IND vs SA, 3rd Test, Day 2: Jadeja-Yadav Heroics Help India Declare At 497/9 In 1st Innings

A fiery knock from Umesh Yadav (31 runs off 10 balls), consisting of five humongous sixes, fast tracked India towards a big total

A gritty half-century from all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja and Umesh Yadav's fiery knock helped team India declare their first innings at 497/9 on Day 2 of the third Test at Ranchi. A fiery knock from Umesh Yadav (31 runs off 10 balls), consisting of five humongous sixes, fast tracked India towards a big total. Yadav attained a strike rate (SR) of 310.00 - the highest SR in a 10+ ball innings in Test history. Post Lunch, the crowd erupted in joy as Rohit Sharma (212-runs off 255 balls) smashed a massive six to reach his maiden double ton in Test cricket. The 32-year-old also achieved the unique feat of becoming the first Indian batsman to complete double-century with a six in Test history. However, paceman Kagiso Rabada provided the big breakthrough for Proteas by getting Rohit caught out after a remarkable knock. This is the first time ever that India have had 3 double-centurions in a Test series - Mayank Agarwal (215), Virat Kohli (254*), Rohit Sharma (212). After Rohit's departure, in came 'underdog' Wriddhiman Saha at the crease. Skipper Faf introduced pace into the bowling attack to make another breakthrough and put team India in a spot of bother. With 100 overs gone into the Indian innings, Jadeja and Saha added some crucial runs to keep the scoreboard ticking and help India reach 400/5.

Innings Break!

That's it from the India innings as the Captain calls for a declaration.#TeamIndia 497/9d pic.twitter.com/Zva8hFaQaM — BCCI (@BCCI) October 20, 2019

George Linde, who had earlier put an end to Rahane's masterclass innings, bowled a superb delivery to get Saha clean bowled through bat and pad for just 24-runs off 42 balls. Jadeja played some aggressive shots and finally notched up a fifty. However, just after the much-popular sword celebration, Linde dismissed the all-rounder for 51 off 119 to get his third wicket. Paceman Umesh Yadav, next to the crease after Jadeja's departure, smashed Linde for back-to-back sixes that got the Ranchi crowd up on their feet. Veteran R Ashwin (14), batting on the other end, was stumped out by Klaasen off D Piedt's delivery. Mohammed Shami took over the Proteas bowlers after Umesh Yadav's dismissal and smashed a six. Some power hitting from the Indian tail-enders powered India to a dominating position and seeing the right opportunity skipper Kohli call his players in at 497/9 on board.