England’s pursuit of a record 399 in the second Test against India kicked off with a promising start on Day 3, as openers Ben Duckett and Zak Crawley adopted an aggressive approach against the Indian bowlers. While they showed caution against Jasprit Bumrah, they seized the opportunity to take on the other Indian bowlers, steering England’s innings with flair.
However, the turning point came when Ravichandran Ashwin, the seasoned Indian off-spinner, intervened with a remarkable display of skill behind the stumps. With England cruising past the 50-run mark and aiming to end the day unscathed, Ashwin delivered a pivotal blow by dismissing Ben Duckett.
Employing his trademark angle from round the wicket, Ashwin induced an edge from Duckett’s bat, which deflected off the pad and looped up in the air. Displaying agility and anticipation, wicket-keeper KS Bharat executed a stunning diving catch, leaving the Indian camp elated and relieved.
The significance of Ashwin’s wicket cannot be overstated, especially considering his proximity to the milestone of 500 Test wickets. His timely intervention not only halted England’s momentum but also rejuvenated the Indian side, evident in the jubilant celebrations led by captain Rohit Sharma.
WATCH: KS superman catch send back Duckett
As the match progresses, Ashwin’s contribution underscores the depth of India’s bowling arsenal and their ability to seize crucial moments. With the pendulum of momentum swinging in India’s favor, England faces an uphill battle in their pursuit of the daunting target. Yet, the unpredictability of Test cricket ensures that every session brings new twists and turns, keeping fans on the edge of their seats until the final delivery is bowled.
In this gripping contest between bat and ball, Ravichandran Ashwin’s brilliance has undoubtedly left an indelible mark, shaping the narrative of the second Test and setting the stage for an enthralling conclusion.