Brief Scores: India 191 and 270 for 3 (Rohit 127, Pujara 61) lead England 290 (Pope 81, Woakes 50, Yadav 3-76) by 171 runs
Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul started from where they left on Day 2, stitched a 83-run partnership, played to the merit of the ball and above all showed a great patience and composure against a fine English bowling line up. KL Rahul scored 46 runs as he edged a great delivery from James Anderson to Jonny Bairstow behind the stumps.
Rohit - Pujara set the game up for India in proper batting conditions and give India a ray of hope after first Innings debacle.
Rohit, Pujara combine to build a century stand
After Rahul’s dismissal, Cheteshwar Pujara held the fort for India. Along with Rohit Sharma, he built a 153-run partnership which might prove to be vital going into the Day 4 and 5 of the test. Both the players complemented each other during this partnership. They were good with their batting techniques and played a controlled yet attacking game in this partnership.
Rohit-Puajra played in tandem while one was aggressor another was holding the other end firmly. They are without doubt the finest players of the Indian national team. After a 153-run partnership both of them got dismissed in the 81st over bowled by the leading wicket-taker in the ongoing series, Ollie Robinson.
Cheteshwar Pujara smashed 61 runs with nine boundaries at a strike rate of 48.03. 61-run knock by Pujara was among the quickest of his knocks. He did made a great adjustment to his technique from the previous innings and was really quick on his foot. Harsha Bhogle rightly said on the television broadcast that in this innings, Pujara’s backfoot play has been both heartwarming and skilful.
Rohit Sharma oozing class, scored his first overseas century in eight years (127 runs) which included 14 fours and a six. He has scored 368 runs at an average of 52.57 in eight innings he has played so far in this series. He is second on the leaderboard for highest run getters in the series after Joe Root who has scored 528 runs. Rohit Sharma is the fourth Indian batsman to score 2,000 runs against England in international cricket in the latter’s home after Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, and Virat Kohli.
England bowlers made to toil for their three wickets
Although England took 3 wickets in the whole day but their bowlers bowled a very tight line and length as it is expected from them. They stuck to their plans and troubled the Indian batters a lot on many occasions. Out of three wickets fell today, two were taken by Ollie Robibson and one by the ‘King of Swing’ James Anderson.
Ollie Robinson James Anderson and Chris Woakes had been very impressive through the day. Moeen Ali and Craig Overton looked offer colour to an extent.
Virat Kohli steadies the ship after England’s double strike
After losing two quick wickets in the same over, Virat Kohli with Ravindra Jadeja steadied the Indian ship. They put on a partnership of 33 runs before the third day’s play was called off due to bad light. Ravindra Jadeja was yet again came to bat at No. 5 ahead of Ajinkya Rahane and Rishabh Pant like first innings. Virat Kohli will resume his innings from 22 runs on Day 4.
All in all, the day belongs to Team India. It was one of the best batting performances by the Indian cricket team in this series. They scored 227 runs and lost just 3 wickets on the third day of The Oval Test match.
What lies ahead
Weather permitting, forecast for which predicts shower on Days 4 and 5. In that case, India would be looking to increase the lead anything close to over 250-300 runs and give England a crack at the score. A competitive total would be the first thing Virat Kohli would have his mind on. However, England would like to make the most of first hour tomorrow with the new ball and try to wrap Indian innings before Tea.
Twitter Reaction on Rohit Sharma's maiden overseas century
Here are some of the best twitter reactions on Rohit Sharma's first overseas test ton.
Harsh Bhogle at his wittiest best, stated the innings as "pure class".
The great, Ayaz Menon via his twitter handle lauds Rohit Sharma's century at The Oval.
Former Indian opener, Virender Sehwag in his own style congratulates Rohit Sharma on his first overseas Test century.
The former Indian cricketer, Venkatesh Prasad called Rohit Sharma best Indian bastman across format.
Former England Captain, Michale Vaughan was in awe of Rohit Sharma's stroke play.
Sambit Bal rightly pointed out the Rohit Sharma's transformation as a Test opener.
Former Indian player, VVS Laxman called Rohit's Sharma's century as match defining innings.
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