Indian batters produced amazing performances, powering India to dominate Day 1 and finish on 326/5 at Stumps. It was a treat to the home crowd as Rohit Sharma and Ravindra Jadeja scored brilliant centuries while debutant Sarfaraz Khan stuck a brisk and quick fifty. Jadeja (110*) and night-watchman Kuldeep Yadav (1*) remained unbeaten, and India still has more than enough wickets to target 450 runs on Day 2. Mark Wood starred with a three-wicket haul for England.

After deciding to bat first, India had a very bad start as Wood struck early to give the hosts a double blow. In the 4th over, the right-arm pacer dismissed Yashasvi Jaiswal with Joe Root taking a fine catch at slip. And in his next, Wood removed Shubman Gill for a duck. Shortly, Tom Hartley got the better of Rajat Patidar and India reeled 33/3 in 8.5 overs. Three quick wickets built immense pressure on the hosts.

However, India’s skipper Rohit alongside Jadeja played an excellent knock when India was in dire need of a partnership. The duo 204 runs to stage India’s strong comeback. Rohit went on to hit his 11th Test century in style, ending his streak of low scores. Searching for a wicket, Ben Stokes brought Wood into the attack and it worked well as Wood brought an end to Rohit’s fluent knock of 131 with a well-directed bouncer.  

Then came Sarfaraz who made an eye-catching debut. Sarfaraz batted aggressively and raked up boundaries for fun. The right-handed batter scored his maiden Test fifty in just 48 balls. However, Sarfaraz departed for 62 after a mix-up in the middle. Jadeja batted well to bring up his 4th Test century at his home ground.