England held at the Niranjan Shah Stadium Rajkot on the 17th February 2024 Photo by Saikat Das / Sportzpics for BCCI
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.
