India vs England: Ton-up Ashwin helps India set 482-run target
A top-notch knock from all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin put India on top on Day 3 of the ongoing second Test. He has slammed his fifth century in the Test format. As a result, India have set England a target of 482 runs. Earlier, skipper Virat Kohli shared a 96-run stand with Ashwin to stage a turnaround after India lost six wickets. Here is more.
Ashwin continues his dream run in Test cricket
Ashwin made his fifth ton memorable by hammering it on home ground. This was his first 50+ score in Tests at home since December 2016 and first anywhere since August 2017. Ashwin has now struck a century and picked up a five-wicket haul in the same Test second-most times (3) after Ian Botham (5). This is also the most by an Indian cricketer.
Double of 50+ runs and five-for in the same Test
Ashwin has achieved the double of 50+ runs and five-wickets in the same Test six times, joint-third-most along with Sir Richard Hadlee. He did so vs WI at Wankhede Stadium (2011), vs SA in Delhi (2015), vs WI at North Sound (2016), vs England in Visakhapatnam (2016), vs SL at Colombo SSC (2017), vs England in Chennai (2021).
Kohli set the tone of Indian innings
Indian skipper Kohli too bounced back after recording a rare duck in the first innings. He took the charge against the spinners, playing a counter-attacking knock on the tricky Chepauk wicket. Kohli struck a timely half-century, his 25th in the format. Although he missed out on a much-awaited Test ton, his scintillating 62 drew a lot of praise.
England require 482 runs to win
India have been bundled out for 286 in the second innings, setting England a 482-run target. The hosts were off to a patchy start on Day 3 as they lost five quick wickets. However, a 96-run stand by Kohli (62) and Ashwin (106) made a timely recovery for India. India are way ahead of England in the Test, with over two days to go.
