In a display of aggressive batting prowess, Yashasvi Jaiswal and Sarfaraz Khan propelled India into a dominant position against England on Day 4 in Rajkot, setting the stage for an imposing victory.
The Mumbai duo wreaked havoc in the second session, adding a blistering 116 runs in just 16 overs before skipper Rohit Sharma opted for a declaration at 430/4. Their partnership showcased a masterclass in audacious stroke-making, leaving the English bowlers, including seasoned campaigners like James Anderson and Joe Root, helpless.
Jaiswal’s fearless approach was evident as he dispatched Anderson for three consecutive sixes in a single over, displaying his remarkable ability to find boundaries all around the ground. Meanwhile, Sarfaraz Khan complemented his partner’s aggression with calculated shot-making, registering his second fifty of the match.
Jaiswal’s monumental knock of 214 runs, supported by Sarfaraz’s gritty 68*, propelled India to a commanding position. Jaiswal’s tally of 12 sixes in the innings set a new record for an Indian batter and matched Wasim Akram’s overall record. Additionally, Jaiswal joined an elite list comprising Vinod Kambli and Virat Kohli as the only Indian batters to score double centuries in successive Tests.
As India declared, England faced early setbacks in their chase, losing both openers cheaply due to miscommunication while running between the wickets. Jasprit Bumrah’s crucial wicket further compounded England’s woes, leaving them struggling at 18/2 at the end of the session.
With a daunting target of 539 runs ahead, England faces an uphill battle to salvage the match on the final day.
Brief Scores:
India: 445 & 430/4 decl. (Yashasvi Jaiswal 214*, Sarfaraz Khan 68*)
England: 319 & 18/2
India leads by 539 runs