IND vs ENG, 3rd Test Day 3 Live: India Struggles to Close Gap, Jadeja and Nitish Hold Firm
The final session of Day 3 in the 3rd Test between India and England is underway, with India currently at 317/5, trailing England’s first innings score of 387 by 70 runs. After tea, Ravindra Jadeja (40*) and Nitish Kumar Reddy (26*) have resumed their vigil with steady defence, aiming to chip away at the deficit and possibly take the lead.
The second session saw India adding 62 runs for the sixth wicket off 143 balls, scoring at a modest run rate of 2.67. While this slow pace has drawn some criticism from fans and analysts alike, it has also effectively tired out the England bowlers, who have struggled to break the partnership. Both teams have so far been locked in a tense battle, giving little away and maintaining pressure on each other.
The third session promises to be a nail-biting encounter, with the possibility that one team could seize a clear advantage before stumps. The pitch remains steady, and the match hangs in the balance as Jadeja and Reddy look to stabilize the innings.
However, the session hasn’t been without its moments of drama. Nitish Kumar Reddy took a nasty blow to the helmet from a short-pitched delivery by Ben Stokes. The bouncer hit Reddy directly on the grill of his helmet after he failed to duck in time. This was part of England’s short-ball tactic aimed at unsettling the Indian batsmen, though the tactic has not yet yielded wickets, as many of the bouncers have sailed well over the batsmen’s heads.
Despite the scare, Reddy quickly regained composure and continued his solid defence alongside Jadeja. Both players seem determined to frustrate the English attack and build a foundation for the Indian innings.
As the day progresses, the focus will be on whether India can reduce the deficit and possibly take the lead or if England can strike quickly to regain control. With both teams evenly matched so far, the final session of Day 3 is set to be a thrilling display of test cricket at its best.
