Despite Bumrah’s heroics, India’s fielding let them down, dropping four catches off his bowling alone. Prasidh Krishna and Mohammed Siraj managed to pick up wickets but leaked runs, allowing England’s lower order to reduce India’s advantage. Harry Brook looked in sublime touch, punishing India’s errant lines and lengths. He fell heartbreakingly on 99, unable to control a pull shot off Prasidh Krishna. Chris Woakes and Brydon Carse counter-attacked brilliantly, adding crucial runs to keep England alive before Bumrah’s tight lines dismantled the tail.
India’s second innings began with caution. KL Rahul was rock solid, mixing solid defence with fluent strokeplay, notching seven boundaries including delightful cover drives. Sai Sudharsan, keen to make up for his first-innings duck, batted calmly for 30 and stitched a valuable 66-run stand with Rahul. However, a loose clip off Ben Stokes cost him his wicket shortly before stumps.
Rain forced an early end, halting India’s charge at 90 for two in 23.5 overs. With Rahul unbeaten on 47 and skipper Shubman Gill at the crease on six, India’s immediate aim will be to build a sizeable lead on Day Four. England’s bowlers, especially Brydon Carse and Stokes, kept probing lines but need quick breakthroughs on a pitch that has shown signs of wear.
Earlier, resuming at 209 for three, England lost Ollie Pope early to Prasidh but Brook and the lower order rallied to keep the contest tight. India’s inconsistent bowling lengths and dropped chances allowed England to escape from tricky situations.
The match is finely poised heading into the last two days. With clear weather expected, India will hope their middle order and tail can stretch the lead to set England a challenging target in this absorbing battle.
