India vs England 3rd Test, IND vs ENG: The third Test in Rajkot swung dramatically on its opening day, thanks to a crucial missed chance and two contrasting centuries. Nasser Hussain dissects the pivotal moments and weighs their potential impact on the series.
The pivotal moment wasn’t a fiery delivery or a stunning catch, but a missed one. Joe Root’s fumble at slip with Rohit Sharma on 27 proved costly, transforming the complexion of the innings and potentially the series.
Nasser Hussain: Rohit Sharma is unforgiving
Nasser Hussain, a long-time Rohit Sharma admirer, emphasizes the Indian skipper’s class and ability to capitalize on such reprieves in his column in Daily Mail. He acknowledges the difficulty of the catch but highlights its significance: “There are certain cricketers you don’t want to reprieve, and Rohit Sharma is one of them.”
Ignoring the scare, Rohit Sharma went on to score a magnificent century, showcasing his ability to balance aggression with patience. His battle against Mark Wood’s short-pitched onslaught was a highlight, showcasing his exceptional skills against pace.
Despite getting Rohit eventually, Wood’s joy was short-lived. India fought back, thanks to a monumental partnership between Rohit and Ravindra Jadeja, putting themselves in a commanding position.
Joe Root error: A match-defining moment?
Nasser Hussain questions whether England could have done differently, commending their bowling attack’s early efforts. However, he emphasizes the potential match-defining nature of Root’s drop: “It allowed India to manoeuvre themselves into a far superior position than they would have expected.”
The pitch’s nature adds another layer of uncertainty. Early reverse swing might favor England, but Jasprit Bumrah’s threat and the potential for spin later in the game keep things open.
Root’s dropped catch will be debated for a long time. While Rohit capitalized ruthlessly, England’s bowlers showed promise. With swing, spin, and crucial wickets still in play, Rajkot promises a thrilling battle and a potentially series-altering outcome.
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