XtraTime Web Desk – Whether with the bowl or with the bat, Ravi Ashwin show continues at Chepauk. The batsman Ashwin has showed glimpses of returning back into runs on few occasions but his masterclass on Monday showed that it was just a matter of time.
India lost some quick wickets early on into the game. Cheteshwar Pujara was once again very unlucky with his dismissal and Rishabh Pant, Rohit Sharma, Ajinkya Rahane and Axar Patel failed to create any impact. Ben Foakes was brilliant for England. His keeping technique, quick stumpings and decision making was top notch and that put India into back foot.
Virat Kohli and Ravichandran Ashwin brought some stability after the dismissals. The duo made a crucial 96 run partnership to bring India out of that phase. Kohli made 62 runs and was dismissed by Moeen Ali. Thus, missing another century. Ashwin however didn’t miss his.
With the tailenders by his side, Ashwin completed his well deserved century. A lot of praises were showered upon him on internet. He now is in the second place in the table where a player has taken a fifer and scored a hundred. Only Ian Botham is ahead of him.
With his century, India posed a healthy total of 286 runs. Moeen Ali and Jack Leach picked up 4 wickets each but England has a mammoth target to chase. They already lost 3 wickets and ended the day with 53 on board. Axar Patel picked up the wickets of Dom Sibley and Jack Leach while Ashwin once again picked up Rory Burns’ wicket. England now need 429 runs to win and as things stand, it’ll be a mountain to climb for the English players.