Axar Patel celebrating after picking a wicket on Day 1 of the Pink Ball Test against England at Motera. Image: BCCI

Xtra Time Web Desk: Left arm spinner Axar Patel produced an outstanding performance as England were bowled out for a paltry 112 runs in 48.4 overs on the first day of the Day Night Pink Ball Test at the Narendra Modi Stadium on Wednesday. Axar’s spell read 21.4-6-38.

In reply India are 99/3, with opener Rohit Sharma unbeaten on 57 runs. Rohit and India captain Virat Kohli have already shared a partnership of 64 runs for the third wicket.

Earlier England captain Joe Root won a crucial test on a virgin wicket, assuming it will have the best batting conditions on the first day but the English batsmen were left wondering against the spin of Axar Patel and Ravichandran Ashwin.

The visitors were struggling at 81 for four at tea as the much-awaited Day-Night third Test against India started amid much fanfare in Ahmedabad on Wednesday. At the break, Ben Stokes and Ollie Pope were batting on 6 and 1 respectively. 

Playing in his 100th Test, veteran pacer Ishant Sharma celebrated reaching the landmark by dismissing Dominic Sibley for a duck after England won the toss and opted to bat first in the match, which is being played with the pink ball. Left-arm spinner Axar Patel removed Jonny Bairstow, who also failed to open his account, as England slipped to 27 for two. A partnership of 47 runs ensued before captain Joe Root (17) was trapped in front of the wicket by Ravichandran Ashwin. Axar then had Crawley for 53 to leave England in trouble. He eventually ended up taking six wickets, which was also his second five wicket haul in his short test career so far.

Pink Ball Test, Day 1: Axar Patel's six-fer, Rohit's unbeaten fifty puts India in driver's seat