Siraj, Jaiswal’s exploits help India take firm control over England

Rajkot, Feb 17:  Yashasvi Jaiswal notched up the second century of the ongoing series while Shubman Gill supported him with an unbeaten fifty to help India extend their lead to 322 runs and take a strong grip in the third Test against England at the Niranjan Shah Stadium here on Saturday.

Ravichandran Ashwin’s overnight withdrawal from the match because of a family medical emergency meant India was one frontline bowler short ahead of Day Three. But others stepped up, with Mohammed Siraj taking 4-84, especially fuelled by a strong spell after lunch.

Kuldeep Yadav impressed in the morning with his pace, turn and variations to take two scalps while Ravindra Jadeja also picked two wickets and Jasprit Bumrah triggered the collapse by taking out Joe Root as England lost eight wickets for just 95 runs, giving India a 126-run lead and momentum in the match, which wasn’t a realistic possibility in the morning.

In their second innings, Jaiswal showed restraint before attacking England’s bowlers to make 104, hitting nine fours and five sixes. He retired hurt shortly before stumps due to back spasms, putting a pause on his 155-run stand with Gill. On the other hand, Gill also cashed on the tiring England bowlers by batting at his own pace while hitting six fours and two sixes to remain 65 not out at stumps, with Kuldeep Yadav giving him company on three not out, as India reached 196/2 in 51 overs.