Sharma Steady, Jaiswal Shines as India Eyes Dominant Position in 2nd Test Against England

Visakhapatnam, India - The third day of the second Test between India and England witnessed a cautious start from the home team, with captain Rohit Sharma finding his feet alongside the in-form Yashasvi Jaiswal. Resuming at 28/0 with a lead of 171, India aimed to extend their advantage and put themselves in a commanding position.

Sharma, who fell cheaply in the first innings, looked determined to prove his mettle. He weathered the early storm from James Anderson and Stuart Broad, showcasing his patience and resilience. Meanwhile, Jaiswal continued his impressive run, building on his overnight score of 15 to reach a well-compiled fifty. His elegant drives and deft flicks kept the scoreboard ticking, putting the pressure back on the English bowlers.

England struck early when Anderson dismissed Sharma for 22, but Cheteshwar Pujara joined Jaiswal and steadied the ship. The duo navigated the testing English bowling with composure, forging a crucial partnership that consolidated India's lead. At the time of writing, India are 198/4, with Jaiswal batting on 82 and Pujara anchoring the innings on 35.

Jasprit Bumrah's fiery spell on Day 2 remains the talking point of the match. His six-wicket haul skittled out England for 253, handing India a crucial first-innings lead. The bowlers will be looking to replicate their performance in the second innings and bundle out England cheaply, setting themselves up for a resounding victory.

With three days remaining in the Test, the stage is set for an enthralling contest. Can India build on their strong start and seal the series, or will England fight back and level the score? All eyes will be on Visakhapatnam as the drama unfolds.

Live Score Board: Click Here | India vs England

Sharma Steady, Jaiswal Shines as India Eyes Dominant Position in 2nd Test Against England

Visakhapatnam, India: The third day of the second Test between India and England witnessed a cautious start from the home team, with captain Rohit Sharma finding his feet alongside the in-form Yashasvi Jaiswal. Resuming at 28/0 with a lead of 171, India aimed to extend their advantage and put themselves in a commanding position.

Jaiswal Juggernaut Rolls On: Youngster Jaiswal continued his breakout performance, delighting the crowd with his elegant drives and deft flicks. He brought up his fifty with a flick off Moeen Ali, silencing the English bowlers momentarily. Notably, he survived a close call on 38 when Ben Stokes missed a sharp stumping opportunity.

Pujara Provides Stability: After Sharma's departure, the experienced Cheteshwar Pujara joined Jaiswal and played a crucial anchoring role. He displayed his characteristic solidity, blunting the English attack and building a crucial partnership with Jaiswal. Their understanding at the crease is proving vital for India's consolidation.

Bumrah's Magic Lingers: While the action unfolded on the third day, Jasprit Bumrah's six-wicket haul from Day 2 continues to cast a shadow over the English team. His devastating spell, including the dismissal of Joe Root for a golden duck, rattled the visitors and remains a defining moment of the Test.

Weather Watch: The current weather in Visakhapatnam is sunny with a slight breeze, offering ideal batting conditions. However, the pitch is expected to deteriorate as the game progresses, potentially aiding the spinners from both sides.

Expert Opinions Divided: Former Indian captain Sunil Gavaskar believes India is in a strong position to win the Test and seal the series. He praises Jaiswal's form and highlights the importance of Pujara's experience. However, English commentator Nasser Hussain cautions against complacency, reminding everyone that England has the capability to bounce back.

Looking Ahead: With three days remaining, the Test hangs in the balance. India is well-placed but needs to capitalize on their strong start and avoid a collapse. England, on the other hand, needs a quick turnaround with the bat to stay in contention. The battle between bat and ball promises to be intense, making for an exciting finale to the second Test.