WATCH- Rohit Sharma calls out Ravindra Jadeja for bowling no-balls with humourous statement

Day 2 of the ongoing third Test between India and England unfolded with contrasting narratives. India, resuming at 326-5, added a further 119 runs thanks to a gritty partnership between Ravichandran Ashwin and debutant Dhruv Jurel. Jasprit Bumrah's quickfire cameo provided late impetus, propelling India to a respectable 445 all out. However, it was England's response that captured the day's imagination.

Advertisment

Openers Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett started with their usual flair, weathering the early storm from India's pace attack with their intent. Crawley fell cheaply, but Duckett exploded, unleashing a flurry of boundaries. His innings was a masterclass in aggression, peppered with audacious strokes and calculated risks. He brought up his third Test century in just 88 balls, becoming the third fastest overseas player to achieve the feat in India. By stumps, England reached 207/2, trailing by 238 runs with Duckett unbeaten on 133 and Joe Root alongside him.

The left-handed Duckett stole the show. His innings was a display of pure confidence and attacking intent. He took on the Indian bowlers, particularly the spinners, with disdain, showcasing his wide array of strokes. England will heavily rely on him to continue his form on Day 3. Meanwhile, India's bowlers struggled to contain Duckett's onslaught. Ashwin and Jadeja, usually the spearheads, were relatively quiet, while the pacers lacked consistency. India desperately needs to find a way to break this crucial stand early on Day 3.

Despite the deficit, England holds the upper hand at this stage as the pitch is excellent for batting. They have wickets in hand and a set batsman in Duckett. With the stakes ever so high, Day 3 promises to be enthralling and absorbing. England will look to consolidate their position and build a sizeable lead, while India will be desperate to break the Duckett-Pope partnership and restrict England's progress.

Advertisment

Rohit's sense of humour stands tall amid frustration over Jadeja's repeated mistakes!

Despite Duckett's innings frustrating the Indians, the humour found its way onto the cricket field thanks to a playful exchange between captain Rohit Sharma and all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja. Jadeja, known for his accurate spin bowling, has uncharacteristically been plagued by no-balls throughout the series. After one such mishap, the stump mic picked up Rohit's lighthearted jibe: "Yaar, ye Jadeja IPL mein to the no-balls nahi data. T20 samajh ke bowling kar, Jaddu."

This playful dig instantly brought a smile to the faces of players and viewers alike. It served as a welcome reminder that even amidst the competitive spirit, sportsmanship and camaraderie can prevail.

Rohit Sharma represents whole of Dinda Academy when he says "Jaddu samajh ye T20 hai, idhar No balls allowed nahi" 🔥 pic.twitter.com/cQ4s3aJOGm

— Dinda Academy (@academy_dinda) February 16, 2024