India vs England: India six down; Kohli, Ashwin fightback
Team India lost a total of five wickets as England made a comeback in the morning session on Day 3 of the ongoing second Test. However, the hosts also claimed a lead in excess of 300 runs. Skipper Virat Kohli and all-rounder R Ashwin showed terrific resistance even though Team India lost wickets in quick succession. Here is the session report.
How did the session pan out?
The hosts were off to a bleak start on Day 3 as Cheteshwar Pujara got run-out in the very first over. Eventually, senior opener Rohit Sharma too departed, getting stumped by Ben Foakes. India also lost Rishabh Pant, Ajinkya Rahane and Axar Patel in the session. However, a crucial stand by Kohli (38*) and Ashwin (34*) made a timely recovery for India (156/6).
Ashwin, Kohli lead India's fightback
The Indian batsmen were perturbed by the Chepauk wicket that seems to have produced several rough patches. Rohit and Pant were dismissed in a similar fashion by Leach (stumped). As Rahane danced down the pitch, the ball took his inside edge, and Ollie Pope at short leg took a diving catch. Meanwhile, Kohli and Ashwin seem to be making a turnaround after Axar's dismissal.
Pujara got run-out for the ninth time
Pujara getting run-out in Test cricket is not a rare sight. The top-order batsman has now been run-out second-most times (9) among Indian cricketers in Test cricket, along with Master Blaster Sachin Tendulkar. Former batsman Rahul Dravid leads the tally of run-outs (13).
Foakes has been terrific behind the stumps
England wicket-keeper Foakes has shown scintillating glove-work throughout the second Test so far. His impeccable technique and fast hands behind the stumps compelled the experts to compare him with MS Dhoni. In the ongoing innings, Foakes has been involved in two stumpings and a run-out. One might say he is arguably the best wicket-keeper presently, considering his technique on Chennai's rank-turner.
