By: Tarish Bhatt
The Indian batsmen have given a fitting reply to England’s first innings total in Rajkot. When the stumps were called on Day 3, the Indian team was comfortably placed at 319/4, trailing by 218 runs.
Cheteshwar Pujara and Murali Vijay scored centuries for India on the third day. Pujara, in particular, played positively. He made a flowing 124 before being dismissed by allrounder Ben Stokes in the final session.
Vijay and Pujara stitched a 209-run partnership for the second wicket. They kept the English team at bay throughout the day, and ensured that India reach a commanding position.
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Earlier, India lost opener Gautam Gambhir in the first session. Gambhir failed to capitalise on the start and was trapped right in front by pacer Stuart Broad. But, that was the only success England got for a long time.
Pujara (124) was dismissed later by Stokes. India then lost two quicks wickets in Vijay (126) and nightwatchman Amit Mishra (0). Kohli (26 not out) remained unbeaten on the third day.
