- Yashasvi Jaiswal scores unbeaten 214.
- He equalled sixes tally with that of Wasim Akram’s.
- England faces mammoth chase of 557.
Yashasvi Jaiswal, the Indian opener, equaled the record for the most sixes in a Test innings, scoring another double century against England at the young age of 22.
Jaiswal’s outstanding unbeaten score of 214 pushed the hosts to 430-4 in their second innings, presenting England with a formidable target of 557 runs to win the third Test in Rajkot.
His 12 sixes tied the world record for the most sixes in a Test match innings, a record previously set by Wasim Akram for Pakistan against Zimbabwe in 1996.
Sir Alastair Cook, the former England captain who now works as a pundit for TNT Sports, admitted that Jaiswal hit more sixes in his innings than Cook managed in his entire Test career (11), expressing his embarrassment at the stark comparison.
In only his seventh Test match, the young batsman has had an impressive start to his career in India, amassing a total of 861 Test runs, with 545 of them coming in this series alone.
The good news for India continues with spinner Ravi Ashwin set to rejoin the team for the hosts against England on the penultimate day of the third Test in Rajkot.
Ashwin’s withdrawal from the Test on Friday evening, due to a family medical emergency, left India with only 10 players as he could not be replaced with bat or ball, only in the field.
However, the esteemed spinner will restore India to full strength at some point on Sunday afternoon and will be immediately available as they aim to take a 2-1 lead in the five-match series.
A statement from Jay Shah, secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India, said: “Both R Ashwin and the team management are pleased to confirm that he will be back in action on day four.
“The team management, players, media and fans have shown immense understanding and empathy, acknowledging the importance of family as a priority.
“The team and its supporters have stood united in support of Ashwin during this challenging period, and the management is delighted to welcome him back to the field.
“Ashwin and his family kindly request privacy as they navigate through these challenging times.”
After recently celebrating his 500th Test wicket, Ashwin’s departure to be with his mother in Chennai was confirmed by BCCI Vice-President Rajiv Shukla on X.
