Can KL Rahul Propel India to Victory as Lead Expands to 96 Runs After Bumrah's Stellar Performance?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- KL Rahul displayed exceptional form with a score of 47 not out.
- Jasprit Bumrah achieved a remarkable 5-83, showcasing his bowling prowess.
- India leads by 96 runs, setting the stage for an intense finish.
- Strategic batting from both Rahul and Gill has kept England at bay.
- Weather interruptions have added to the drama of the match.
Leeds, June 22 (NationPress) KL Rahul displayed remarkable finesse once again with his cover drives, remaining not out on 47 as India’s lead increased to 96 runs against England, concluding day three of the inaugural Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy Test at Headingley with a score of 90/2 in 23.5 overs.
Initially, India secured a narrow six-run lead after bowling out England for 465 runs, with the fast-bowling ace Jasprit Bumrah achieving exceptional figures of 5-83 – marking his 14th five-wicket haul in Test matches – across 24.4 overs. Bumrah's latest spell has now tied him with the legendary Kapil Dev for the most five-wicket hauls by an Indian bowler in away Tests (12), ensuring the match will culminate in a thrilling second innings showdown.
Rahul commenced India’s second innings with great caution, yet soon unleashed seven boundaries, four of which were stunning cover drives, finishing the day unbeaten on 47. With captain Shubman Gill also not out on six, India seeks to accumulate more runs on day four after rain curtailed the day’s play.
England's Brydon Carse struck early, producing a delivery that bounced and moved away, compelling Yashasvi Jaiswal to edge the ball behind to Jamie Smith. Meanwhile, Sudharsan found success with two early boundaries, while Rahul showcased class with his on-drive and cover drives off Carse, along with square driving Josh Tongue and pulling Shoaib Bashir.
Sudharsan’s strategy of playing late with soft hands earned him two additional boundaries; however, he was dropped by Ben Duckett at gully. Just three overs before stumps, Sudharsan clipped an inswinger from Ben Stokes to midwicket, where the England captain took the catch, dismissing him for the second time in this match. Rahul and Gill ensured no further wickets fell before the players left the field, with the match poised on a razor’s edge as it heads into the final two days.
Brief Scores: India 471 and 90/2 in 23.5 overs (KL Rahul 47 not out, B Sai Sudharsan 30; Ben Stokes 1-18, Brydon Carse 1-27) lead England 465 in 100.4 overs (Ollie Pope 106, Harry Brook 99; Jasprit Bumrah 5-83, Prasidh Krishna 3-128) by 96 runs.