ON TOP India vs England Highlights, 5th Test Day 3: Pujara hits fifty, Pant in control; IND lead by 257 runs at stumps

IND vs ENG 5th Test Highlights, Day 3: CheteshwarPujara hit a resilient half-century as he combined with Rishabh Pant to help India reach 125/3 at stumps on the third day of the rescheduled fifth Test at Edgbaston. India's lead by 257 runs with Pujara's (50 not out) and (Pant unbeaten 30) in the middle. Shubman Gill earlier perished for 4 against James Anderson before Stuart Broad nabbed Hanuma Vihari (11). Virat Kohli (20) was also undone by England skipper Ben Stokes as India lost their third wicket. Earlier, Jonny Bairstow scored a brisk hundred to lead England's fightback, while India managed to gain a healthy first-innings lead. Bairstow, 91 not out when rain forced an early lunch on the third day, went to three figures when a push off medium pacer ShardulThakur was left the ball on the cover rope. His exit left England 227-6, and they were eventually dismissed for 284 in reply to India's first-innings 416, a deficit of 132 runs. On the second day, England slumped to 84 for five in 27 overs after a dominating three-wicket haul by Jasprit Bumrah. Siraj took the wicket of Joe Root (31) and MohammedShami sent Jack Leach (0) back to the pavilion. Initially, centuries by Pant and RavindraJadeja helped India post an imposing total of 416 runs.

India's 2020-21 tour of Australia was historic and iconic in many ways, but none more than giving the pair of Cheteshwar Pujara and Rishabh Pant to the world. Cheteshwar Pujara, a traditional Test-match batter with solid technique, who likes to bat the time, wear the opposition bowlers down, be patient and disciplined at the crease was the perfect yin to Rishabh Pant's yang, whose main aim is to demoralize the bowling attack, take them on from the outset by playing some extravagant shots.

Not once but twice this partnership pulled India out of trouble during the series victory against Australia, whether in Sydney with the 148-run partnership or the 61-run stand at Gabba stadium in the final Test. With Pujara's dipping form, the fans didn't know if they will get to see this partnership again as he was dropped from the Test squad in March for the Sri Lanka series.

But a terrific County season meant Cheteshwar Pujara returned to the Test side and played as an opener in the rescheduled Test against England. He fell early in the first innings but, made it count in the second with an unbeaten half-century. After Virat Kohli's dismissal, Pant joined Pujara in the middle again, and the yin and yang were at it again for the visitors.

Pujara was at his usual best, grinding the score and not missing out on scoring opportunities, while Pant curbed his aggressive instincts and batted steadily to see India through to the close of play. He did not go after Joe Root's tempting deliveries.

England struck early in India's second innings, as James Anderson removed ShubnamGill (4) in the very first over.

CheteshwarPujara and HanumaVihari stitched a 39-run stand for the second wicket before the Hyderabad lad fell to Stuart Broad for 11.