Xtra Time Web Desk: The Indian cricket team has taken a firm grip on the first test match against England at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium on Friday, January 26. At the close of Day 2, the hosts have taken a healthy lead of 175 runs with three wickets in hand. Ravindra Jadeja (81*) and Axar Patel (35*) stood unbeaten, forging a resilient eighth-wicket partnership that added 63 crucial runs. It will be a challenging task for England to erase the deficit when they bat on the third day. The second day also witnessed significant contributions from KL Rahul, Shreyas Iyer, and KS Bharat, with partnerships that showcased India’s dominance.
KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer combined for a partnership of 64 runs off 106 balls, followed by Rahul’s brisk 65 off 74 balls alongside Ravindra Jadeja. England’s spinners faced the wrath of the Indian batsmen, particularly Jadeja and Rahul, who displayed ruthlessness against the inconsistent English spin attack. Despite Rahul falling short of a century at 86 off 123, India maintained a commendable run rate, dictating terms for much of the day.
The unfortunate mix-up between Jadeja and Bharat led to the latter’s dismissal at 41 off 81, and soon after, Ravichandran Ashwin fell in an unfortunate manner. Axar Patel, entering the fray, immediately made an impact with a four off his first ball. Jadeja, crossing his half-century, then orchestrated yet another 50-run stand with Bharat, asserting India’s dominance.
Reflecting on the first day, Yashasvi Jaiswal’s explosive innings of 76 off 70 balls on Day 1 put India in a commanding position. England found positives in the morning session, with Joe Root dismissing Jaiswal on 80 and Tom Hartley getting the wicket of Shubman Gill. However, India’s captain, Rohit Sharma, and Jaiswal had a rapid 80-run partnership before Rohit’s dismissal.
England’s Ben Stokes exhibited a remarkable rearguard action, guiding his team to a total of 246, but India’s spinners, including Ravindra Jadeja and Ravichandran Ashwin, took crucial wickets. The day ended with India firmly in control, but there was promise for England, particularly with Stokes’ impactful innings. The pitch, offering assistance to spinners, posed challenges for both teams, setting the stage for an enthralling Test series.