NEW DELHI: England batter Jonny Bairstow faced another formidable challenge from an Indian spinner on Day 3 of the first Test between India and England in Hyderabad on Saturday. Ravindra Jadeja delivered a brilliant ball that completely deceived Bairstow, leading to the shattering of his stumps.
Bairstow, thinking the ball would turn away, opted to leave it, only to see it come in and dismantle his stumps.The expression on Bairstow’s face told the story of how he fell into Jadeja’s strategic plot.
Bairstow, who scored 10 off 24 balls, struggled to read Jadeja’s delivery, marking his second innings in a row being outsmarted by an Indian spinner. In the first innings, it was Axar Patel who outfoxed Bairstow with an unplayable delivery.

Despite Bairstow’s setback, Ollie Pope‘s defiant century provided a significant boost for England. Pope’s resilient knock helped England recover and take a lead of 126 runs after their first innings batting struggles against India’s persistent attack.
At stumps on Day 3, England’s second innings reached 316/6, with Pope unbeaten at 148 and Rehan Ahmed at the crease.
Pope’s century, his fifth in Test cricket and the first against India, anchored a crucial 112-run partnership with wicketkeeper Ben Foakes (34). England had faced challenges in the first innings, with India posting a total of 436 and securing a lead of 190.
Pope’s innings, featuring 17 boundaries, showcased his ability to handle India’s forceful spin attack. He played back-and-forth sweeps effectively, neutralizing the spinning threat.
India’s bowling coach Paras Mhambrey acknowledged that the pitch still offered something for the bowlers but emphasized the team’s aim to get England out quickly.
The match remains finely poised as England aims to build on their lead, while India looks to make further inroads into the English batting lineup on the upcoming days.

(With inputs from agencies)