During the first session of the third day of the fourth Test match at the JSCA International Stadium Complex in Ranchi on Sunday, Dhruv Jurel’s first-ever half-century helped India get back into the game. After a 76-run partnership between Kuldeep Yadav and Jurel, India lost by 46 runs at the end of their first inning at 307 at lunch. Kuldeep and Jurel were on the crease to begin the third day. When the hosts were under pressure, both Indians were playing patiently and calmly, adding runs to the scoreboard. In the 86th over, Kuldeep and Jurel assisted India in surpassing the 250-run threshold.
But in the 89th over, James Anderson struck for 28 runs off 131 balls, earning the first breakthrough of the day. Additionally, the off-spinner smashed two fours. After using 618 balls, India reached 300 runs in 101.6 overs. India’s first inning saw them fail to establish another partnership following the dismissal. Shoaib Bashir removed Akash Deep for 9 runs from 29 balls later in the 101st over. Bashir took his first five-wicket haul in first-class cricket with Deep’s wicket. The key figure in controlling India’s run rate and giving England the upper hand was Shields. In the opening ball of the ninetieth over, Jurel reached his first fifty.
On the other hand, Bashir led the English bowling attack with his fifer. While Hartley bagged three wickets as he gave away 68 runs.
Currently, India trail by 46 runs in the fourth Test match in Ranchi on Sunday.
Earlier in the Ranchi Test, England scored 353 runs in their first innings after electing to bat. India had reduced England to 112/5, but Joe Root (122* in 274 balls, with 10 fours) roared back to form with 31st Test century. Also, handy contributions came through from wicketkeeper-batter Ben Foakes (47 in 126 balls, with four boundaries and a six) and Ollie Robinson (58 in 96 balls, with nine fours and a six), with both stitching century stands with Root.
India’s best bowler was Ravindra Jadeja (4/67) but Akash Deep (3/83), making his debut, was the standout performer during his opening spell. With the ball, Mohammed Siraj (2/78) was equally proficient. Day two ended with Dhruv Jurel (30*) and Kuldeep Yadav (17*) leading India to 219/7. Yashasvi Jaiswal struck 73 off 117 balls, including eight fours and a six, to maintain his scorching form. In 65 balls, Shubman Gill also scored 38 runs, including six fours. Brief score: England 353 (Joe Root 122*, Ollie Robinson 58; Ravindra Jadeja 4/67, Akash Deep 3/83) vs. India 307 (Yashasvi Jaiswal 73, Shubman Gill 38, Dhruv Jurel 90; Shoaib Bashir 5/119)).
