England vs India 5th Test, Day 3 - Lunch Report: Hanuma Vihari, Ravindra Jadeja Resilience Frustrate Hosts
Published - 09 Sep 2018, 07:52 PM | Updated - 22 Aug 2024, 11:55 PM
Team India debutant from Andhra Pradesh Hanuma Vihari staged an incredible effort in the morning session of day three of the fifth and final Test against England at The Oval in London. Meanwhile, Vihari partnered Ravindra Jadeja, who has been a mere passenger in this ongoing gruelling series to revive India’s innings.
Starting off at 174 for six on day three, the duo defied some quality English bowling. James Anderson and Stuart Broad bowled in tandem in the morning session but failed to draw any blood.
Vihari and Jadeja were solid in their approach, leaving and defending well. Soon, the pair took the attack to the opposition as the boundaries started coming by. A flurry of boundaries- two for Vihari off Broad and two for Jadeja off Anderson eventually help India to go past the 200-run mark.
Furthermore, they extended their partnership past 50 to lead India’s spirited fightback.
Vihari, who was coming from the back of an outstanding record in the domestic cricket, struggled initially to score. He was beaten for pace and swing on multiple times. Moreover, many questioned his selection over Karun Nair, who has been with the side for long.
But Hanuma Vihari has silenced his detractors in style, coming up with a fighting half-century in his maiden Test innings.
However, just after reaching his fifty, he edged one of Moeen Ali to give a simple catch to Jonny Bairstow. India lost their first wicket of the morning session as Jadeja looked determined to hold up his all-rounder tag.
Meanwhile, other day, England seamers rattled Indian batting after their tail propelled them to 332 in the first essay.
Jos Buttler played a significant knock of 89 runs to take them over the 300-run mark. The host bowlers continued their excellent form to skittle the Indian batting order as the visitors finished at 174 for six at the end of day two.
Team India still trails by 92 runs as they went for lunch at 240 runs for the loss of seven wickets at The Oval in London. After the departure of Hanuma Vihara, Ravindra Jadeja would be aiming to consolidate the innings.
