England vs India 2018, 3rd Test, Day 3, Lunch - Virat, Pujara Help India Build Lead

After dominating the first two days of the Trent Bridge Test, India bagged the first session on day three against England. Both stalwart players, Cheteshwar Pujara and Virat Kohli ensure no early hiccups for India.

However, the frontline seamers, James Anderson and Chris Woakes bowled their heart out, but they only managed to draw ”Oohs and Aahs” from the slips fielders. The experienced Anderson found the edge of Pujara, but the butterfingers of Buttler saw it getting dropped.

Virat Kohli, Pujara complete individual fifties

The day started with a fine maiden over by James Anderson while the scoring for India began with a classic trademark flick shot by Virat Kohli. Cheteshwar Pujara trusted his defence more than scoring while Kohli pushed scoreboard from one end.

The duo went on to pierce the gaps to trouble the scorecard writers often than not. The Englishmen were often sighted chasing the leather that flourished from Virat Kohli and Cheteshwar Pujara’s willow.

During the course, England also lost their review when they went after the LBW decision against the India captain when the umpire turned down one. Though it looked close, a tiny edge on Virat Kohli’s willow saved him.

The lead stretched to 362:

Meanwhile, the glorious fifties from the experienced duo saw India cross the lead over 350. The gritty Cheteshwar Pujara looked rock solid while Virat Kohli was delightful with his handsome strokes all over the park.

All in all, the first session on day three went in India’s way. Probably, this is the worst session for England as far as the wickets column is concerned.

At the end of the first session, both Virat Kohli and Pujara were unbeaten with 54* and 56*, respectively. They added an unbeaten 83-run partnership so far.

Brief Scores:

Ist Innings: 

India – 329-all-out.

England – 161-all-out.

2nd Innings:

India – 194/2  (Cheteshwar Pujara – 56*, Virat Kohli – 54* )