News by “Sana Ullah”
DHARAMSALA: Captain Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill notched centuries to extend India’s lead to 255 runs on Day 2 of the final Test of the five-match series against England.
Resuming India’s overnight score of 135/1, Rohit and Gill capitalized on the momentum from the previous day and took charge against England’s bowling attack.
The pair batted aggressively, adding 140 runs to their second-wicket partnership, both scoring rapid centuries.
England found a moment of joy when their skipper Ben Stokes, in his first over since knee surgery last year, dismissed Indian captain Sharma with a delivery that seamed off the pitch to disturb the off stump after lunch.
Rohit Sharma crafted 103 off 162 balls, featuring 13 boundaries and three sixes.
Experienced pacer James Anderson struck back immediately, bowling out Gill for another century, putting him one wicket away from joining the elite 700 Test wickets club.
Shubman Gill contributed 110 off 150 deliveries, smashing 12 boundaries and five sixes.
After the partnership was broken, Sarfaraz Khan and debutant Devdutt Padikkal steadied India with crucial half-centuries.
Sarfaraz scored a brisk 56 off 60 while Padikkal made 65 before both fell to Shoaib Bashir.
Their dismissals triggered a middle-order collapse, as India slipped to 428/8.
However, a resilient partnership between Kuldeep Yadav (27) and Jasprit Bumrah (19) frustrated England’s attempts to wrap up India’s tail.
The pair added 45 runs for the ninth wicket, guiding India to 473/8 at stumps.
Shoaib Bashir was the standout bowler for England, claiming four wickets, while Tom Hartley took two.
