India vs England 1st Test, Day 3: Masterful innings of Jonny Bairstow came to a sudden and shocking end thanks to a mesmerizing delivery from Ravindra Jadeja, leaving England’s 2nd innings in the balance. With England still trailing by 50, Jonny Bairstow looked poised to lead the charge, having played beautifully.
But Ravindra Jadeja had other plans. He had already deceived Jonny Bairstow with a big-turning ball that just missed the edge. The next delivery, however, was a masterclass in deception. Launched with similar action, the ball held its line instead of spinning away, crashing into Bairstow’s off-stump and leaving him shell-shocked.
“He’s flummoxed completely,” exclaimed the commentator, echoing the disbelief on Bairstow’s face. The dismissal was a perfect illustration of Jadeja’s cunning variations, leaving even the most skilled batter questioning the ball’s trajectory.
This sudden twist changed the complexion of the game. England, who were cruising towards safety, found themselves at a crossroads. Ben Stokes arrived at the crease with the pressure mounting.
Jonny Bairstow holds Jasprit Bumrah fury
While Jonny Bairstow dismissal was dramatic, the hour before lunch was equally enthralling. A flurry of boundaries followed by Jasprit Bumrah’s wicket-taking genius kept the crowd on the edge of their seats. Jonny Bairstow, however, remained unfazed by Bumrah’s swing and pace, showcasing his composure and adaptability.
As the dust settled after drinks, England stood at 131 for 3, still needing 59 runs with seven wickets in hand. Bumrah, after a fiery five-over spell, might be taking a breather, but the battle for supremacy remains fiercely contested.
Will Ravindra Jadeja magic spell inspire India to victory, or will Bairstow’s absence prove a mere bump in England’s path to the target? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: this Test match has just taken a thrilling turn, thanks to Jadeja’s masterpiece of spin and deception.
Editors pick
