Rohit Sharma’s Bold Declaration Marks Historic First in ‘Bazball Era’ Against England in Rajkot Test

Yashasvi Jaiswal showcased his prowess with an unbeaten double century, propelling India to its most significant victory margin ever on Sunday. The third Test against England in Rajkot ended in a resounding triumph for India, as they vanquished England by a staggering 434 runs, securing a 2-1 lead in the series. This match also marked a historic moment as Rohit Sharma became the first captain, and India the inaugural team in the ‘Bazball era’, to declare their innings against England. The term “Bazball era” denotes the period that commenced following Brendon McCullum’s appointment as England’s Test team coach in May 2022.

At the point of declaration, India stood strong at 430 for 4, boasting a formidable lead of 556 runs, prompting Rohit Sharma to signal the end of their innings and challenge England to bat.

In pursuit of a daunting 557-run target for victory, England’s batting lineup crumbled dramatically, losing eight wickets in the final session and ultimately succumbing to a mere 122 runs on day four in Rajkot.

Ravindra Jadeja claimed the final wicket of Mark Wood, securing his fifth scalp of the innings and sealing India’s monumental triumph. His gesture of kissing the pitch symbolized the team’s jubilation as they celebrated their most significant victory in terms of runs.

This defeat marked England’s second-largest Test loss since their 562-run drubbing by Australia in 1934. England’s innings began on a shaky note, losing both openers, including first-innings centurion Ben Duckett, who was run out for just four runs before Tea. Jadeja then proceeded to dismantle England’s middle order with his crafty left-arm spin.

Jadeja’s stellar all-round performance earned him the well-deserved title of Player of the Match, with seven wickets to his name and a crucial knock of 112 runs in the first innings.

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The young prodigy Yashasvi Jaiswal continued to dominate the series with the bat, amassing a total of 545 runs, including a match-winning 209 in the second Test.

India’s victory was primarily orchestrated by their bowlers, who laid the groundwork by restricting England to a modest 319 in the first innings, despite the absence of star spinner Ravichandran Ashwin. Ashwin, who had to depart the Test midway on day two due to a family emergency, returned to the field and etched his name in history by claiming his 500th Test wicket. His tally reached 501 wickets, making him only the ninth bowler in Test history and the second Indian after Anil Kumble (619) to achieve this milestone.

Rohit Sharma’s sublime 131, coupled with his remarkable 204-run partnership with the left-handed Jadeja, propelled India to a commanding total of 445 in the first innings after opting to bat first. This formidable performance set the stage for India’s emphatic victory, etching their name in the annals of cricket history.