Good morning and a warm welcome to the 14th edition of The Cricket Diaries: Team India Edition.

Let's dive into the riveting updates from the ongoing IND vs ENG 3rd Test at Rajkot.

1. India's Dominance on Day 1:

The 3rd Test match between India and England kicked off today in Rajkot, and it was a day of twists and turns. Winning the toss, India opted to bat first. While openers provided a steady start, a flurry of wickets saw India at 33-3. However, local hero Ravindra Jadeja and Rohit Sharma steadied the ship with a remarkable 204-run partnership. During this inning, Rohit Sharma not only contributed with a century but also surpassed MS Dhoni's record to become India's leading six-hitter as captain. Rohit surpassed Dhoni’s tally of 211 sixes as an Indian captain.

2. Debutant's Dazzling Performance:

Following Rohit's departure, debutant Sarfaraz Khan showcased his mettle with an impressive 62 runs, forming a quick 77-run partnership with Jadeja. Sarfaraz's innings featured the joint-second fastest fifty by an Indian on debut (TOI). However, a mix-up in running between the wickets led to his dismissal.

3. Jadeja's Milestones and Team's Strong Position:

Ravindra Jadeja continued his stellar form, securing his 4th Test century and 2nd against England. This century also propelled him into the elite list of Indian players with a double of 3000 runs and 200 wickets in Test Cricket, joining the ranks of Kapil Dev and Ravichandran Ashwin. At the end of Day 1, India stands strong at 326-5, with an eye on breaching the 500-run mark on Day 2. The hosts aim to continue their dominance, while England will strive to wrap up the Indian innings swiftly.

An exhilarating Day 2 awaits, promising more thrills and drama in this Test match.

Thank you for being an integral part of The Cricket Diaries.

Best Regards,

Ashutosh Nayak,

Newsletter Editor,

The Cricket Diaries: Team India Edition