On the third day of the second Test between England and India in Visakhapatnam, Kevin Pietersen criticized Ravichandran Ashwin’s batting approach as India solidified their position in the second innings. Despite India losing wickets towards the end, Ashwin opted for a defensive style and was eventually dismissed for 29 off 61 deliveries by Rehan Ahmed. Pietersen expressed disappointment in Ashwin’s batting strategy.
Meanwhile, Shubman Gill’s century set a challenging record victory target of 399 for England on day three. As England, leading the series 1-0, finished at 67-1 by stumps, opener Ben Duckett fell for 28. Duckett, in a partnership with Zak Crawley, contributed to an attacking 50-run stand before being dismissed by Ravichandran Ashwin, who claimed his 497th Test wicket.
Kevin Pietersen said: “Day 3 belonged to India. They did waste their opportunities though. I don’t know what Ashwin was doing with the tail. They were 211 for four before being bowled out for 255. So they wasted the opportunity of drilling England. If they could have gone over 400 or 450, it would have been 100 per cent a result for India.”
Heading into day four, England, with Crawley and nightwatchman Rehan Ahmed at the crease, required another 332 for victory. The target of 399 poses a formidable challenge, with the highest successful fourth-innings chase against India being England’s 378 at Edgbaston in 2022.
Spinners Tom Hartley and Rehan Ahmed played a crucial role in bowling out India for 255 after Shubman Gill’s century. The day was marked by exceptional bowling and fielding performances, setting the stage for a decisive fourth day in the Test match.
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