When a feature film trudges along till the interval, suddenly picks up pace and even has a memorable scene and a great climax, it seldom has takers. That’s where live sport differs from a work of fiction. The same was on display in plenty on the second day of the third Test between India and England.
After the proceedings of the first half plodded long at the Niranjan Shah Stadium, a stark contrast was witnessed later on Friday. A milestone moment that the cricket world eagerly awaited since the start of the series came into reality.
As much as R. Ashwin scaling Mt. 500 — only the second Indian bowler to do so — the day’s play will be remembered for England opener Ben Duckett’s unbeaten blitzkrieg. As a result, after India’s late-order frustrated England before being bowled out for 445, England sprinted to 207 for two in just 35 overs to leave a tantalising weekend on the cards for the cricket fans.
India down to 10 men for rest of Rajkot Test
Duckett started off his flurry with a backfoot punch off pacers. And surviving the six-over spell before tea despite adopting a hit-and-miss approach, Duckett was at his finest when it came to executing high-risk shots.
The left-hander swept — occasionally reverse-swept — Kuldeep Yadav’s Cinaman out of attack. Even after Ashwin was introduced into the attack, he continued to target the on-side — against turn, although the pitch hardly had anything to offer — and swept with panache.
Just when Zak Crawley had started opening his arms up, the moment of reckoning came in the eighth over of the last session.
Crawley’s attempted sweep off Ashwin resulted in a top-edge and Rajat Patidar at short fine-leg accepted the catch neatly to make the off-spinner only the second Indian bowler — ninth overall — to achieve the feat. The landmark led to each of the India team-member congratulating him and the rest of the stadium — including Anil Kumble, the only other Indian to have achieved it who was commentating — giving him a standing ovation.
Duckett though was unperturbed as he continued his spree. Even in the 90s, he first creamed Jasprit Bumrah along the ground for a four and then completed his third hundred in the next over with another on-drive off Mohammed Siraj.
Ollie Pope joined the act as he played an audacious reverse-scoop off Ravindra Jadeja over the ’keeper’s head. While Siraj got Pope with an incoming delivery, Duckett marched on. If he had not survived a close lbw shout that could not be confirmed due to DRS, India would have breathed easy by close of play.
Earlier in the morning, despite losing Kuldeep and Jadeja early on, Ashwin and debutant wicket-keeper Dhruv Jurel frustrated the England fielders with a 71-run partnership.
The most happening action during India’s batting essay was when Ashwin was found running between the wickets in the danger area. Since Jadeja was guilty of the same offence on the opening day, the umpires awarded five runs to England.
