The first day of the third Test between India and England in Rajkot was a run-scoring extravaganza, with centuries from Rohit Sharma and Ravindra Jadeja propelling India to a commanding 326/5 at stumps. Debutant Sarfaraz Khan also impressed with a quickfire 62, setting the stage for an intriguing battle ahead.

The highly anticipated third Test between India and England got underway in Rajkot, with both teams vying for crucial points in the five-match series. India, seeking to bounce back from the second Test defeat, opted to bat first on a batting-friendly surface. And bat they did, with the top order laying a solid foundation for a mammoth total.

A Day of Batting Dominance:

• Rohit Sharma’s Masterclass: The Indian captain led from the front, scoring a fluent 127 (242b, 15×4, 2×6). He weathered an early wobble to stitch together a crucial 121-run partnership with Cheteshwar Pujara (42) for the second wicket, stabilizing the innings.
• Jadeja’s Counter-Attacking Ton: Coming in at No. 5, Ravindra Jadeja took the attack to the English bowlers, smashing a belligerent 110* (154b, 13×4, 1×6). His knock, laced with aggressive boundaries and smart shot selection, propelled India towards a dominant position.
• Sarfaraz Khan’s Promising Debut: The young batsman made a memorable debut, scoring a brisk 62 (75b, 9×4). He showcased his attacking flair and temperament, providing valuable momentum to the innings before an unfortunate run-out ended his stay.

England Bowlers Toil Without Reward:

The English bowling attack struggled to contain the flow of runs throughout the day. James Anderson (1/52) and Ollie Robinson (1/79) provided early breakthroughs, but India’s batsmen countered effectively. Ben Stokes (1/84) and Jack Leach (0/71) also toiled without much success, highlighting the batting-friendly conditions.

Conclusion:

Day 1 belonged to the Indian batsmen, with Rohit Sharma, Ravindra Jadeja, and Sarfaraz Khan setting the tone for a strong total. England will need to regroup and come up with a more potent bowling performance to restrict India further on Day 2. With plenty of batting still to come, this Test promises to be a thrilling contest.