A 153-run second-wicket stand between Rohit Sharma (127) and Cheteshwar Pujara (61) made the headlines on Day 3 of the fourth Test match of England versus India, taking place at The Oval. India finished on a commanding position, reaching 270/3 with a lead of 171.
Although there was no sign of any sideways movement, James Anderson and Chris Woakes bowled well in the first half an hour of play. But Joe Root, desperate for an early breakthrough, replaced Anderson after his decent three-over spell with Ollie Robinson.
Had Rory Burns not dropped Rohit on 31 off Robinson despite diving to his left at second slip, the match scenario could have been different. But then, at times one does need some luck.
The London weather was gloomy since morning, and it kept getting gloomier with time. In the challenging conditions, K.L. Rahul and Rohit battled through while the lights went on to lay a terrific platform for the others.
England were finally rewarded half an hour before lunch. Rahul tried to push Anderson, but got an edge behind. It was initially given not out by Alex Wharf. Root reviewed instantly, and got the success.
Cheteshwar Pujara scored runs quickly after coming to bat at his usual No. 3. It helped India aggregate 65 in 26 overs in the morning session. They went for lunch at 108/1, with a lead of nine runs.
The England bowlers looked lacklustre after lunch as Rohit and Pujara took control. Rohit brought up his fifty by punching through the covers for a couple, and reached his eighth Test hundred – his first outside India – in style, lofting Moeen Ali over long on for a six. It took eight years for Rohit to get his first overseas Test hundred since making his debut.
India’s lead stretched to 100 before tea, as they reached 199/1. It was arguably the second-best session for them in this tour, after the final session on Day 5 of the second Test at Lord’s.
After the break, Pujara notched up his second fifty of the series with a four. Nothing went in England’s favour until they took the second new ball. Then Robinson struck twice in the 81st over, dismissing both well-set batters.
Virat Kohli (22*) and Ravindra Jadeja (9*) were watchful in the final 11 overs of the day before bad-light forced on-field umpires to call off the play early.
Brief Scores: India 191 (Shardul Thakur 50; Chris Woakes 4-45) and 270/3 (Rohit Sharma 127; Ollie Robinson 2-67) lead England 290 (Ollie Pope 81; Umesh Yadav 3-76) by 171 runs.