Picture Credit: Twitter
The third Test between India and England was poised very interestingly ahead of start of play on Day 4. The visitors had scripted a heroic comeback into the match on the back of some brilliant batting display by the top order. Rohit Sharma scored a gritty half-century before losing his wicket. However, Pujara and Kohli showed some great application to take India to a commanding position at stumps.
As play resumed on Saturday, England had the new ball in their hands and all eyes were on the Indian batsmen if they can survive the all-important first hour at Headingley. This was going to be the decisive phase in this match and unfortunately, India succumbed to the pressure once again. All the good work from yesterday was undone as the visitors lost flurry of wickets in quick succession.
From 215/2 to 239/6 - Another middle-order collapse
It was a horror show from the Indian middle-order on Day 4 at Headingley. It all started with Cheteshwar Pujara getting dismissed by Ollie Robinson early in the first session. Although Kohli and Rahane stuck around for some time, they had no answers to some fantastic bowling by England pacers as both of them were dismissed in successive overs. Rishabh Pant's disappointing run in the series also continued with India's scoreboard changing from 215/2 to 239/6 in no time.
The netizens were clearly disappointed with India's dismal batting collapse which has become a regularity in overseas conditions. The middle-order, which has been India's strength over the years, has been struggling in the series and the same problem came to light once again on Saturday.
Here is how Twitter reacted to India's collapse:
India lose match by innings and 76 runs
It was once again down to Ravindra Jadeja to bat with the tail and the match was already done and dusted. Although Jadeja did play a quick-fire knock of 30 runs, he got no support from the other end as England cleaned up India's tail and eventually bowled them out on 278, winning the match by an innings and 76 runs. Interestingly, India lost their last 7 wickets inside 54 minutes which speaks volumes about how things unfolded on Day 4.
