The third day of the ongoing fourth Test match between India and England in Ranchi showcased intriguing developments, setting the stage for an enthralling encounter on day four.

India commenced day 3 at 219/7, with Dhruv Jurel and Kuldeep Yadav exhibiting resilience against the England bowlers. Despite the gradual reduction of the deficit, Kuldeep Yadav’s innings came to an end when James Anderson dismissed him for 28 runs, following a commendable 76-run partnership between the two.

Following Yadav’s dismissal, Dhruv Jurel assumed control, guiding the lower order adeptly and edging closer to what could have been his maiden Test century. However, Tom Hartley dashed his hopes as he bowled Jurel for 90 runs (comprising 4 sixes and 6 fours), culminating India’s innings at 307 runs. Consequently, England retained a modest lead of 46 runs.

Shoaib Bashir of England achieved his first five-wicket haul, ending with figures of 5/119, while Hartley claimed three wickets and Anderson secured two dismissals.

In response, Zak Crawley impressed with a knock of 60 runs including 7 boundaries, supported by Jonny Bairstow who contributed 30 runs. However, the Indian spinners posed challenges for the England batsmen on a pitch that gradually became more difficult to play on during the second and third sessions.

R Ashwin emerged as the primary threat early on, securing crucial wickets of Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, and Joe Root. Kuldeep Yadav also made an impact by dismissing Crawley and Ben Stokes as England collapsed, managing only 145 runs.

Ashwin completed his 35th Test five-wicket haul, claiming figures of 5/51, while Kuldeep finished with 4/22. Consequently, India was tasked with chasing down 192 runs to secure victory in the Test match and take a 3-1 lead in the series. Openers Rohit Sharma (24*) and Yashasvi Jaiswal (16*) have already reduced the target by 40 runs.

The cricket community showered accolades on the Indian bowlers, particularly commending Ashwin for his five-wicket haul, and praised their display during X.

And there he goes again! @ashwinravi99 adds another 5-wicket haul to his collection.🔥🔥🔥 What a player! 🤌🏾#INDvENG pic.twitter.com/uZu92RACZc

— Robin Aiyuda Uthappa (@robbieuthappa) February 25, 2024

Very few days in Test cricket are perfect days for a team. This has been one for India so far. From a hopeless position to a position of real hope to seal the series. @RevSportz #INDvsENG #INDvsENGTest

— Boria Majumdar (@BoriaMajumdar) February 25, 2024

Match is in Ranchi.
R Ashwin = 7 letters. #IYKYK #INDvENG pic.twitter.com/IN6flrz9mP

— Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14) February 25, 2024

Has to be India’s game now. Amazing comeback. #INDvsENG

— Vikrant Gupta (@vikrantgupta73) February 25, 2024

Brilliant from India today .. they really do know how to play the 3rd day .. Moving day .. they have raced ahead and are clear favourites to win this test & the series .. #INDvENG

— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) February 25, 2024

Well done bowlers union now onus is on batters 👏 #INDvsENG

— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) February 25, 2024

Spinning a tale ft. Ash bhai and Kuldeep 💫🙌 pic.twitter.com/i1EaNdSii0

— Yuzvendra Chahal (@yuzi_chahal) February 25, 2024