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India Vs England 3rd Test Day 1 Highlights
Axar Patel steals the limelight on Day one at Motera
Axar Patel stole the searchlight of India Vs England 3rd Test Day 1 presenting a splendid show with 21.4 overs, 6 maidens, 38 runs, and 6 wickets. Although he was perfectly assisted by R. Ashwin who maintained his noticeable form of 2nd test and scalped 3 wickets for only 26 runs in 16 overs.
England winning the toss on Wednesday in the Day-Night 'pink-ball Test at Narendra Modi Stadium (previously known as Motera), elected to bat first, and finally, their inning s collapsed to a miserable 112. None of the batsmen except the opener Zak Crawley (scored 53) had replies to Patel's flippers as well as the variation of his flight. The pitch at Motera started cracking on the very first day even though there was a layer of green grass before the match started. India however, in reply is 99 for the loss of 3 wickets at stumps with Rohit Sharma at unbeaten 57 and Ajinkya Rahane who just had come on the crease remained unbeaten at 1 run.
India Vs England 3rd Test Day 1 also should mention the renovated Motera Stadium which is now the largest in the world with a capacity of 110,000 and decorated with modern types of equipment including lights and sitting arrangements at the Stadium although 55,000 spectators have been allowed to watch the match at the Stadium as a part of measures due to COVID-19 pandemic. Considering both the teams’ strength, India has been strengthened by Jasprit Bumrah’s return from injury as well as England also has been boosted by the inclusion of Jonny Bairstow.
India Vs England 3rd Test Day 1 also saw Rohit Sharma who once again is showing a glimpse of his old form which he showed in the 2nd Test scoring a mammoth 161. The Mumbai batsman is 57 not out, made in 82 deliveries. It has been his 12th half-century and the rhythm he has been showing on the crease so far, especially against England spinner Jack Leach, seems to have raised hope that Rohit will complete his 8th century here at Motera. Simultaneously, the expectation was there also for the Indian captain but Virat Kohli got bowled while trying to push a Jack Leach delivery through the backward point. He scored only 27 but did not look comfortable on the day.
If India can make a big score in the first innings then it will be truly difficult for England to fight back on such a turning track. India must have to win this Test to earn the spot to play in the World Test Championship final.
