New Delhi: A heroic fifty from Test specialist Cheteshwar Pujara and his solid 82-run stand with Rohit Sharma helped India reach 215 for loss of two wickets at Stumps on Day 3 of India vs England 3rd Test at Headingley, Leeds. After India lost the wicket of in-form KL Rahul just before lunch, Rohit Sharma steadied India's sinking ship with a gritty fifty in the middle session.
After display of some flawless batting, Rohit perished in the second over after Tea break and then skipper Kohli came in, batted with a positive approach to build another strong stand with Pujara. India's middle order has done some great work before Day 3's play was called off early due to bad light but hosts England are still in command with last two days left in the Test.
Earlier in the day, India bowled out England for 432 after they sealed a 354-run lead.
At Stumps, Virat Kohli and Cheteshwar Pujara remained unbeaten on 45 and 91 runs, respectively. Rohit Sharma also batted brilliantly and played an important innings of 59 runs. For England, Craig Overton and Ollie Robinson bagged one wicket each.
India's first wicket fell for 34 runs, then Pujara and Rohit ensured their team did not lose another wicket in the second session. Rohit Sharma faced 156 balls and scored 59 runs. During his hard-fought knock, the fiery opener hammered 7 fours and a six and added83 runs in 173 balls for the second wicket with Pujara before falling to Overton.
After Rohit's departure, Pujara and Kohli scored an unbeaten partnership of 99 runs to keep India alive in the contest. The fans will expect similar batting from the duo on the fourth day as well. India are 1-0 ahead in the 5-match series.