India vs. England: Highlights of Day Three in the First Test

Greetings and welcome to our LIVE text commentary of the third day of the initial Test match between India and England in Hyderabad. With England posting a total of 246, they are now confronted with a formidable challenge to reassert themselves in the competition. India, having reached 421-7, are 175 runs ahead of their rivals. Consequently, India stands on the verge of prolonging their unbeaten Test series streak of 12 years.

Cricket News Update

ENGLAND SURVIVE SCARES AND SECURE A 126-RUN LEAD HEADING INTO DAY 4

It felt like an extensive day of cricket, marked by captivating moments and dramatic shifts between the two teams. England’s commendable performance with the bat was preceded by an impressive display with the ball, dismissing India’s last three wickets for under twenty runs.

England’s opening batsmen made a brisk start, losing Zak Crawley as the first wicket with England’s score at 45 from just 56 balls. Despite a solid 68-run partnership between Pope and Duckett, India managed to capture three more crucial wickets for less than 50 runs.

Ben Stokes’ dismissal initially appeared to spell trouble for England, but the Surrey duo of Ollie Pope and Ben Foakes defied the odds by putting together a commendable partnership of 112 runs from 183 balls. While this might not have been sufficient to give England a solid chance, Rehan Ahmed played a crucial role, batting with the confidence of a top-order player. Thanks to Ollie Pope’s remarkable innings, the match, which could have ended by now, is still ongoing.

The day concluded with England at 316-6 (Rehan 16, Pope 148) in 77 overs. Ravichandran Ashwin bowled the last over, and Rehan Ahmed secured the final boundary of the day with a positive shot through midwicket. England, with a lead of 126 runs, will resume tomorrow.

ENGLAND 245-5 (FOAKES 30, POPE 101) OVERS: 61

The pitch appears to be slowing down, giving batters more time to assess their shots. Ollie Pope reaches his century with a well-executed shot through the onside, taking three runs and removing his helmet to acknowledge the milestone. A commendable innings from the 26-year-old. England now leads by 55 runs, and it seems like a chance for a break and drinks is imminent.

ENGLAND 239-5 (FOAKES 28, POPE 97) OVERS: 60

Ollie Pope employs another reverse sweep to deep backward point, securing a single. Foakes adds a couple of runs with an edged shot past the slips. The partnership between the two has reached 68 runs, and England is steadily building its lead.

ENGLAND 235-5 (FOAKES 25, POPE 96) OVERS: 59

Jadeja sends down a varied and testing over, including his fifth no-ball of the match. Despite the challenges, Pope remains four runs away from his century, showcasing the pair’s growing confidence.

ENGLAND 233-5 (FOAKES 25, POPE 95) OVERS: 58

Ashwin expresses frustration as runs start to come for England. Foakes finds the square leg boundary with a sweep, contributing to a fruitful over. England’s lead extends to 7 runs.

ENGLAND 228-5 (FOAKES 22, POPE 93) OVERS: 57

Jadeja returns to the attack, and Pope plays another reverse sweep. He secures a single from the last ball, maintaining strike. The partnership continues to thrive, passing the thirteen-over mark.

ENGLAND 226-5 (FOAKES 21, POPE 92) OVERS: 56

Pope inches closer to his century, showcasing his trademark reverse sweep for four runs. The England total surpasses 200, and the pair maintains a steady approach.

ENGLAND 219-5 (FOAKES 19, POPE 87) OVERS: 55

India introduces Mohammed Siraj for some pace, and Pope cuts a length ball for two runs. The partnership reaches a commendable 50 runs, and the pair exhibits solid batting.

ENGLAND 211-5 (FOAKES 12, POPE 84) OVERS: 54

Ashwin returns to the attack, and his first ball goes for four byes as it eludes the keeper. Foakes responds with a boundary through a sweep shot. Despite the challenge, Ashwin manages to dismiss Foakes with the final ball of the over.

ENGLAND 200-5 (FOAKES 12, POPE 83) OVERS: 53

Bumrah delivers some full balls to Foakes, who defends well without finding the gaps. The session progresses slowly, with Bumrah maintaining pressure. The total remains at 200 for England.

ENGLAND 200-5 (FOAKES 12, POPE 83) OVERS: 52

Jadeja sends down an over with some loose balls, allowing England to reach the 200-run mark. The partnership between Foakes and Pope is crucial, and they continue to build a lead.

ENGLAND 197-5 (FOAKES 11, POPE 82) OVERS: 51

Bumrah delivers a mix of deliveries to Pope, who executes a reverse sweep, securing four runs. The England lead extends to 4 runs.

ENGLAND 195-5 (FOAKES 10, POPE 81) OVERS: 50

Axar maintains pressure on Foakes, keeping him defending from the back foot. The over ends as a maiden, and England’s lead is now 9 runs.

ENGLAND 195-5 (FOAKES 10, POPE 81) OVERS: 49

The partnership between Foakes and Pope reaches thirteen overs. Pope executes a trademark reverse sweep, securing four runs. The England total increases, and the pair exhibits growing confidence.

ENGLAND 191-5 (FOAKES 10, POPE 77) OVERS: 48

Bumrah returns with an open field, employing varied deliveries to Foakes. A maiden over for Bumrah as the England lead remains at 7 runs.

ENGLAND 191-5 (FOAKES 10, POPE 77) OVERS: 47

Jadeja continues to struggle in finding rhythm in this session. Loose balls allow England to draw level, and the partnership between Foakes and Pope remains crucial.

ENGLAND 188-5 (FOAKES 9, POPE 76) OVERS: 46

Another over from Ashwin, and Pope showcases a lively start after the tea break. England begins to close in on parity, and the session promises to be crucial.

WATCH ALL THE DAY 3 ACTION LIVE ON TNT SPORTS

TNT Sports holds the broadcasting rights for the entire series in the UK. Tune in now to TNT Sports and discovery+ to witness the unfolding action.

08:45 – POPE THE SOLE HOPE

Ollie Pope stands as the only England player who hasn’t succumbed to India’s dominance in England’s second innings. However, a substantial score requires support from the other end, placing considerable pressure on his county teammate, Foakes.

IT FEELS LIKE A LONG TIME AGO: CRAWLEY SMASHES SIX EARLY ON IN ENGLAND’S INNINGS

TEA – ENGLAND 172-5 (FOAKES 2, POPE 67) OVERS: 42

It has been over sixty balls since the last boundary. Red ball cricket is on display as England digs deep, while India defends fiercely. Jadeja delivers a maiden over, pressuring Foakes onto his back foot. England’s scoring rate averages three runs per over across the 17 overs in this session, with the significant loss of four wickets. The spinners have played their part, but it was the seamers who initiated the breakthroughs, providing India with a satisfying spell.

ENGLAND 172-5 (FOAKES 2, POPE 67) OVERS: 41

Axar takes the ball, introducing left-arm spinners at both ends. Pope seems inclined to play defensively towards tea, and Axar adds a maiden to his bowling stats.

ENGLAND 172-5 (FOAKES 2, POPE 67) OVERS: 40

Jadeja returns to prevent the formation of a significant partnership. Foakes, being the last recognized batter for England, faces pressure. The pair manages a run each in the over. The lead is reduced to 18, but England needs more than just leveling the score.

REPLAY: THE FINGER HAS GONE UP – BUMRAH DOES FOR ROOT AS ENGLAND LOSE ANOTHER WICKET

ENGLAND 170-5 (FOAKES 1, POPE 66) OVERS: 39

Pope secures two more runs off Ashwin, tapping the ball to long on and displaying efficient running to complete the second. A couple of singles, with the second allowing Foakes to open his account. Every run holds value at this stage as England trails by 20.

ENGLAND 166-5 (FOAKES 0, POPE 63) OVERS: 38

Ollie Pope initiates the over with a well-executed double through point. Despite the confusion among fielders, the ball is saved from reaching the boundary. Pope adds another single to the on-side before being challenged with the final ball, with Jadeja turning and bouncing it, narrowly missing the gloves.

ENGLAND 163-5 (FOAKES 0, POPE 60) OVERS: 37

A gentle push from Ben Stokes to Ashwin brings Pope back on strike. However, Stokes falls victim to Ashwin’s deceptive delivery, with the ball swerving late onto off stump. England faces significant trouble with the dismissal of Stokes.

WICKET! STOKES B ASHWIN 6

Ashwin bowls a beautiful delivery, deceiving England’s captain as the ball seemed comfortably headed to the bat but swerved late, hitting off stump. England is now in a challenging position.

ENGLAND 159-4 (STOKES 5, POPE 58) OVERS: 36

Pope attempts another sweep through midwicket for a single, while Stokes misjudges one, narrowly avoiding his leg stump as Jadeja’s delivery turns sharply. Jadeja bowls with increased pace in this over. The batters add two runs, maintaining a professional approach.

ENGLAND 157-4 (STOKES 4, POPE 57) OVERS: 35

Ravichandran Ashwin returns to bowl, specializing against left-handed batters. He employs varied pace and length against Stokes, who patiently endures an over without contributing to the score. The total remains at 157 for England.

ENGLAND 157-4 (STOKES 4, POPE 57) OVERS: 34

Jadeja continues his spell as Pope persists with the reverse sweep. The batters add a single each, showcasing a professional approach. Patience is crucial in building a partnership at this stage.

50 UP FOR OLLIE POPE

ENGLAND 154-4 (STOKES 3, POPE 56) OVERS: 33

Ashwin produces a solid over, securing a maiden. Stokes faces a moment of concern as the umpire reviews a possible stumping, but his toe is deemed to be in contact with the pitch. A confident leave follows, signaling the end of the over.

ENGLAND 154-4 (STOKES 3, POPE 56) OVERS: 32

England gains an advantage over Jadeja as Pope executes a successful sweep to the boundary. Pope, displaying excellent shot selection, continues to nudge the ball to the field for the remainder of the over.

ENGLAND 150-4 (STOKES 3, POPE 52) OVERS: 31

Ashwin returns to the attack, delivering a fine over that keeps Stokes on the defensive. No additional runs are added to the total, maintaining the strong lead of 150 runs.

ENGLAND 150-4 (STOKES 3, POPE 52) OVERS: 30

Jadeja attempts to secure another wicket but falls short in this over. England manages only one run, trailing by 40 runs.

ENGLAND 149-4 (STOKES 2, POPE 52) OVERS: 29

Ashwin replaces Axar, tempting Pope with a reverse sweep that results in a boundary. Pope reaches his half-century with a well-timed shot to the boundary off a full toss. Despite a mis-sweep, no harm is done, and a couple of runs are added.

ENGLAND 142-4 (STOKES 1, POPE 46) OVERS: 28

Stokes faces an unsettling delivery from Jadeja, but a foot over the line prompts a reattempt. He manages to get off the mark with the next ball. Jadeja’s increased pace adds intensity to the contest.

WICKET! BAIRSTOW B JADEJA 10

Jadeja outsmarts Bairstow with excellent bowling, sending the ball straight onto off stump after a turning delivery. Bairstow falls victim to a well-executed plan, adding frustration to the England camp.

ENGLAND 136-3 (BAIRSTOW 6, POPE 46) OVERS: 27

Axar Patel enters the attack after drinks, offering spin at both ends. The batters cautiously face the first five balls, and Pope concludes the over with a confident cover drive for four runs, bringing up the Bairstow vs. Bumrah battle.

ENGLAND 131-3 (BAIRSTOW 5, POPE 42) OVERS: 26

Pope initiates the over with a reverse sweep, securing a boundary past slip fielders. Despite a couple of missed attempts, Pope and Bairstow pick up singles, contributing to the partnership. The session appears promising for England.

ENGLAND 125-3 (BAIRSTOW 4, POPE 37) OVERS: 25

Bumrah delivers another over, attempting a slower ball to Bairstow, who navigates it for a single. Pope, less successful with the same ball, narrowly avoids a misjudged swing. The final ball poses a significant challenge, narrowly missing the stumps after deceiving Bairstow with a yorker.

ENGLAND 122-3 (BAIRSTOW 3, POPE 35) OVERS: 24

Jadeja continues his spell, introducing spin again. Bairstow faces it with determination, frustrating the Indian attack by taking occasional singles. The missed DRS opportunity feels like a distant memory as England remains focused on building a partnership.

ENGLAND 120-3 (BAIRSTOW 2, POPE 36) OVERS: 23

Bumrah returns for another over, maintaining the pressure with pace and swing. Bairstow, determined to lead the fightback, adopts a cautious approach, denying Bumrah a maiden over and ensuring he retains the strike.

ENGLAND 119-3 (BAIRSTOW 1, POPE 34) OVERS: 22

Siraj joins the attack, adding pace to the bowling. Bairstow and Pope strategically take singles, facing the challenge posed by Siraj’s length balls. The outcome of the next couple of overs holds significance in determining the course of the match.

ENGLAND 117-3 (ROOT 2, POPE 33) OVERS: 21

Bumrah resumes his spell, aiming to create further challenges for the England batters. Root, facing Bumrah’s swing, secures a single with a push past point. Pope, however, faces an Lbw appeal in the final ball, unsuccessfully reviewed by India.

ENGLAND 115-2 (ROOT 1, POPE 32) OVERS: 20

Siraj enters the attack, providing additional pace. Pope navigates a length ball for a single, and Root opens his account with a nod behind square. The length deliveries prompt a cautious approach from the England batters.

ENGLAND 113-2 (ROOT 0, POPE 31) OVERS: 19

Bumrah returns for another over, seeking swing and creating challenges for Root. Only one run is added by Root, pushing a single past point. Bumrah’s yorker beats Pope, narrowly avoiding a potential wicket. The session unfolds with a psychological boost for England, now trailing by less than 100.

ENGLAND 94-1 (DUCKETT 38, POPE 17) OVERS: 16

Ashwin opens the bowling after lunch, aiming to assert pressure on England. Duckett secures a single, and Pope adds four runs with a well-executed shot down the ground. England maintains a positive intent after the break.

06:45 – ROOTING THEIR WAY BACK INTO THE MATCH

Joe Root played a crucial role in England’s resurgence, taking two wickets in two balls in the 120th over of the Indian innings. The first wicket was Jadeja, given out Lbw, with a potential edge inconclusive on ultraedge. Root’s second wicket dismissed Bumrah, sneaking a full ball between bat and pad to rattle the stumps. Although Root missed a hat-trick, the final wicket fell in the next over, with Rehan bowling Axar Patel, whose stumps were disturbed by a ball that stayed low.

With the bat, England displayed fearless batting, scoring 89 runs in just 15 overs at a rate of almost six runs per over. The only setback was Zak Crawley’s wicket, falling to Ashwin in the 10th over. The session saw England trailing by 77 runs, showcasing their determination to make a comeback.

06:30 – DAY 3 WELCOME

Greetings, and welcome to the live coverage of the third day of the initial test in the winter series between India and England in Hyderabad. If you went to sleep with the hope of waking up to a more positive situation for England compared to Friday noon (UK time), I’m delighted to share good news.

At lunch, England is at the crease, currently trailing by 101 runs. They managed to take three wickets, conceding only 15 runs and have made a promising start this morning. In the first 15 overs of the innings, they scored 89 runs, with the only loss being Zak Crawley.

While India still holds a strong position, England has made progress in narrowing the gap. Play will resume shortly.

06:30 – TNT SPORTS: NEW BROADCAST PARTNER FOR ENGLAND MEN’S TOURS OF INDIA

TNT Sports is set to be the official broadcast home for England men’s tours of India in 2024, 2025, and 2028.

The broadcasting deal includes exclusive live coverage of all red-ball and white-ball international series played in India for the next five years. The ongoing five-Test tour of India, starting on Thursday, January 25, will be aired live on TNT Sports and discovery+, with live over-by-over updates available here.

The agreement also entails the broadcasting of England’s white-ball tour (3 x ODIs and 5 x T20s) of India in January-February 2025 and England’s tour of India, currently scheduled for January-February 2028.