IND vs ENG 4th Test: The Indian bowlers had a hard time on Day 3 of the ongoing Test match as they leaked 500 runs for the first time during an overseas match. Joe Root smashed his 38th Test century, whereas Ollie Pope and Ben Stokes scored half-centuries apiece as the visitors struggled to take wickets.
The last time the Men in Blue conceded 500 runs was way back in 2015 against Australia, when the hosts scored 572 runs. But the match ended in a tie. The Ben Stokes-led side started the day at 225 runs, where Ollie Pope and Joe Root were out there in the middle, and they helped the side reduce the deficit quickly. More than 100 runs came during the first session, and not a single wicket fell. Both the batters smashed half-centuries each and left the Indian bowlers clueless post lunch.
But then Washington Sundar struck twice and dismissed batters like Brook and Ollie Pope. KL Rahul took a single catch of Pope, whereas Sundar beat Brook in flight.
Ben Stokes was the new batter who came in, and the England skipper assisted Root perfectly and stitched a partnership of more than 100 runs during the second session as well. Root then brought up his hundred and surpassed Ricky Ponting to become the second-highest run-scorer in this format and helped the host extend their lead. The Shubman Gill-led side received double blows as both star pacers Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj sustained niggles.
During the third session, Ben Stokes went all guns blazing. But he had to retire hurt due to cramps. This was a huge relief for the visitors as they were able to bounce back in the match by missing Root and Jamie Smith.