India dominates in Rajkot; Crushes England by 434 runs, leads series

RAJKOT: In the third Test match against England, India clinched a resounding victory by 434 runs, taking a commanding 2-1 lead in the five-match series. The English batting lineup faltered, managing only 122 runs in 39.4 overs failing to produce any notable performances. Mark Wood top-scored for England with 33 runs. Ravindra Jadeja was awarded the Player of the Match for his exceptional performance claiming seven wickets and scoring a century.

India commenced the third day at 196 for two, propelled by Yaswasi Jaiswal's magnificent double century (214 not out), amassing a formidable total of 430 for the loss of four wickets. Jaiswal was ably supported by Shubman Gill (91) and Sarfaraz Khan (68*). Kuldeep Yadav filling in as the night watchman, contributed 27 runs before India declared the innings before tea on the fourth day.

Jaiswal's double century in consecutive matches set multiple records, including equaling the record for most sixes in a Test innings with 12 sixes. His innings comprised 14 fours including three consecutive sixes off James Anderson. Sarfaraz Khan also made history by becoming the fourth Indian to score half-centuries in both innings of a Test match.

England struggled from the outset, losing seven wickets with the score at 50. Zach Crowley (11), Ben Duckett (4), Ollie Pope (3), Joe Root (7), Jonny Bairstow (4), Ben Stokes (15), and Rehan Ahmed (0) were the early casualties. However, contributions from Ben Fox (16), Tom Hartley (16) and Mark Wood (33) prevented a complete collapse with James Anderson remaining unbeaten on one run.

Ravindra Jadeja starred with the ball, claiming five wickets in the second innings for India, while Kuldeep Yadav, Ravichandran Ashwin and Jasprit Bumrah chipped in with crucial wickets. Ben Duckett's dismissal, run out by Dhruv Jurel with a sharp stumping, added to England's woes. This victory marks India's largest margin of victory in terms of runs in Test cricket. The fourth Test is scheduled to commence on February 23 in Ranchi.