Xtra Time Web Desk: In a thrilling first day of the first Test match at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad, the Indian spin trio of Ravichandran Ashwin (3/68), Ravindra Jadeja (3/88), and Axar Patel (2/33) wreaked havoc, claiming 8 out of England’s 10 wickets. England, opting for their new aggressive approach termed as ‘Bazball,’ managed to score only 246 runs in 64.3 overs in their first inning.
In response, India’s opening pair of Yashasvi Jaiswal (76 off 70) and Rohit Sharma (24 off 27) showcased a spectacular display of aggressive batting in the final session. At stumps on Day 1, the hosts are 119/1 , trailing by 127 runs. Scoring at a rate of more than a run per ball, they plundered 68 runs in the first ten overs, putting the English bowlers under immense pressure.
Earlier in the day English opening pair of Ben Duckett (35 off 39) and Zak Crawley (20 off 40) initially provided a solid start, reaching 55-0. However, the Indian spinners, Ashwin and Jadeja, quickly turned the tide, reducing England to 60-3. Despite a fightback from Jonny Bairstow (37 off 58) and skipper Ben Stokes (70 off 88), who put together a 61-run partnership, England experienced another collapse, finding themselves at 137-6 after being 121-3.
Stokes once again emerged as England’s savior, displaying resilience and skill to lead his team to a total of 246. His contribution of 70 runs made him the highest scorer for England in the innings. The lower order added crucial runs, with Stokes orchestrating a partnership that added 109 runs for the last four wickets.
Brief scores:
England: 246/10 (Ben Stokes 70; Ravindra Jadeja 3/88, Ravichandran Ashwin 3/68)
India: 119/1 (Yashasvi Jaiswal 76*; Jack Leach 24/1)